A/40/PV.116 General Assembly

Friday, Dec. 13, 1985 — Session 40, Meeting 116 — New York — UN Document ↗

90.  , 92, 101 TO 108 AND 144, AND 12 ~RLD &OC!AL SITUATION: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/963) UNITED NATIONS DECADE FOR WOMEN: EQUALITY, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE (a) REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/1008) (b) REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/40/103~) ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE: 1imPORT (\F TIm THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/968) HUMAN RIGHTS AND SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/969) QUESTION OF A CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/971) INTERNATIONAL CONVENANTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/983) OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGt:ES: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMI'I'l'EE (A/40/934) INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST TRAFFIC IN DRUGS (a) REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/984) (b) REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/40/1040) ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES AND WAYS AND MEANS WITHIN THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/970) NEW INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ORDER: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/1006) TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/982) REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (a) REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/40/1007) (b) REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/40/103S) Mr. Kabore (Burkina FaSO)p Rapporteur of the Third Committee, presanted the reports of that Committee (A/40/963, A/40/l008, A/40/968, A/40/969., A/40/97l, A/40/983, A/40/934, A/40/484, A/40/970, A/40/l006, A/40/982 and A/40/l007 and then spoke as follows: Mr. KABORE (Burkina Faso) Rapporteur of the Third Committee (interpretation from French): I would first ask members of the General Assembly kindly to take note of some slight corrections that should be made in the documents before them, so that they may take a decision in full knowledge of the facts. To begin with, in document A/40/963, in paragraph 3 of draft resolution 11 the word "and" should be replaced by the word "at" after the words "General Assembly". Another slight change occurs in document A/40/1008. On page 10 of the English text, the full title of the Declaration should be given in paragraph 4. Those changes are purely a matter of form and not substantive. In document A/40/970, at the end of the draft decision, the following phrase should be added: "inclUding the amendment by Pakistan contained in document A/C.3/40/L.60 R • As members will remember, Pakistan insisted in two statements that its amendment should be add~~ to our decision, which is to the effect that the question of the right to development should be considered at the next session of the General Assembly. There is another small correction. The documents have been received somewhat late, and on rereading them we realized that some oistakes had been made which needed to be corrected so that a decision could be taken in light of the facts. In docullient A/40/l007, page 63 of the English text, in the last line of the seventh preambular paragraph of draft resolution XX, which begins "Emphasizing that all totalitarian or other ideologies and practices", between the words "fundamental freedoms" and the words "human rights", the word "and" should be replaced by a CODllla, and after the words "fundamental freedoms" the words "and social progress in the world" should be added. In the same draft resolution, the order of the 18th and 19th preambular paragraphs - beginning with th~ words ·Mindful that the fortieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War •••• and ·Reaffirming that ideologies and practices described above .0." - should be reversed. Third Co!!!!!!!ttee) I shall now present the repor~ of the Comllittee. On Monday, 9 DeceDlber 1985, the Third CCllllittee coapleted its consideration of the iteDlS allocated to it by the General Assembly on 20 september. we therefore believe that the Committee has accomplished the enormous task entrusted to it in the allotted time and, na" that it is finished, I have the privilege and honour of submitting to the General Asse1l01y for consideration the conclusions of the COJlllittee in the 12 latest reports now before raellbers. Those conclusions relate to agenda items 90, 92, 101 to 108, 144 and 12. Melllbers of the General Assembly will see that the draft resolutions under agenda itellS 92, 101, 103, 105, 106, 108 and 144 were adopted without a vote in the Third Committee. It would be desirable, therefore, for the Assembly to proceed in the ~ame way as the Third Camaittee and adopt those draft resolutions without a vote. With regard to the remaining items, I have the following to say. Concerning item 90, 00 the world social situation, I draw the attention of the General Assembly to the fact that the Committee, in paragraph 17 of its report (A/40/963), recommends the adoption of three draft resolutions. Draft resolutions I and 11 were adopted without a vote, but draft resolution Ill, entitled ~orld social situatioo" was the subject of a vote by show of hands, the result of which was 120 votes in favour, 1 against, and 23 abstentions. Turning na" to item 102, coocerning human rights and scientific and technological developments, the Third Committee adopted three draft resolutions on this item, which are to be found in paragrap'b 11 of this report (A/40/969). Draft resolution I was adopted without a vot~ but the two other s were put to recorded votes, with the following results: draft resolution 11, entitled "Human rights and use of scientific and technological developments": 109 votes to 6, with 19 abstentions) draft resolution 111, also entitled "Human rights and use of scientific and technological developments"; 113 votes to none, with 23 abstentions. On agenda item 104, "International Coyenants on Human Rights", the Third Committee adopted three draft resolutions, which are recommended to the Asse8lbly in paragraph 16 of its report (Aj40/983). Draft resolution I was adopted by 119 votes to 1, with 18 abstentions; draft resolutions II and III were not the subject of a vote. I come now to agerida item 107, concerning alternative approaches and ways and means within the United Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freecbms. In para.graph 17 of the report (A/40/970), the Third Committee recommends to the Assembly three draft resolutions and a draft decision. Draft resolution 11, entitled "Alternative approaches and ways and means within the united Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms", was the only one on which the Committee voted. The result was as follows: 116 votes to 1, with 21 abstentions. Finally, I should like to draw the Assembly's attention to the report on agenda item 12, "Report of the Ecooomic and Social Council" (A/40/1007). In paragraph 78 of that report the Third Committee recomrPends to the Assembly for decision 21 draft resolutions and two draft decisions. The draft decisions were not put to the vote. Of the 21 draft resolutions, there were votes on six, namely, draft resolutions IX, XI, XII, XIII, XVII and XX. The breakdown of those votes is to be seen in paragraphs 33, 40,42, 45,56 and 72 of the report (A/40/l007). Third Committee) It is no secret that for any cmterprise to succeed nowadays account must be taken of a vital element - namely, the financial implications of the undertaking in question. It is with full awareness of this crucial fact, therefore, that I draw the attention of the Assembly to the following draft resolutions, which have financial implications. They are draft resolution VIII, in paragraph 29 of the Third Cotmaittee's report (A/40/1008) on agenda item 92; draft resolution Ill, in paragraph 15 of its report (A/40/984) on agenda item 106; and draft resolution 11, in paragraph 78 of its report (A/40/1007) on agenda item 12. (Hr. Kabore, Rapporteur, Third CoJllli.ttee) I have briefly presented the laat 12 reports of the Third Committee. I hope the Assembly will not have too much difficulty in adopting the recommendations therein. Before 1° conclude I should like to say a few words concerning the work of the Third Committee. I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude, now that the curtain is coming down on the last scene in the work of the Third Committee. I take this opportunity to express to the Chairman, Mr. Endre Zador, my sincere appreciation of the skill 1 clearsightedness and wisdom he has displayed throughout the storm¥ debates in the Committee. Those qualities are characteristic of him, both at the professional level and in his human relations and they certainly were an earnest of success in our work. The Third Committee could not have failed to accomplish its work during this fortieth anniversary of the United Nations since the qualities of our two Vice-Chairmen were also as outstanding as those of the Chairman. Mr. Mohamed Zawani Abdullah and Mr. Alphonse Hamer were always ready to assist and showed a spirit of co-operation and great tact, thereby making a very valuable contribution to the success of the work of the Third Committee. I take this opportunity to express also my profound gratitude to Mrs. Pilar Downing and he, team, without whose dedication, competence and selflessness I would not have been able to present such full reports to the Assembly. Finally, on behalf of my delegation, I should like to thank the other members of the Third Committee for the confidence they placed in me by electing me to the post of Rapporteur at the beginning of this fortieth session. I hope that I have not disappointed them too much and that the work I had to submit to them, although far from perfect, has won a certain degree of approval. I should like to conclude by expressing, on the eve of the New Year, the hope that all the members of this Assembly and their families will know peace and tranquillity during 1986. I wish all representatives a happy and prosperous New Year. Ms. mUNG (United Kingdom): We are grateful to the Rapporteur for bringing to our attention a number of technical amendments to certain draft resolutiona in the report of the Third COtmIittee. nowever, one amendment. he mentioned, to document A/40/1007, is not clear to my delegation. As I tmderstood his report, the Rapporteur made an addition to the end of the seventh preanbular paragraph of draft resolution XX in that document - that is the first preaubular paragraph on page 63. That amendment was not included in the oral amendments to the text made by the representative of the German Demcra tic Republic in the Th ird CoIuIittee, of which my delegation took careful note and which are recorded in paragraph 70 of document A/40/l007. We should be grateful if we could ask, through you, Mr. President, for clarification from t.he Rapporteur of the provenance of that addition to the draft resolution. The PRtssIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): I would ask the Rapporteur of the Third Committee to submit in writing the comments he made so that I can read thera out before a decision is taken. In the meantime we shall proceed to take decisions 00 the draft resolutions to which there are no amendments. I understand that the amendments made by the Rapporteur relate to one of the later items before the Asselllbly today so there will be ample time for the Rapporteur to clarify the matter, as requested by the representative of the United Kingdom. L In the meantime", if there is no abjectio." we shall continue cur prcgramme of work for this afternoon. If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the 12 reports of the Third CORIDittee. It was so decided.

The President [Spanish] #7605
Statellents will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the various reoolllDendations of the Third Comlllittee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflecte~ in the relevant official records. I remind members that, in paragraph 7 of its decision 34/401, the General Assembly decided that ~en the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, that is, either in the CO!lllllittee or in plenary meeting unless that delegation's vote in the plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee. I also remind members that, in accordance with decision 34/401, explanations of votes are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. The Assembly will consider first the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 90, ·World sceial situation", in document A/40/963. I invite members to turn their attention to the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. Draft resolution I, "Improvement of the role of the United Nations in the field of social development·, was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution I was ad~pted (resolution 40/98).
Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 119   ✗ 1   18 abs.
Show country votes
✓ Yes (125)
Vote: A/RES/40/100 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (127)
Vote: A/RES/40/111 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (127)
Vote: A/RES/40/112 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (131)
Vote: A/RES/40/114 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (134)
Vote: A/RES/40/124 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (130)
Vote: A/RES/40/137 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (80)
Vote: A/RES/40/139 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✗ No (2)
✓ Yes (100)
Vote: A/RES/40/140 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (91)
Vote: A/RES/40/141 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
Vote: A/RES/40/145 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (88)
Vote: A/RES/40/148 Recorded Vote
Show country votes
✓ Yes (121)
The President [Spanish] #7606
Draft resolution 11, ·Popular participation in its various forms as an important factor in development and in the full realization of all human rights", was also adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolutl.,~ rr was adopted (resolution 40/99). The.PRESIDE?~ (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution III deals with the "World social situation". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Christopher an9 Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, (The President) Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, SW8ziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, TogO, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, zaire, Zarnbi~w zimbabwe Against: United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Grenada, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malawi, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Draft resolution III was adopted by 127 votes to 1, with 24 abstentions (resolution 40/100).
The President [Spanish] #7607
We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 90. We shall now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 92, "United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace 3 , document A/40/l008. Since there are no speakers wishing to make statements in explanation of vote before the voting, the Assembly will now take decisions on the eight draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 29 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled "The role of women in society". Th~ Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I consider that that is also the wish of the General Assembly? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 40/101).
The President [Spanish] #7608
Draft resolution 11 is entitled "Participation of women in promoting international peace and co-operation". The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 40/102).
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 127   ✗ 1   24 abs.
Show country votes
✓ Yes (125)
The President [Spanish] #7609
Draft resolution III is entitled ·Prevention of prostitution·. it was adopted without a vote in the Committee. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 40/103).
The President [Spanish] #7610
Draft resolution IV bears the title wUnited Nations Development Fund for Women". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 40/104).
The President [Spanish] #7611
Draft resolution V deals with the "Incorporation of the interests of women in the work programmes of the regional commissions". The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 40/105).
The President [Spanish] #7612
Draft resolution VI concerns "National experience relating to the improvement of the situation of women in rural areas". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 40/106).
The President [Spanish] #7613
Draft resolution VII is entitled "Expression of appreciation to the Government and people of Kenya on the occasion of the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace". Toe Third COmmittee adopted that draft resolution unanimously. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt that draft resolution? Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 40/107).
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7614
Finally, we come to draft resolution VIII, Blmplementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of WomenB• The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme bUdget implications of that draft resolution is contained in document A/40/l036. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution as a whole without a vote. May I take it that the General. Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 40/108).
The President [Spanish] #7615
I shall now call upon the representative of Italy, who wishes to make a statement in explanation of vote after the voting. (The President) Mrs. L<J.K>NACO (Italy): My delegation was very pleased to join tbe consensus on draft resolution VIII entitled -Implementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women". This draft r~solution emphasizes the results of all the efforts made by Governments during the United Nations Decade for women and, in particular, reaffirms the importance of the forward-looking stra~egieB adopted by the Worid Conference. My Government attaches the utmost importance to the attainm0nt of the objective of the Decade, convinced that the full integration of women in all aspects of political, economic and social life at international, regional and national levels is essential for the r~alization of equal rights for women. My delegation would like to put on record that operative paragraph 20 of the draft resolution will be interpreted in accordance with the principles established by Article 101 of the Charter.
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7616
The Assembly will now consider the report of the 1hird Committee on agen~a item 101, entitled "Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance- (A/40/968). There being no explanations of vote, I propose that the Assembly take a decision on the draft resolution contained in paragraph 7 of the report of the Third Committee. The draft resolution was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 40/109).
The President [Spanish] #7617
We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 101. Next we turn to the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 102, entitled -Human rights and scientific and technological developments- (A/40/969). Since there are no explanations of vote, the Assembly will now take a decision on the recommendations of the Third Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. The Assembly will first take a decision on draft resolution I, entitled "Implications of scientific and technological developments for human rights". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 40/110).
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7618
We turn now to draft resolution 11, entitled "Human rights and use of scientific and technological developments". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comeros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, 9,donesia, Iran (Islamic RepUblic of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic RepUblic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Italy, Netherlands, portugal, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America (The President) Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Chile, Denmark, Dominica, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey Draft resolution 11 was ado (resolution 40 Ill). 127 votes to 9 with 16 abstentions
The President [Spanish] #7619
We turn now to draft resolution Ill, entitled -Human rights and scientific and technological developments·. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, njibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, SaUdi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lank~, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, uganda, Ukrainian Soviet SocialiRt Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, YugoslaVia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: None Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Federal RepUblic of, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Draft resolution III was adopted by 131 votes to none, with 22 abstentions (resolution 40/112).
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7620
We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 102. The Assembly will now turn its attention to agenda item 103, entitled -Question of a convention on the rights of the child-. The report of the Third Committee is contained in document A/40/97l. There being no explanations of vote, the Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 40/113).
The President [Spanish] #7621
We have now concluded our consideration of agenda item 103. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 104, entitled WInternational covenants on human rights- (A/40/9B3). There being no explanations of vote, the Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 16 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled "Indivisibility and interdependence of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights·. A separate, recorded vote has been requested for the eighth preambular paragraph of draft resolution I. There being no objection, we shall first vote on that paragraph. A recorded vote has been requested. ~ recorded vo~e wa.2 taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua arad Barbuda, Argent.ina, Australia, Bahama3, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, E,urundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia l Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Honduras, Israel, Italy, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America ~staining: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Grenada, Iceland, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Spain, Sweden, Turkey The eighth preambular paragraph of draft resolution I was adopted by 125 votes to 7, with 20 abstentions•
Vote: 32/99 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7622
A separate, recorded vote has been requested on the tenth preallbular paragraph of draft resolution I. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, BoliVia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet SOcialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liber ia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagar.car, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, a:>mania, Rwanda, saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal r Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: united States of America Abstaining: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Grenada, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The tenth preambular paragraph was adopted by 130 votes to 1, with 23 abstentions. !!!!.. PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): A separate, ~ecorded vote ~as been requested on the ele'1e1l.th preallbular paragraph of draft resolution I. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghaniatan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brb~il, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Como.ros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Dj ibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El salvador, E~uatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, "bngolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, saint tucia, Samoa, sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, SOmalia, Sri Lanka, SUdan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Grenada, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, portugal, Sa int Chr istopher and Nev is, Spa in , Sweden The eleventh preambular paragraph was adopted by 130 votes to 7, with 17 abstentions.
The President #7623
I now put to the vote draft resolution I, as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour; Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Beain, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet SOcialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Dj ibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinr,:a, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic RepUblic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, saint Lucia, Samoa, sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, SUriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian SOviet SOcialist Republic, Union of Soviet SOcialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United RepUblic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against; United States of America Abstaining; Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Grenada, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malawi, Norway, Portugal, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Draft resolution I, as a whole, abstentions (resolution 40 114). 134 votes to 1, with 19
The President #7624
Draft resolution 11 is entitled ·International C0genants on Human Rights·. The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 40/115). ,.,..
Vote: A/40/l036 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7625
Draft resolution III is entitled -Reporting obligations of States parties to United Nations conventions on human rights·. The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assemly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IU was adopted (resolution 40/116) •
The President [Spanish] #7626
I call on the representative of New Zealand, who wishes to explain his vote on draft resolution I. Ms. CLARK (New Zealand): New Zealand voted in favour of draft resolution I entitled ·Indivisibility and interdependence of economic, social, cultural, civil and political eights·, in document A/40/983. we fully accept and agree that equal attention should be given to the implementation, promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights on the one hand and civil and political rights on the other. Neither set of rights should be seen as a pre-condition for the enjoyment of the other set as we consider the two sets to be mutually reinforcing. We interpret the various parts of the resolution, in particular its eighth preaIIbular paragraph, as being consistent with this position. Although we would have preferred the eighth preaIIbular paragraph to have been worded differently so as to be clearly in accordance with the central proposition in operat:ve paragraph 1, we cast an affirmative vote to signify our support for that proposition.
The President [Spanis] #7627
That concludes our consideration of agenda item 10~. we turn next to the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 105, entitled "Office of the United Nations High ColIIDissioner for Refugees· (A/40/934). The Assembly will ta't decisions on the three draft resolutions recom~nded by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled ·Second International Confere!!ce on Asnistance to Refugees in Africa·. It was adopted by the Third Committee ,,",'ithout a "Iote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 40/117).
The President [Spanish] #7628
Draft resolution 11 is entitled -Report of the united Nations High Commissioner for Refugees". It was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 40/118).
The President [Spanish] #7629
Draft resolution III is entitled -Blcpression of appreciation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - • It was adopted by the Th ird Commit tee wi thout a vote. May I take it that the General Assemly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 40/119).
Vote: 40/113 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7630
That concludes our consideration of agenda item 105. The Assembly will now turn to the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 106, entitled: ftInter~ational campaign against traffic in drugs" (A/40/984). The Assembly will take decisions on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 15 of its report. Draft resollltion I, entitled "Preparation of a draft convention against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic sub~;ances", was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 4J/120). The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish}~ I call on the representative of Bolivia on a point of order. Mrs. ASHTON (Bolivia) (interpretation from Spanish}: I wish to draw the Assembly's attention to the fact that in the text of draft resolution 11 there is an error that was not noted when I made the oral amendment. I am speaking of the seventh preambular paragraph of draft resolution 11, entitled ·International campaign agai~st traffic in drugs". In the last line, where it says "including crop substitution·, we should inr,. t the worn "illegal", so that the sentence would then conclude "inclUding illicit substitution of illegal crop's in the affected areas·. I ask that the technical services take note of this correc~ion in all texts.
The President [Spanish] #7631
The relevant technical services will make the necessary corrections. The Committee adopted draft resolution 11, "entitled "International campaign against traffic in drugs·, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 40/12l}. (The President) with the international conference on drugs, 1987. The programme budget implications of that draft resolution are contained in the report of the Fifth Committee (A/40/l040). The Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 40/122).
The President [Spanish] #7632
I call on th~ representati~e of the United States, who wishes to explain his position on the draft resolution adopted under this agenda item. Mr. RISNEA (United States of America): The United States welcomes the actions taken by the General Assembly in adopting the resolutions concerning the issues o~ jr.ug abuse and drug trafficking in document A/40/984. The fact that so many co~r~~ies spoke out against this scourge in the Third Committee attests to the internationalization of the issue. We believe that the resolutions adopted here today c~n and should facilitate action at the national, regional and multilateral levels. Co-ordination and co-operation in all areas are paramount if we are to curb effectively the peril of drug abuse and its attendant criminal activities. My country supported draft resolution 11, and we believe it contains some worthy recommendations that the Commission on Narcotic orugs may wish to ptopose for discussion at the interregional meeting of heads of national drug and law enforcement agencies which will take place in Vienna from 28 July to 4 August 1986. In addition, many of these same recommendations are valid for a new convention against drug trafficking. As we stated in the Third Committee on 14 November, we will look to the Commission on Narcotic orugs to analyse the recommendations made in this resolution as well uS in the other resolutions adopted here. My Government does not believe, however, that draft resolution 11 adequately addresses the need for commitment by national Governments of producing countries to control the illicit production of narcotics-producing crops and to eliminate the illicit production of narcotic crops. Operative paragraphs 4 and 11 request aid in the form of technical assistance and seminars to discuss the illicit production of narcotics and psychotropic substances, as well as rural development and crop substitution. The united states provides assistance on a bilateral basis, as do several other countries. We firmly believe, however, that the development activities must be accompanied by a firm commitment by producing countries to eradicate illicit production and we regret that this element was not included in the resolution. I should like to speak for a moment about drug abuse. Drug abuse and its attendant tragedies are robbing our world of an ever-increasing number of young people, each with his own dreams and potential. This destruction of lives and dreams will continue and increase if our nations do not work together to eliminate both the supply of and the demand for drugs. Over the past several years the United States has seen a declin~ in the use of drugs by young people. Since 1980 the attitudes of young Americans surveyed have illustrated a growing recognition of the dangers of drugs. While we have reason to be pleased at the turn-around in attitudes about drugs and drug abuse, the unacceptably high level of drug availability presents a grave problem. Though the daily use of marijuana by high school students has been cut in half in the last five years, cocaine is more readily available to students than ever before and there is every indication that, because of decreasing prices, the number of student abusers is mounting. We have found that many high school students do not acknowledge the dangers of experimenting with cocaine, although 80 per cent of students surveyed stated that regular use of cocaine is extremely harmful. The continuing myth that cocaine is not a dangerous drug and that casual use is acceptable is still being swallowed by our youth. (Mr. Risner, united States) Drug abuse is not limiteo to the United States; it is a world-wide problem. In Latin America, where cocaine is cultivated and processed, the nations of Colombia, Peru and Bolivia are reporting hundreds of thousands of young addicts. In a recent press report, health professionals from these nations stated that there are an estimated 70,000 drug abusers in Bolivia; in Colombia, approximately 600,000 people under 18 regularly smoke basuco, a coca-paste product; and in Peru, an estimated 156,000 people use cocaine products. In South-East Asia, heroin and opium addiction has enslaved thousands. European nations are also struggling against the drug menace as young people seek to escape life's problems and decision-making by smoking hashish. In the United States, parents' organizations have been established to combat the narcotics probl~~ on the community level and in the home. In 1985, over 8,000 organized parents' groups have met and have taken a leadership role in the fight against drug abuse. They provide up-to-date information about the drugs that young people are using and have created a network for other parents who are concerned about the drug problem. Non-governmental organizations - or NGOs - have also taken a stand against drug abuse and these organizations involve millions of Americans in public activities aimed at preventing drug abuse among young people. We in the United States recognize that the fight against drug abuse is not an easy struggle. It will not go away over night. Our Government is prepared for a long, hard battle to overcome this scourge. Parents' organizations are also prepared and teen-agers themselves are learning to create a world free of drugs and free of pressures to take drugs by forming their own youth organizations to fight it. I am not talking about guns, tanks or airplanes. I am talking about flesh and blood, bone and sinew. I am talking about our children. I am talking about the (Mr. Risner, United States) young people that are destined to walk in our shoes, sit in our chairs and carry out the work we have started. These are our future doctors, lawyers and statesmen - our future leaders. Drug abuse is an enemy of every man, woman and child in the world today. We stand to lose an 9ntire generation of our brightest young people unless we take immediate and forceful action. Although I hav~ participated in three major wars, I consider this conflict to be more important than any of the others, this enemy more unrelenting and brutal. This is a unique war, for there are no boundaries and no politics,.8 battle in which we are all on the same side, w~th the same goal: a drug-free environment in which our sons and daughters can live, grow and realize their full potential. My country enthusiastically joins all Member of the Assembly in accepting this great challenge.
The President [Spanish] #7633
We have concluded our co~sideration of agenda item 106. The Assembly will consider next the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 107, entitled "Alternative approaches and ways and means within the united Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms". That report is contained in document A/40/970. The Assembly will now take decisions on the recommendations of the Third Committee. We shall tak~ up first the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled "National institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights". (Mr. Risner, united States) The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly also wishes to do so? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 40/l23). The PRESIDE~ (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution II deals with alternative approaches and ways and means within the united Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. A recorded vote has been requested on this draft resolution. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Raiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali~ Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda a Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, zimbabwe Against: United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malawi, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Draft resolution II was adopted by 130 votes to 1, with 22 abstentions (resolution 40/124).
I
The President [Spanish] #7634
Draft resolution III concerns the development of pUblic information activities in the field of human rights. The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 40/125).
The President [Spanish] #7635
I now call on the representative of Spain, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote. Mr. ZURITA (Spain) (interpretation from Spanish): In the Third Committee, my delegation voted in favour of draft resolution A/C.3/40/L.40. Since then, however, new events have made us reconsider our position. In fact, in accordance with a decision adopted in the Third Committee without a vote, the General Assembly would consider that the session of the working Group of Governmental Experts on the Right to Development that is scheduled for January 1986 should be postponed until the Commission on Human Rights, at its next session, gives further guidance to the Working Group. My delegation agrees in principle with the general contents of the draft resolution that the General Assembly has just adopted on the basis of document A/C.3/40/L.40. This does not raise any serious problems of substance for us. Nevertheless, we believe that the references in operative paragraphs 16 and 17 to the Working Group and the task entrusted to it by resolution 1985/43 of the Commission on HrJrnan Rights a!e in open contradiction with each other. For that reason, my delegation was obliged to abstain in the vote on draft resolution II in document A/4D/970.
The President [Spanish] #7636
I call on the representative of Argentina to speak on a point of order. Mr. VILLAGRA DELGADO (Arg,.mtina) (interpretation from Spanish) : If I am not mistaken, Mr. President, the Assembly has failed to adopt a draft decision in the report on item 107 (A/40/970).
The President [Spanish] #7637
I was under the impression that the text had been adopted when I called on the representative of Spain for an explanation of vote. If there is no objection, may we adopt the draft decision in paragraph 18 of the report of the Third Committee (A/40/970), since the Third Committee adopted it without a vote? I call on the representative of Pakistan to speak on a point of order. Mrs. MOIZ (Pakistan): I assumed that the Assembly was adopting this paragraph as amended by the Rapporteur when he made certain corrections to the text.
The President [Spanish] #7638
I should like to point out to the representative of Pakistan that we are taking up the ninth item of the Journal, and that the observations made by the Rapporteur referred to ~he twelfth item. Mrs. MOIZ (Pakistan): So far as I understand it, at present we are on agenda item 107, paragraph 18 of the Third Committee's report, where we are to a~opt a draft decision which reads: "The General Assembly, having considered the question of a draft declaration on the right to development ••• " If that is where we are, I understand that certain connections were read out to this dr~ft decision by the Rapporteur when he introduced the report. I understood that we are adopting this paragraph, including those corrections. • 6
The President [Spanish] #7639
That is in fact where we are. I am grateful to the representative of Pakistan for those CODIIents, which will be included in the record and the appropriate corrections will be made. We are about to decide on a draft decision in paragraph 18 of the report of the Third Committee (A/40/970). This draft decision was adopted without a vote in the Third Committee. Does the Assembly wish to do the same? The draft decision was adopted.
The President #7640
I call on the representative of Morocco on a point of order. Mrs. OUARZAZA (Morocco) (interpretation fr-om Spanish): In order to conclude our consideration of this item we shall have to insert in this document (A/40/970) - not now but later - the consensus decision of the Committee. At present that decision is to be found under item 12, in paragraph 76 of the Committee's report (A/40/l007), under the item on the repnrt of the Economic and Social Council but it should be in document A/40/970.
The President [Spanish] #7641
If that is the wish of the representative of Morocco and if t.he Assembly agrees, that action wUl be taken. It was so decided.
The President [Spanish] #7642
That concludes our consideration of agenda item 107. The Assembly will now turn its attention to agenda item 108, entitled RNew international humanitarian orderR• The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 7 of its report (A/40/l006). The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly also wishes to adopt it? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 40/126).
The President [Spanish] #7643
We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 108. The Assembly will now cOnsider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 144, entitled -Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment- (A/40/982). The Assembly will now take decisions on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. Draft resolution I, entitled -United Nations Voluntary Fund for the Victims of Torture-, was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 40/127). The PRBSI~NT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution 11, entitled "Status of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment-, was also adopted in the Third Committee without , a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 40/128).
The President [Spanish] #7644
We have concluded our consideration of agenda item 144. The last item of business for this afternoon is the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and SOcial Council" (A/40/l007) • The Assembly has to take decisions on the 21 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 78 of that report. If the Assembly agrees, we shall first hear explanations of vote on all or any of the draft resolutions in this report, and representatives will also have an opportunity to explain their votes after the voting. It was so decided.
The President [Spanish] #7645
I remind representatives that explanations of votes should be made by representatives from their seats and are limited to 10 minutes. Mr. AIaORNO~ (Ecuador) (interpretation from Spanish): Ecuador believes that scrupulous respect for human rights and their full exercise are fundamental elements of any true democracy. At the same time, they "are a major source of international law in our time. Therefore, as the delegation of Ecuador argued in greater detail in the debates on this subject in the Third Committee, we believe that judging the validity of human rights throughout the world and full respect for them must be universal. Any selectivity, whereby a few countries are criticized for violations of such rights while others are passed over in silence, will only weaken the system. Therefore, Ecuador advocates that the United Nations should consolidate its mechanisms for dealing with human rights, which at present are dispersed, and should present an annual report on the observance of those rights in each Member State. At the same time, we maintain that any country that takes part in the debates (The President) and discussions on human rights in specific countries should also inform the international community abol.3~ f~!le observance of those rights in its own territory. In this regard, Ecuador prides itself on its scrupulous respect for freedom of thought, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, religious freedom, full trade union rights, the right to peaceful assenDly, the right to freedom of movement, the right. to enter and leave national territory, the inviolability of the home and of correspondence, free action of political parties, respect for parliamentary functions and absolute electoral freedom as the basis of our democratic system. Ecuador considers that the presence of foreign forces in a country denies the occupied nation the possibility of observing human rights and deprives it of self-determination and the choice of of self-determination in deciding its political future through the e20arcise of the right to vote. For that reason, Ecuador voted for resolution 40/12, concerning Afghanistan, which was adopted by an overwhelming majority of 122 in favour and 19 against, with 12 abstentions. For the same reason, Ecuador supports the appeal made in draft resolution IX, on human rights in Afghanistan, where the situation is made worse by the presence of foreign troops. The authorities there should guarantee the r.ight to life, freedom and security of individuals, particularly civilians affected by the conflict and by displacement. With regard to the other draft resolutions on particular cases of violation of human rights considered in the Third Committee - draft resolutions XI, on El Salvador~ XII, on Guatemala~ XII, on the Islamic Republic of Iran~ and XVII, on Chile - we must reiterate an appeal for the full observance of human rights in the countries that are the subject of those draft resolutions, because we consider it to be a duty and to represent constructive action in response to world public opinion. At the same time, we note the reference to progress regarding human rights in El Salvador as an important part of its present policy, as well as the recent elections held in Guatemala, which our region has welcomed as a strengthening of delOOcratic institutions. In the light of what I have said, Ecuador reaffirms its position of principle that human rights items should be treated within the United Nations as having a universal character and with a view to the essential full and comprehensive enjoyment of human rights in all the countries of the international community. In view of our dynamic and determined position on such rights, if there are separate votes in particular cases where we consider that there has been selectivity on this subject, we shall abstain. Mr. DAZA (Chile) (interpretation from Spanish): "ty delegation will vote against draft resolution XVII in paragraph 78 of the Third Committee's report (A/40/l007) because it is obviously illegal, unjust, discriminatory and incons istent. The provisions of the Charter and the international covenants have laid down the action that our Organization should take with regard to human rights. From them derives the legitimate international competence, which is binding on the organs of the United Nations and all its Members. My country has repeatedly given clear evidence of its attachment to that legitimate competency. Furthermore, we contend that no other Mellber State has sha.m such a constructive attitude as my country, as shown by our co-operation in the spheres of the International Labour Organisation (lID), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Commission on Human Rights and the Third Committee. The draft resolution that has been sublllitted exceeds the competence of our Organization and falls within the unworthy area of illegality. We say that it is illegal because, far from seriously dealing with the problem of human rights, it is a libel with a political intent; it interferes in aspects which fall within the exclusive competence of the jurisdiction of Chile, as, for exallple, the institutional system of my country, with regard to which the Assembly has no right whatsoever to express even any views. It is unjust, because the draft disregards the real situation in Chile, which I described in detail during the meetings of the Committee, and because it deliberately tries to hide the significance and the importance of my Government's reception of and co-operation with the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Volio, who at the present time is in my country carrying out his work with the greatest possible freedom of action guaranteed him by the Government of Chile, and because it disregards a phenomenon that has a serious impact on the situation in Chile, namely, terrorism. It is discriminatory because the Assembly is not carrying out its legal and moral duty of taking care to promote the development and encouragement of human rights throughout the world in a non-selective manner and using objective and general criteria. The violations of human rights which unfortunately occur in various regions of the world have not ceased to take place as a result of the guilty and cynical silence kept by this Assembly, which is an attitude clearly in contrast with the irresponsible and spurious resolution adopted on my country. This resolution is also inconsistent because it is sponsored by countries like those of the Soviet bloc which have never accepted any action by the Organization in the area of human rights and because, by it, nations that live subject to dictatorships that are frozen in time take the liberty of talking about the (Mr. Daza, Chile) formation of democratic institutions that is taking place in my country and because States like those of western Europe, which have a historical commitment to democracy and human rights and which know Chile, but for petty interests or lack of conviction have not hesitateo to associate themselves with the regimes that represent pure disregard of the very idea of human rights and of democracy and have promoted a veritable farce against Chile. There are nations in this regard that have a guilty conscience. In the resolution against Chile they are trying to forget the responsibilities that arise from their own shortcomings. This type of resolution, far from lending prestige to our Organization and to this just cause that it claims to promote, in fact dishonours and wounds it. I know that many of the nations that voted in favour of this draft know that the resolution is, as I said at the beginning, illegal, unjust, discriminato4y and inconsistent. The rhetoric they have used to justify their support does not absolve them of the treason they are committing against the principles they claim to uphold. Mrs. ASHTON (Bolivia) (interpretation from Spanish): The support of the democratic GOvernment of Bolivia for the effectiveness and respect for human rights throughout the world is a matter of principle and of unswerving conviction1 what is more, it is one of the corner-stones of the democratic system, which in Bolivia, our people has defended with energy and sacrifice. The effectiveness of human rights, as was affirmed earlier, is of interest to the international community1 and the defence of those rights, when they are violated, whether individually or en rnasse, requires an appropr:ate response from the international community. The role of the international community is of a moral nature and should not be considered as interference in internal affairs1 on the contrary, it should be considered as a commitment to the tenets of our (Mr. Daza, Chile) Organization. This is not a matter of States arrogating to themselves the right to jUdge other StatesJ rather it is that the international community is examining and defending the effectiveness of human rights. Human rights are independent of States. It is essential to make the supreme principles of law compatible with each other so as to guarantee the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Por example, the inalienable principle of the sovereignty of States must be made compatible with the inalienable natur,e of human rights themselves. States should commit themselves to reviewing their legislation and thus avoiding situations that might lead to the paradox of undue or arbitrary implementation of the provisions in them to the detriment of fundamental freed~e My delegation believe~that the principle of universality should be implemented when violations of human rights are considered, and this universality applies to civil, political, economic, cultural or social rights. Likewise, this universality also includes the fact that cases of violations should be considered wherever they take place. In short, no mediaeval privileges or rights should be admitted to protect regimes that violate human rights. Once again we note that the difficult economic situation being experienced by countries of the third world, which derives from unjust conditions of international traa~;~ high interest rates, the high cost of the foreign debt and exaggerated requirements of bureaucracy and technology, contributes to exacerbating already difficult situations, which also have an impact on human rights in the economic and social area. Respect for the right to life is an indispensible requirement for respect for other civil and political rights a~d likewise lead to greater enjoyment of economic, social and cultu~al rights. (Mrs. Ashton, Bolivia) My delegation has taken note of the reports sutlaitted by the Special Representatives and Special Rapporteurs on the Situation of Buaan Rights in Afghanistan, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala and Iran.. My delegation expresses its hOPe that the situation of human rights will return to noraal. in those five countries and, as a result, fundamental freedOllS will be fully effective. We also express our support for the right to freedom of religion in all parts of the world, inclUding freedom for the Baha'i faith in Iran. My delegation, for reasons of State, will not take part in the voting on the five draf~ resolutions I mentioned which are contained in document A/40/1007, draft resolutions IX, XI, XII, XIII and XVII, and that is why I ask that this statement appear in the records of this meeting. Mr. ROSALES IU."'VERA (El Salvador) (interpretation from Spanish): My delegation wishes to ~~~ress some views in explanation of our vote on draft resolution XI conce=ning the ·Situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in El Salvador R , contained in document A/40/1007. In this regard, first and foremost, we must note that this draft contains significant, positive features since it includes real factors in our national life, in that it accepts that "in the process of the democratic normalization of the country, the question of respect for human rights is an important part of the current policy of the Republic of El Salvador •••• Two affirmations are made in that statement. The first concerns the concept of democratic normalization in the form of action by a legitimate Government that emerged from free democratic elections as the genuine expression of the will of the people and led to the exercise of the presidency by Jose Napoleon Duarte. Democratic normalization, then, presupposes the concept of the legitimization of power. The second consideration, that resPeCt for human rights is an important part of the present policy of the Republic of El Salvador, is neither more nor less than an observation of fact. Since the inauguration of this presidential term the Government has been not only concerned with but committed to this activity. In this regard it has carried out a whole series of measures that cover the field of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Our delegation spoke in the Third Committee to explain the policy of our Government, so I do not need to repeat that statement on this occasion. Similarly, other paragraphs recognize with interc,_t and emphasize that it is important that the Special Representative should mention in his provisional report that the Government of the Republic of El Salvador is continuing its policy of attempting to improve the human rights situation. We also consider as positive the reaffirmation of the right of the Salvadorian people freely to determine their political, economic and social future, without interference from outside, through a genuine democratic process in which all sectors of the population, participate freely and effectively. That concept is the (Mr. Rosales Rivera, El Salvador) basis of the policy of our present Government as it constantly seeks the genuine democratization of our country. It was certainly the institutionalization and strengthening of the democratic system that was sought in the offer made to the leaders of the armed opposition of the extreme left wing of dialogue, a means which my Government considers of the highest significance in the quf.tst for peace in El Salvador. However, we should note that this is an effort that cannot be made unilaterally or in disregard of thl~ political constitution, republican values or the process of democratization, because attempts to block the work of our institutions are designed only to counter the offer of dialogue and frustrate the aspirations of the Salvadorian people. Thus, violent actions of attempted murder, political kidnappings and economic sabotage means that are employed by that opposition I have mentioned and that this draft rightly censures are at the same time violations of human rights and obstacles on the way to peace. Terrorist actions lead only to repudiation of those that commit them and increaSe the climate of violence which is already a cause of such distress to the Salvadorian people. We believe that on the whole the draft resolution falls short of recognizing a whole series of achievemenfs by the Government in this field and fails to indicate clearly and unambiguously those at present responsible for the majority of the violations of human rights, inclUding offences connected with enjoyment by the people of fundamental freedoms and economic and social rights of the people. The d~aft resolution is repetitive in its references to the armed conflict, and in this regard it is appropriate to point out the commitment of my Government and the people, in response to the challenges of our national situation, to achieving the humanization of the conflict so as to spare the Salvadorian society suffering. As a result, our main objective is peace, but while extremist groups that do not have popular support are ttying to impose violence, the Government has a constitutional obligation to maintain national security and public order and to enable the State institutions to function. No country, whatever its political system or ideology, could act otherwise. To believe the contrary would mean the distortion and disintegration of the State. Of course, the draft resolution is at fault in interfering in matters that fall within domestic jurisdiction and, although the Government recognizes the need and urgency of the reforms it mentions, it cannot, without express reservations, accept this kind of interference. For the reasons I have stated, El Salvador will not oppose the adoption of this draft resolution by consensus, but if the interfering hand of a certain Power from outside the continent is found at work, either directly or by proxy, a Power which says in its propaganda that it has no interest in the Central American region but which, as we know, is trying to strengthen its precarious links with it, we shall be compelled to dissociate ourselves completely from the draft resolution. Mr. NGO (Zambia): Zambia has great respect for human rights. For this reason we have always expressed our concern about widespread violations of human rights wherever they have occured. In this regard, we have been greatly concerned about the widespread violations of human rights in El Salvador. My delegation will therefore vote in favour of the draft resolution on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in El Salvador, as we have always done with similar resolutions in the past. This is so because the situation in El Salvador has not changed. I should like to state further that when this draft resolution was considered in the Third Committee my delegation had in fact intended to vote in favour of the draft resolution, not to abstain as it did. (Mr. Rosales Rivera, El Salvador) Mr. AMED (Afghanistan): In explaining our vote on draft resolution IX in document A/40/l007, the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan wishes to make the following observations. Afghanistan has been selectively and unfairly singled out for examination of its human rights conditions, while the situation of human rights in scores of other countries, where some fundamental rights and freedoms of people are trampled upon, are conveniently ignored or very mildly referred to. The Third Co~m!ttee's consideration of human rights in Afghanistan has unveiled the true nature of the present exercise and clearly manifested the political malice behind the MachiavellL./l concern for human rights. The delegation of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has earnestly and sincerely endeavoured at each stage of this ominous and filthy exercise to expose the dirty and immoral essence of the imperialist hue and cry over human rights in general and human rights in Afghanistan in particula~. Through various presentations, the Afghan delegation has consistently provided authentic information on the reality of human rights conditionS in the country. The purpose of such co-operation, in spite of our principled objections, was to help in alleviating any genuine and honest concern that might exist over the human rights situation in Afghanistan. In connection with the arbitrary selection of the so-called Special Rapporteur, draft resolution IX and the original promoters of the exercise and of the draft resolution, it is sufficient to refer to the ccw~ent of the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan before the Third Committee on 6 December 1985. We would like to state that for us whuman rightsWis not an empty phrase, as it is for some countries and quarters, those which formally proclaim the promotion and protection of human rights and equalit')' a=ong their nationals and among nationalities but in practice violate them. For us, human rights means providing equal rights and freedoms not only in words or in rules and regulations but also in deeds. The Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan stands firmly for its commitment to ensuring the universal enjoyment of basic human rights and freedoms. I should like here to quote from the thesis of Babrak Karmal, General Secretary of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan and President of the Revolutionary Council of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, submitted to the recently held Plenary and Extraordinary Session of the Revolutionary Council of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan: WThe successful convocation of this historic, democratic and traditional Loya Jirgah - Grand Assembly - the High Jirgah of Frontier Tribes and the active participation of the PeOPle in electing the local organs of State power and administration during the current year are vivid manifestations of the willingness of the Afghan people in support of the revolution and the ever further expansion of the social pillars of the revolution. This process (Mr. Amed, Afghanistan) is still going on. The I~evolution has declared the equality of rights of all nationalities, ethnic groups and tribes of the country, without any discrimination and irrespective of their social status, nationality, sex or religious sect - that is, Sunni, Shiite or other religions - which are being realized in practice. -The convocation of the Laya Jirgah, the High Jirgah of Frontier Tribes and the successful commencement of the elections to the local organs of State power and administration manifests the enthusiastic support of the people in endorsing the foreign and domestic policy of the Party and state as well as the process of the revolutionary transformations in Afghanistan. -In the new and revolutionary Afghanistan, democracy, which means the rule of the people by the people, is developing and participation, with equal rights of all the population of the country in the administrat;on of the State and in the political, social, economic, cultural and moral affairs, is to be ensured a~d the role of the working people in those fields is being promoted. RExperience proves the fact that there is no other humane patriotic alternative to the faithful implementation of the principles of freedom, democracy and social progress for the emancipation of our people from centuries-old backwardness. R ROur basic objective is to pave the way for such conditions throughout the country, unde~ which all the national questions under discussion in the country shall be solved in a human, free and democratic atmosphere, with a sense of trust, co-operation, co-ordination, equality and brotherhood, collectively and in a peaceful way on the basis of the principle of national interest and national conciliation, without any resort to arms. (Hr. Amed, Afghanistan) -This sovereignty takes into consideration and guarantees the right for the vast participation of all genuine patriots, representatives of all social strata and groups in the country.- -We support the Jirgahs, or Councils of the Elders, being operative in some localities, as a traditional form of self-administration. Had it not been for the ~sition of foreign re~ '!onary and imperialist interference and the armed aggression against our people, the government organs would long ago have been created on an electoral basis. The holding of such elections has been and is our pressing task. -Enlarging the composition of the State leadership organs - that is, the Revolutionary Council and the Council of Ministers of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan - by the inclusion therein of the prestigious representatives of people who can reflect the interests of diverse strata and different groups of our society means that those authorities will not be the monopoly of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan. -Possible and principled forgiveness for the sake of national accord, principled and flexible conciliation are compatible with the national interests of the country and nation-wide peace and security ••• "The doors of the homeland are with full security and sincerity wide open to all Afghan citizens living abroad, without any discrimintion or distinction, for the sake of the advancement of the independent, democratic and new Afghanistan, with the preservation of human dignity.- Consistent with its democratic and humane philosophy, and in conformity with the letter and spirit of its fundamental principles, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan has left no stone unturned to establish democratic revolutionary legality in law and in deed. (Hr. Amed, Af9hanistan) We firmly believe that realistic and responsible evaluation of the situation by those who have not closed their minds to the principles of justice, truth and fairness will ultimately result in the creation of a multilateral environment which is conducive to furthering the cause of human rights in those parts of the world where they are really and deliberately violated. Many delegations have already learned much about the realities of the Afghan revolution not to fall victias to such traps as the present exercise. The adoption of tha draft resolution by the General Assembly will definitely pave the way for the unbridled proliferation of similar actions against other small, independent and non-aligned countries, and that not in the very distant future. TJending legitimacy to such misuse of the united Nations for advancing political ends will undoubtedly undermine the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States and set a very dangerous precedent for future discussions on the promotion of genuine human rights. Based on. those brief observations, the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan reiterates its sincere and earnest request to delegations. We want them to be fully convinced of the morally conscious and politically responsible nature of the position they may wish to adopt. Human, moral and political responsibilities call for the adoption of a fair, just and conscious position on draft resolution IX. On the basis of its position of principle, the delegation of the Democratic RepUblic of Afghanistan, on behalf of its Government, categorically rejects the so-called resolution and declares that even though it is adopted by the General Assembly we will attach no validity, legal, moral or otherwise, to it and will not regard itself as bound by its terms. (Hr. Amed, Afghanistan) Mr. BAGBENI ADElTO NZENGEYA (Zaire) (interpretation from French): The delegation of Zaire will abstain in the voting on resolutions IX, XI, XII, XIII and XVII, relating to violations of human rights in Afghanistan, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iran and Chile respectively. That is for a very simple reason. One must see to what extent the human rights situation in certain countries can be considered within the General Assembly whereas the human rights situation in other Member States of the Organization is not considered. In other words, investigations and studies should be carried out in respect of all Members of the United Nations, be they large, small, middle-sized, developed or undeveloped, so that wtl may have an overall view of the situation with regard to human rights violations in all Member States of our Organization. The General Assembly cannot confine Atself to taking decisions on these situations as they prevail in certain countries while in other countries, even those which seem to be the most democratic, we can unfortunately only note flagrant and repeated violations of human rights. Certain institutions, such as Amnesty International, should deal further with grave violations of human rights in South Africa, where thousands of human beings are downtrodden or held prisoner, mistreated or deprived of their civil and political rights, simply because of the colour of their skin. Consequently, my delegation, for reasons of objectivity, cannot support such draft resolutions.
The President [Spanish] #7646
'Ae shall now proceed to vote on the various draft resolutions in paragraph 78 of the Third Committee's report (A/40/1007). Draft resolution I is entitled "Strategy and policies for drug control". The Third COl'DJllittee adopted that draft resolution wi thout a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 40/129) •
The President [Spanish] #7647
Draft resolution 11 is entitled "Measures to improve the situation and ensure the human rights and dignity of all migrant workers". The programme budget implications of this draft resolution are contained in the report of the Fifth Committee (A/40/1035). The Third Committee adopted draft resolution 11 without a vote. May I take it that the General Assellbly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 40/130) •
The President [Spanish] #7648
Draft resolution III concerns the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 40/131).
The President [Spanish] #7649
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Assistance to refugees in Somalia". This draft resolution was also adopted without a vote by the Third Committee. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 40/132).
Vote: A/C.3/40/L.40 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7650
Draft resolution V deals with assistance to displaced persons in Ethiopia. In the Third Committee it was adopted without a vote. May I take it that the General Assellbly wishes to adopt draft resolution V? Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 40/133)
The President [Spanish] #7651
We turn next to draft resolution VI, which concerns humanitarian assistance to refugees in Djibouti. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 40/134). The PRESI~ (interpretation from Spanish): We tu~n now to draft resolution VII, entitled "Situation of refugees in the Sudan". The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 40/135).
The President #7652
Draft resolution VIII is entitled "Emergency assistance to returnees and displaced persons in Chad". The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 40/136).
The President [Spanish] #7653
We come next to draft resolution IX, entitled ·Question of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan·. A recorded vote has been requested. (The President) A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, ~ustralia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam~ Canaga~ Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Ccmoros, Costa Rica, Democratic Kampuchea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Federal pepublic of, Greece, Grenada, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malaysia, ~ley.ico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Ni.ger, Norway, oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Eierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Thail~nd, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela Against: Afghanistan, Angola, Benin, Bulgaria, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Ethiopia, German Democratic Republic, Hungary, India, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Poland, Romania, Syrian Arab RepUblic, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Viet Nam !>bstaining: Algeria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verdef Central African Republic, Congo, Cyprus, Ecuador, Finland, Ghana, Guinea'-Bissau, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, united Republic of Tanzania, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Draft resolution IX was adopted by 80 votes to 22, with 40 abstentions (resolution 40/137). The PRESI~gNT (interpretation from Spanish): Draft resolution X concerns assistance to student refugees in southern Africa. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution X without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 40/138).
Vote: 40/126 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7654
we turn now to draft resolution XI, which is entitled: "Situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in El Salvdador". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. in favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Be.lgium, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic: Yemen, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Mali; Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, MOZambique, Netherlands, New zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe~ Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab ReplJblic, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezl1ela, Viet Nam, Yugosla'l7ia, Zambia, zimbabwe Against: Chile, Guatemala ~bstainin~: Bahamas, Belize, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Burundi. Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Grenada, Honduras, Indonesia, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Lebanon, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United States of America, Yemen, Zaire Draft resolution XI was adopted by 100 votes to 2, with 42 abstentions (resolution 40/139).* The ~RBSIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): We come next to draft resolution XII, entitled ·Situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Guatemalaft • ~ rec~r.ded vote has been requested. *Subsequently the delegation of Malta advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Gabon had intended to abstain. In favour: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbada, Argentina, Australia i Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist RepUblic, Canada, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger.ia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia, Zambia, zimbabwe Against: Bangladesh, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay Abstainin2: Bahamas, Belize, Bhutan, Brun~i Darussalam, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Democratic Kampuchea, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Honduras, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Lebanon, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Nlger, oman, Panama, Peru, Philippfnes, Romania, Saint Christoph~x and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United States of America, Yemen, zaire Draft resolution XII was adopted by 91 votes to 8, with 47 abstentions (resolution 40/140).*
The President [Spanish] #7655
We come now to draft resolution XIII, entitled "Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran8 • A recorded vote has been requested. *Subsequent1y the delegation of Malta advised the Secr~tariat that it had intended to vote in favour. L A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, (~enada, Honduras, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Spain, Sweden, Togo, Uganda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela Against: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahrarn, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic Yemen, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Libyan Arab Jamahirtya, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen Abstaining: Bahamas, Bhutan, Brazil, Durkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghafid, Guinea-Bissau, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Lebanon, Liberia, Malawi, Maldives, Mati, Malta, Mauritania, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Papua New Guin~a, Philippines, S~negal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, zimbabwe Draft resolution XIII was adopted by 53 votes to 30, with 45 abstentions (resolution 40/141).
The President [Spanish] #7656
We turn next to draft resolution XIV, which concerns the status of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that th~ General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XIV was adopted (resolution 40/142).
The President [Spanish] #7657
The next draft resolution concerns summary or arbitrary executions. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XV without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XV was adopted (resolution 40/143).
The President [Spanish] #7658
We turn now to draft resolution XVI, entitled RDeclaration on the human rights of individuals who are not nationals of the country in which they liveR. The Third Committee also adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution XVI was adopted (resolution 40/144).
The President [Spanish] #7659
We come next to draft resolution XVII, entitled ·Situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in ChileR • A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Botswada, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Cape Verde, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Dei1iilark, Dotuinican Republic, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Germany, Federal Repuhlic of, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, R~'i1ania, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Sociali$t Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Bangladesh, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Thailand, United States of America Abstaining: Bahamas, Belize, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Democratic Kampuchea, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Honduras, Israel, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Yemen, Zaire Draft resolution XViI was adopted by 88 votes to 11, with 47 abstentions (resolution 40/145).*
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
The President [Spanish] #7660
The next draft resolution concerns human rights in the administration of justice. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XVIII without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XVIII wa6 adopted (resolution 40/146).
The President [Spanish] #7661
We turn now to draft resolution XIX, entitled "Question of enforced or involuntary disappearances". The Third Committee also adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution XIX was adopt~ (resolution 40/147). The PRESIDE~~ (interpretation from Spanish): We come next to draft resolution XX, entitled "Measures to be taken against Na?i, Fascist and neo-Fascist activities and all other forms of totalitarian ideologies and practices based on racial intolerance, hatred and terror". I should like to point out to members what the Rapporteur indicated in his statement when he introduced his report. I shall read out in English the note that has been handed to me on behalf of the Rapporteur. *Subsequently the delegtion of Malta advised the Secretariat that it had (spoke in English) HI wish to recall that the Rapporteur had conveyed that the representutive of the German Democratic Republic had indicated that ths following words were agreed by the Committee to be added at the rnd of the seventh preambular paragraph, 'and social progress in th~ world', so that the last part of the seventh preambular paragraph would read: •••• ~tween the States and to the realization of human rights, fundamental freedoms and social progress in the world,'. The representative of the United Kingdom has objected to this new formulation of the seventh p~eambular paragraph on the grounds that this formulation was not agreed upon by the Committee when the draft resolution was adopted by the Third Committee. "Under these circumstances, I propose that the matter be put to the Assembly to decide." Therefore, I put to the vote the addition of the words "and social progress in the world" to the seventh preambular paragraph of draft resolution XX. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, BUlgaria, Burkina Paso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoro~, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic RepUblic, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republi~ of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mong?lia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United RepUblic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, zambia, zimbabwe Against: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Federal Republic of., Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Fiji, Finland, Japan, Malawi, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey. The addition of the words wand social ~rogress in the world- in the seventh preambular paragraph of draft resolution XX was adopted by 106 votes to 19, with 13 abstentions.
The President [Spanish] #7662
We shall now accordingly proceed to vote on draft resolution XX, as amended. I call on the representative of the Netherlands. Mr. HAMER (Netherlands): Allow me, Mr. President, to make just one comment. I must say that the representative of the United Kingdom made a very pertinent point when she said that this had not been agreed in the Committee. I am frankly surprised to hear that the representative of the German Democratic Republic now says that it has been accepted. I should just like to say that in the Third Committee I commented that negotiating with the sponsors sometimes seemed, in the words of a well-known statesman, to be one step forward, two steps back. I would now say it is one step forward, three steps back.
The President [Spanish] #7663
I thank the representative of the Netherlands for his remarks, which will be reflected in the record, but they would have been more relevant before the vote. The Assembly will now vote on draft resolution XX~ as a whole, as amended. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, BUlgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger: Nigeria: Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Ar~b Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, zaire, zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Israel, united States of America Abstaining: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Candda, Denmark, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Grenada, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Portugal, Saint Christcpher and Nevis, Samoa, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Draft resolution XX, as a Whole, as amended, was adopted by 121 votes to 2, with 27 abstentions (resolution 40/148).
The President [Spanish] #7664
Finally, we come to draft resolution X~I, which relates to hQman rights and mass exoduses. In the Committee, this draft resolution was adopted without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XXI was adopted (resolution 40/149).
The President [Spanish] #7665
I now invite representatives to turn to the draft decisions rec~nded by the Third Committee in paragraph 79 of its report (A/fO/l007). Draft decision I was adopted by the Third Comittee without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft decision I was adopted.
The President [Spanish] #7666
Draft decision 11 was also adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft decision 11 was adopted.
Vote: 32/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 80   ✗ 22   40 abs.
Show country votes
The President [Spanish] #7667
I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their vote. Mr. RAJAIE-KHORASSANI (Islamic Republic of Iran): Draft resolution XIII contained in document A/fO/1007 won the support of only 53 Members of the entire United Nations, both in the Third Committee and in the General Assembly. In other words, almost one-third of the Member States voted in favour of that draft. This indicates the legal validity of the so-called draft resolution contained in the document just mentioned.* I have sincerely to congratulate those who imposed their political objectives on the international body with ~ very, very humble minority - only one third of the entire membership of the United Nations. The present resolution is a hasty action based on unsubstantiated and politically motivated allegations. It is not only invalid, but also counter-productive, for it impedes the co-operation that had just started between our jUdiciary and the Commission on Human Rights. It also * Mr. Agius (Malta), Vice-PresIdent, took the Chair. adversely affects the attitude of our psople tow~rds the international body. Moreover, it has already proved to be counter-productive in a more profound sense, that is, since the provisional adoption of the draft resolution in the Third Committee, which as a .atter of fact boosted the morale of the terrorists, there have been four terrorist attacks against innocent people in the Islamic Republic of Iran. One was in front of the Shohada Hospital in Tehran, where a car-bomb explosion claimed the lives of a child and a young female university student and left behind 18 innocent injured people who were commuting to or from the hospital. All representatives here appreciate the effect of a car-bomb explosion in terms of the acute health condition of the patients and the tranquillity of the hospital atmosphere. Another bomb was planted in front of a school in Karaj and two others planted on the sidewalks of Tehran. Fortunately, these three explosions did not have any casualties, except for small injuries and property damage. The sad fact is that those representatives who voted in favour of this draft resolution here, and previously in the Third Committee, knew very well that the famous Mujahedeen terrorist group had been the source of information supplied to Mr. Aguilar. I personally also brought to representatives' attention the fact that these people were professional terrorists who made a terrorist attempt against my person by posting a parcel containing a powerful bomb charged with a powerf.ul explosive addressed to me personally. It was clear that a vote in favour of that draft resolution would simply i.DIply political and moral support for those terrorists. In spite of all this, the rp-solution was adopted althnugh very miserably. This practically encouraged those terrorists who were sitting just next to us in the Cocmittee immediately to express their appreciation for the support they had received by planting four bombs against our innocent people in the streets of Tehran. I deeply regret that the provisional Republic of Iran) adoption of the then draft resolution A/C.3/40/L.75, and now draft resolution XIII, has as a matter of fact been interpreted as the Committee's endorsement and encouragement of terrorist activities against the people and has, regardless of the intention of representatives, boosted the terrorists' activities. My delegation is fully aware of the political motivations and forces behind this unconstructive resolution. I sincerely appreciate the courage and independence many representatives have demonstrated vis-A-vis those pressures and intimidations. By virtue of the very sinister political pressures and motivations behind this resolution, my delegation rejects draft resolution XIII, which from now on will be called a resolution, and which I believe is not really worth the paper it is printed on. In spite of the politically motivated resolution just adopted~ we express our good will and readiness for an impartial investigation of the allegations of violations of human rights in the Islamic Repuclic of Iran and wish to state that we are prepared again to consider the invitation we had extended to the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General in ~rder that, through an impartial, detached observer, we may bring this conspiracy against us to an end. However, there are certain conditions that must be met. One of them is that if such an investigation becomes fully agreed upon then its framework must be absolutely and completely independent ef any reference to this or any other invalid resolution in this regard. In the light of the foregoing observations, my delegation cast its vote against this draft resolution. Regarding draft resolutions IX, XI, XII and XVII, I should mention that we abstained from taking part in any action on them r not becausn we do not condemn the well-documented violations of human rights in the countries that are the subject of (Mrw Rajaie-Khorassani, Islamic Republi~ of Iran) the aforementioned draft resolutions. In previous years we cast our vote in favour of similar texts respecting Chile, El Salvador and Guatemala. However, our experience with the human rights machinery of the united Nations has led to the most serious feelings of disappointment in my delegation. Thus we were not able to take part in any action with regard to these draft resolutions. Our strong condemnation, however, of the heinous crimes committed against the oppressed people of El Salvador always holds. We strongly condemn all those interventions and agents which have all together led to the imposition of such repressive, immoral policies and practices on the people of El Salvador. What we said about El Salvador holds true of Chile and Guatemala as well. We have also experienced how unlawful political motives can orchestrate absolutely ruthless violation-of-human-rights scenarios, and amony Member States there are some whose record of political crimes and heinous policies towards their own peoples might even be worse than the most unspeakable cases that are the subject of one of the draft resolutions considered today. Yet there seems to be a well-calculated and deliberate silence regarding their violations of human rights. ,Republic of Iran) Those are only some of the reasons that conv!n~d us not to take any action on any of the foregoing draft resolutions. As for draft resolution IX, my delegation is of the opinion that it is absolutely unfair to reduce the situation in Afghanistan to an issue of violation of human rights. For that reason, we disassociate ourselves from that draft resolution and therefore did not take any action wi th regard to it. This draft resolution, in particular, undermines the original iss~a of principle regarding the situation in Afghanistan. Hr. CHEN Shiqiu (China) (interpretation from Chinese): The Chinese delegation wishes to explain its position on draft resolution XVI in document A/40/l007. The Chinese delegation joined in the consensus on the adoption of the Declaration on the human rights of individuals who are no': nationals of the country in which t.hey live) as a result of our general endorsement of the Declaration. we express our appreciation and congratulations to the Working Group. However, as we did not participate in the drafting of the Declaration and as the conpetent authority of my country must carefully study the articles contained in it, the Chinese delegation reserves its right to make comments on certain of those articles in the future. Mr. ABDULLAH Z1tW1tWI (Malaysia): Malaysia joined in the consensus on the adoption of draft resolution XVI in document A/40/l007, containing the Declaration on the human rights of individuals who are not klationals of the country in which they live. However, my delegation would like to place its reservations on record in view of the complexities of the matter, which needs further extensive study by the relevant local authorities in Malaysia. (Mr. Rajaie-Khorassani, Islamic Republic of Iran) Mr. IOP!'E (Denmark): My delegation joined in the consensus on the Declaraticm on the human rights of individuals trlbo are not nationals of the country in which they live. Various articles in that Declaration contain a reference to doIIestic or national legislation. My delegation holds the view that national legislation may contain prOll'isions under whic:b the enjoyment of certain rights are subject to application and subsequent authorization by national authorities. This understanding pertains in particular to the rights mentioned in article 5, paragraph 2 (d), and article 5, paragraph 4. Ful:therllDre, my delegati-on would point out that article 1 of the Declaration, read b\ conjwtction with the other articles, does not clearly specify which aliens are covered by the individual articles. Hr. BALA (Cameroon) (interpretation from French): The delegation of Cueroon joined in the consensus on draft resolution XVI in document A/40/l007, the draft i:esolution containing th'! Declaration on the human rights of individuals who are not nationals of the country in wili ch they live. we did so, on cl\e me hand, because we are convinced that the work done by the Working Group on the question was well founded and, on the other, because W€l hope that the adoption of this draft resolution will accelerate the work of producing a draft international declaration on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and their families,. Nevertheless, we wish to place it on record that since we did not have time to study this Declaration we reserve our GOII'ernment's position on paragraph 2 of article 2, on article 5 and on article 8 until the appropr iate author ities can take (l stand as to whether these prOl7isions are i;a keeping wi th the legislation of Cameroon. Mr. ENKBASAIKHAN (Mongolia): My delegation has had the opportunity of expressing the principled position of the Mongolian People's Republic on the so-called question of human righi:s and fundamental freedorns in Afghanistan. MOngolia strongly opposes" the examination of this so-called issue and the adopt!c;n of any resolution on it, since it considers such an exercise 1:0 be blatant interfel ence in the internal affairs of a sovereign State, and a deliberate act of obstructing the exercise by the Afghan people of its right to self-determination and to choose a social system which in its view would put the State at the service of the people and the society and which, by abolishing exploitation of man by man, would bring about social justice and progress. As a result of the Jl.pril revolution of 1978, the Afghan people overthrew the feudal system and chose the road of peace and social progress. However, since then, outside reactionary forces, by encouraging and supporting the counter-revolutionary elements inside the country, have been blatantly interfering in the internal affa'irs of that country in order to divert the Afghan !Jeople from the chosen P3th. As is evident from the materials made available by the Government of Afghanistan, the or.ly violations of flDldametltal hllman rights are being committed by the criminal bands of counter-revolutionaries who are perpetrating inhuman and savage acti005" with \:he enormous financial and military assistance of reactionary forces. It is well known ttiat the decision to appoint the s~alled special rapporteur was taken in gross violation of the rules of procedure and the established practice of the CoIlltlii!lsion on Human Rights and despi te the objections of many delegations, including that of Afghanistan. It was taken, also, in violation of Article 2, paragraph 7 of the united Nations Charter. Moreover, the content of the so-called report - a heavily biased compilation - as well as the true identity of the special rapporteur, reveals the real intentions of those that are behind all these ~~beuvres. For the foregoing reasons, my delegation voted against draft resolution IX•
The President #7668
The Assellbly has thus concluded its consideration of all the chapters of the report of the Economic and Social COlmcil allocated to the Third Connnittee and of all the reports of the Third Connnittee. The meeting rose at 6.30 p.m.
Vote: 35/94 Recorded Vote
✓ 100   ✗ 2   42 abs.
Show country votes
✓ Yes (96)
Vote: 39/192 Recorded Vote
✓ 53   ✗ 30   45 abs.
Show country votes
Vote: 351/97 Consensus
Vote: 40/143 Consensus
Vote: 40/144 Consensus
Vote: XViI Recorded Vote
✓ 88   ✗ 11   47 abs.
Show country votes
✓ Yes (89)