A/41/PV.54 General Assembly

I wish to announce that, in addition to the Members whose The PRESmENT: I wish to announce that, in addition to the Members whose names appear as sponsors of the draft resolution in document A/41/L.2l, the names appear as sponsors of the draft resolution in document A/41/L.21, the following Members have become co-sponsors: Argentina, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, following Members have become co-sponsors: Argentina, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Senegal, Sri Lanka, the Ukrainian Soviet Egypt, France, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Senegal, Sri Lanka, the Ukrainian Soviet SOcialist Republic, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and SOcialist Republic, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Uruguay. Uruguay. !t was two decades ago that the Covenants on Human Rights were adopted by the !t was two decades ago that the Covenants on Human Rights were adopted by the General Assembly. That was made possible by the painstaking endeavours of many General Assembly. That was made possible by the painstaking endeavours of many froll\ all over the world. The adoption of the Covenants lent further substances to froll\ all over the world. The adoption of the Covenants lent further substances to the purposes of the United Nations as set forth in Article 1 of the Charter. It is the purposes of the United Nations as set forth in Article 1 of the Charter. It is that moment of achievement that we are assembled here to commemorate. that moment of achievement that we are assembled here to commemorate. The founding fathers of the United Nations could foresee that peace was not The founding fathers of the United Nations could foresee that peace was not possible without due recognition of human rights. The human person is inviolable. possible without due recognition of human rights. The human person is inviolable. An affront to his or her dignity is inexcusable. Throughout history, violation of An affront to his or her dignity is inexcusable. Throughout history, violation of human rights served to heighten tension and cause conflicts. As civilization human rights served to heighten tension and cause conflicts. As civilization evolved, there was a greater understanding of this fact. Today I am happy to be evolved, there was a greater understanding of this fact. Today I am happy to be able to say that the acceptance of this truth is nearly universal. I fervently able to say that the acceptance of this truth is nearly universal. I fervently hope that this appreciation will be translated into greater numbers of hope that this appreciation will be translated into greater numbers of ratifications. ratificetions. Much of the credit for this goes to the United Nations and to its specialized Much of the credit for this goes to the United Nations and to its specialized agencies. Their work in this respect has been trUly edifying. They deserve our agencies. Their work in this respect has been truly edifying. They deserve our praise and thanks. Similarly, there are many individuals and non-governmental praise and thanks. Similarly, there are many individuals and non-governmental organizations devoted to this noble end. We commend their Wvtk as well. organizations devoted to this noble end. We commend their wv£k as well. It is of course not enough just to draw up covenants. These must be given effect. It is of course not enough just to draw up covenants. These must be given effect. On this solemn occasion, let us solemnly pledge to do so. On this solemn occasion, let us solemnly pledge to do so. I now call on the Secretary-General of the United Nations. I now call on the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The Charter of the United Nations reflects the

The Charter of the United Nations reflects the keen awareness of its framers that no lasting peace is possible without the keen awareness of its framers that no lasting peace is possible without the observance of human rights. The preamble to the Charter expresses the observance of human rights. The preamble to the Charter expresses the determination to reaffir.m faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and determination to reaffir.m faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small. The purposes of the United Nations, as defined in Article 1, large and small. The purposes of the United Nations, as defined in Article 1, inclUde the promotion and enco~ragement of respect for human rights. inclUde the promotion and enco~ragement of respect for human rights. The San Francisco Conference entrusted the preparation of essential norms in The San Francisco Conference entrusted the preparation of essential norms in this respect to the Commission on Human Rights, whose establishment was this respect to the Commission on Human Rights, whose establishment was specifically provided for in Article 68 of the Charter. specifically provided for in Article 68 of the Charter. The Commission on Human Rights thus embarked on a historic endeavour, the The Commission on Human Rights thus embarked on a historic endeavour, the preparation of an International Bill of Human Rights consisting of three essential preparation of an International Bill of Human Rights consisting of three essential parts; a universal declaration; one or more covenants; and measures of parts: a universal declaration; one or more covenants; and measures of implementation. With the adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human implementation. With the adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which has become one of the great documents of our times, the United Rights, which has become one of the great documents of our times, the United Nations gave the world an instrument of fundamental significance. The Commission Nations gave the world an instrument of fundamental significance. The Commission then set out to draft covenants designed to translate the principles of the then set out to draft covenants designed to translate the principles of the Declaration into legally binding obligations of States. Declaration into legally binding obligations of States. The Painstaking work of drafting the International Covenant on Economi~, The painstaking work of drafting the International Covenant on Economi~, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Optional Protocol to the latter came to fruition when the Covenants Rights, and the Optional Protocol to the latter came to fruition when the Covenants were adopted by the General Assembly on 16 December 1966. were adopted by the General Assembly on 16 December 1966. (The Secretary-General) (The SecretarY-General) It is that JIOllentous event that we are assembled here to commemorate today. It is that JlDJlentous event that we are assembled here to commemorate today. Twenty years ago fly diatinguished predecessor, the late U Thant, praised the Twenty years ago Irf cUctinguished predecessor, the late tJ Thant, praised the adoption of the Covenants in the following words; adoption of the Covenants in the following words; "••• the instrument which you have adopted today will entrust upon its ~ntry "••• the instrument which you have adopted today will entrust upon its II!ntry into force various responsibilities to the Secretary-General, not only into force vari.ous responsibilities to the secretary-General, not only functions of a ministerial ch&tacter relating to the custody of the Covenants functions of a ministerial Ch&Iacter relating to the custody of the Covenants and the Protocol, but also the provision of services to the Human Rights and the Protocol, but also the provision of services to the Human Rights Commit~tee and other organs performing tasks of inplementation. I gladly Committee and o~ler organs performing tasks of implementation. I gladly accept those responsibilities ••• on behalf of the Secretariat". {A!PV.1496, accept those responsibilities ••• on behalf of the Secretariat". (A/PV.1496, para. 73) para. 73) For my own part, I have always attached the greatest importance to the For my own part, I have always attached the greatest importance to the promotion of respect for human rights in line with our hard-won legal instruments. promotion of respect for human rights in line with our hard-won legal instruments. I shall continue to do so in the years ahead. I shall continue to do so in the years ahead. Since the coming into force of the Covenants in 1976, the task of their Since the coming into force of the Covenants in 1976, the task of the ir implementation has become an ever-increasing and important responsibility for the implementation has become an ever-increasing and important responsibility for the united Nations, including its principal and specialized organs such as the united Nations, including its principal and specialized organs such as the Commission on Human Rights and the Human Rights Committee, as well as the Conunission on Human Rights and the Human Rights Committee, as well as the Secretariat. The consideration of economic, social and cultural rights by those Secretariat. The consideration of economic, social and cultural rights by those bodies has contributed to improved understanding of these rights and of the manner bodies has contributed to improved understanding of these rights and of the manner in which their implementation can best be pursued by States Parties as well as by in which their implementation can best be pursued by States Parties as well as by the international community. the international community. While, ~s a general rule, the implementation of the rights contained in the While, ~s a general rule, the implementation of the rights contained in the Economic and Social Covenant is Qonceived as a task to be achieved progressively, Economic and Social Covenant is ~onceived as a task to be achieved progressively, States Parties to the Covenant should pursue in good faith an~ in a , non-discriminatory manner the application of all of ~e rights contained therein States Parties to the Covenant should pursue in good faith an~ in a , non-discriminatory manner the application of all of ~e rights contained therein a~d should work together throu9h international assistance and co-operation for the a~d should work together through international assistance and co-operation for the realization of the rights contained in the Covenant • realization of the rights contained in the Covenant• (The Secretary-General) (The SecretarY-General) In this connection, I should like to pay tribute to the specialized agencies In this connection, I should like to pay tribute to the specialized agencies and to non-governmental organizations for the important contribution they have made and to non-governmental organizations for the important contribution they have made to the work of the United Nations for the realization of economic, social and to the work of the United Nations for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. cultural rights. The Human Rights Committee established under the International Covenant on The Human Rights Committee established under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has pioneered a new ~th in international co-operation Civil and Political Rights has pioneered a new ~th in international co-operation on behalf of human rights. Working patiently through a process of consensus, the on behalf of human rights. Working patiently through a process of consensus, the Committee, by its consideration of reports and the constructive dialogue which it Committee, by its consideration of reports and the constructive dialogue which it has established' with the States Parties, has contributed significantly to the has established' with the States Parties, has contributed significantly to the further elaboration of international human rights law in key areas and has further elaboration of international human rights law in key areas and has encouraged a stricter application of the Covenant. It has also provided redress encouraged a stricter application of the Covenant. It has also provided redress for grievances suffered by individuals. for grievances suffered by individuals. (The Secretary-General) Alongside the Universal Declaration of Human Righta, the Internatio~al Alongside the Universal Declaration of Human Right~, the Internatio~al Covenants on Human Rights provide the solid core of international human rights '. -law. Their implementation must be pursued as a matter of the highest p~Jority by Covenants on Human Rights provide the solid core of international human rights " -law. Their implementation must be pursued as a matter of the highest pr~ority by Mindful of the great importance of the universal ratification of the Mindful of the great importance of the universal ratification of the International COvenants on Human Rights, I hope that on this twentieth ~nniversary International Covenants on Human Rights, I hope that on this twentieth ~nniversary of their adoption, we shall witness an upsurge in ratifications. of their adoption, we shall witness an upsurge in ratifications. It would also be appropriate that on this occasion all of us renew our resolve It would also be appropriate that on this occasion all of us renew our resolve to work not only for universal adherence but also for the practical application of to work not only for universal adherence but also for the practical application of the COvenants everywhe(~w This is a task to which, as Secretary-Gener~lof the the COvenants everywhefQw This is a task to which, as Secretary-General of the United Nations, I attach the highest importance. United Nations, I attach the highest importance.

I call on the representative of Morocco, who wishes to

I call on the representative of Morocco, who wishes to introduce draft resolution A/41/L.21. introduce draft resolution A/4l/L.2l. Mrs. WARZAZI (Morocco) (interpretation from French): When the Third Mrs. WARZAZI (Morocco) (interpretation from French): When the Third committee began work, on 17 OCtober 1966, on the final version of the covenants the committee began work, on 17 OCtober 1966, on the final version of the covenants the international atmosphere was still marked by mistrust, hostility, tensions and a international atmosphere was still marked by mistrust, hostility, tensions and a concern jealously to guard national sovereignty. concern jealously to guard national sovereignty. That was certainly one of the reasons why the draft covenants, on which the That was certainly one of the reasons why the draft covenants, on which the COmmission on Human Rights, at the request of the. General Assembly, had been COmmission on Human Rights, at the request of the. General Assembly, had been working since 1950, had not yet got over the laBt hurdle. working since 1950, had not yet got over the laat hurdle. In 1966, one year after the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of In 1966, one year after the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, all delegations realized that i~ this twentieth All Forms of Racial Discrimination, all delegations realized that i~ this twentieth century, dominated as it is by the progress of science and technology, the ideal of century, dominated as it is by the progress of science and technology, the ideal of free human beings could only be achieved if, as stated in the pream~le to the free human beings could only be achieved if, as stated in the pream~le to the Covenants: COvenants: (Mrs. Warzazi, ft)rocco) {Mrs. Warzazi. ~rocco) ·conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy his economic, social and cultural rights, as well as his civil and political rights·. (General Assembly resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex) The completion and then the adoption of international instruments clearly The completion and then the adoption of international instruments clearly setting forth those rights guaranteed by States had to respond to the concerns of setting forth those rights guaranteed by States had to respond to the concerns of the Third Committee, therefore, although the task was obviously delicate and the Third Committee, therefore, although the task was obviously delicate and complex, all' delegations set themselves to work valiantly. complex, all' delegations set themselves to work valiantly. Thanks to that understanding, that faith in the validity of human rights and a Thanks to that understanding, that faith in the validity of human rights and a spirit of dialogue and compromise which was to mark a new age in relations among spirit of dialogue and compromise which was to mark a new age in relations among the members of the Third Committee, that Committee was able, on 7 December 1966, to the members of the Third Committee, that Committee was able, on 7 December 1966, to adopt the draft international covenants on human rights, which allowed the General adopt the draft international covenants on human rights, which allowed the General Assembly to do the same on 16 December 1966. Assembly to do the same on 16 Decemer 1966. Those instruments, which were the result of untlring efforts and great Those instruments, which were the result of untiring efforts and great patience, are this year celebrating their twentieth anniversary. They undoubtedly patience, are this year celebrating their twentieth anniversary. They undoubtedly constitute a triumph for the united Nations, for each delegation that participated constitute a triumph for the united Nations, for each delegation that participated in their drafting and for the cause of human rights. in their drafting and for the cause of human rights. Draft resolution A/41/L.21, which my delegation has the honour of presenting Draft resolution A/41/L.21, which my delegation has the honour of presenting on behalf of the following countries: Argentina, Cos~a Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, on behalf of the following countries: Argentina, Cos~a Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Jamaica, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Egypt, France, Jamaica, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and my the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and my country, Morocco, is intended to reaffirm the importance of the International country, Morocco, is intended to reaffirm the importance of the International Covenants for all the men and women on Earth and to reaffirm the need to ensure Covenants for all the men and women on Earth and to reaffirm the need to ensure their effective 'enjoyment, which will contribute to good co-operation among States their effective 'enjoyment, which will contribute to good co-operation among States in striving to aChieve the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. in striving to aChieve the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The steady increase in the countries acceding to those instruments is testimony to The steady increase in the countries acceding to those instruments is testimony to increasing recognition of and commitment to the cause of human rights and increasing recognition of and commitment to the cause of human rights and fundamental freedoms and therefore to the ideals of justice, freedom and dignity. fundamental freedoms and therefore to the ideals of justice, freedom and dignity. (Mrs. Warzazi, Morocco) (Mrs. Warzazi, Morocco) The draft resolution invites all states, the appropriate united Nations The draft resolution invites all states, the appropriate united Nations bodies, the specintized agencies and regional intergovernmental organizations and bodies, the specintized agencies and regional intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations to celebrate this twentieth anniversary. Its non-governmental organizations to celebrate this twentieth anniversary. Its purpose is to bring about the broadest possible acceptance of thos~ international purpose is to bring about the broadest possible acceptance of thos~ international instruments, full respect for their provisions and widespread publicity and instruments, full respect for their provisions and widespread publicity and dissemination, so as to guarantee them. dissemination, so as to guarantee them. The co-sponsors therefore ask the members of the General Assembly to adopt The co-sponsors therefore ask the members of the General Assembly to adopt this draft resolution unanimously. this draft resolution unanimously. Sir John THOMSON (United Kingdom): We are assembled today to commemorate Sir John THOMSON (United Kingdom): We are assembled today to commemorate a proud event in the history of the United Nations~ the adoption of the a proud event in the history of the United Nations~ the adoption of the Inter~ational Covenant on Economic, SOCial and Cultural Rights and the Inter~ational Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ~r.d its Optional Protocol. I International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ~r.d its optional Protocol. I have the honour, on behalf of the 12 member States of the European Community, to have the honour, on behalf of the 12 member States of the European Community, to address this vital subject. address this vital subject. An anniversary such as this is tradi~ionally a time both to look back and to An anniversary such as this is tradi~ionally a time both to look back and to look forward. Human rights are not a di.scovery of recent years, nor even a look forward. Human rights are not a di.scovery of recent years, nor even a discovery of the United Nations. As Europeans, the Twelv~ are proud to recall that discovery of the United Nations. As Europeans, the Twelv~ are proud to recall that under the name of "natural rights" or "the rights of Man" the concept has played a under the name of "natural rights" or "the rights of Man" the concept has played a potent part in the political life of our continent throughout the last three' potent part in the political life ef our continent throughout the last three centuries. Many of the great reforms of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries centuries. Many of the great reforms of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries wer~ inspired by the belief that every individual human being, regardless of status wer~ inspired by the belief that every individual human being, regardless of status or background, possessed certain inalienable rights. or background, possessed certain inalienable rights. (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) The achievement of human rights has for centuries be~n a basic aspiration of The achievement of human righta has for centuries be~n a basic aspiration of men and women throughout the ~rld~ Demands for protection against the tyrannical men and women throughout the ~rld. cemands fot protection against the tyrannical acts of Governments, for assurance~ against arbitrary or inhuman punishment, for acts of Governments, for assurance~l against arbitrary or inhuman punishment, for freedom of assembly and expression, for the rule of law, for better economic and freedom of assembly and expression, for the rule of law, for better economic and social conditions for all, these havs been among the most insistent themes of so~ia1 conditions for all, these havs been among the most insistent themes of political activity in many countries. These aspirations were embodied in the political activity in many countries. These aspirations were embodied in the Covenants as human rights.* Covenants as human rights.* The TWelve seek ~niversal observance of human rights. The Joint Declaration The Twelve seek t!niversal observance of human rights. The Joint Declaration of 5 April 1977 by the European Parliamant, the COuncil and the COmmission stressed of 5 April 1977 by the European Parliamant, the Council and the COmmission stressed the prime importance we attach to human~ri9hts. OUr Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the prime importance we attach to human~rights. OUr Foreign Ministers reaffirmed this in a declaration issued in Brussels on 21 July lS&G - circulated as General this in a declaration issued in Brussels on 21 July 1Sa~ - circulated as Gene~al Assembly document A/41/607 - in which they set out the principles of the Twelve in Assembly document A/ql/607 - in which they set out the principles of the Twelve in the human rights field. In this declaration they called for universal ratification the hum3n rights field. In this declaration they called for universal ratification of the major united Nations human rights instruments. Central among these are the of the major united Nations human rights instruments. Central among these are the two great COvenants whose adoption we are celebrating today. They proclaimed high two great COvenants whose adoption we are celebrating today. They proclaimed high but attainable standards for the pLctection and promotion of human rights to which but attainable standards for the p~~tection and promotion of human rights to which all States should conform. all States should conform. *Mr ~ Macie1 (Brazil), 'lice-President, took t~la Chair. *Mr ~ Maciel (Brazil), 'lice-President, took t~le Chair. (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) And they gave effect to the commitment in Articles 55 and 56 of the Charter to make And they gave effect to the commitment in Articles 55 and 56 of the Charter to make the promotion of human rights the legitimate and continuous duty of the ~rld the promotion of human rights the legitimate and continuous duty of the ~rld community. Thus for the first· time machinery was established under the ~uspices of community. Thus for the first· time machinery was established under the ~uspices of the United Nations to consider the fulfilment by States of their international the United Nations to consider the fulfilment by States of their international obligation to respect and to ensure to all individuals sUbject to their . obligation to respect and to ensure to all individuals sUbject to their . jurisdiction certain human rights. The Twelve again urge those countries which jurisdiction certain human rights. The Twelve again urge those countries which have not yet done so to consider ratifying or acceding to the C~venantsand the have not yet done so to consider ratifying or acceding to the C~venantsand the Optional Protocol as soon as possible to enable them to become truly universal. Optional Protocol as soon as possible to enable them to become truly universal. The adoption of the Covenants and the Optional Protocol was a major The adoption of the Covenants and the Optional Protocol was a major achievement, but we must not rest on our laurels. Setting standards cannot protect achievement, but we must not rest on our laurels. Setting standards cannot protect human rights if the standards laid down are the~ b16tantly disregarded. We are human rights if the standards laid down are the~ b16tantly disregarded. We are constantly reminded that human rights are still being grievously violated in very constantly reminded that human rights are still being grievously violated in very many parts of the world, even in certain countries which are party to the many parts of the world, even in certain countries which are party to the Covenants 0 Ratificatio~ is not enough. Implementation is the essential task Covenants 0 Ratificatio~ is not enough. Implementation is the essential task before us. before us. We must be vigilant to defend essential freedoms where they exist and make We must be vigilant to defend essential freedoms where they exist and make practical efforts to extend them elsewhere. States parties to the Covenants have a practical efforts to extend them elsewhere. States parties to the Covenants have a legal obligation to ensure that their actions are in line with the provisions of legal obligation to ensure that their actions are in line with the provisions of the Covenants. And at the international level we must ensure ever gzeater the Covenants. And at the international level we must ensure ever gzeater observation of the obligations which have alremdy been accepted. This can be done observation of the obligations which have alremdy been accepted. This can be done in a' number of ways. It can be done by making more effective use of the machinery in a' number of ways. It can be done by making more effective use of the machinery which already exists to monitor the implementation of the standards in the which already exists to monitor the implementation of the standards in the Covenants, the Human Rights Committee and the newly established Com~ittee on Covenants, the Human Rights Committee and the newly established Com~ittee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Where States parties have made the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Where States parties have made the declaration provided fer in article 41 of the International Covenant on Civil and declaration provided fer in article 41 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights there is further provision for monitoring implementation. It can Political Rights there is further provision for monitoring implementation. It can (Sir John Thomson, United Kingdom) (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) also be done through the activities and procedures of United Nations bodies such a8 also be done through the activities and procedures of united Nations bodies such a8 the Commission on Human Rights and the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of the Commission on Human Rights and the Sub-Commission on the Prevention of Discrimination a~ the Protection of Minorities. Discrimination a~ the Protection of Minorities. All those activities need to be pursued ~rgently. The adeauacy and All those activities need to be pursued ~rgently. The adeauacy and effectiveness of the united Nations machinery also need to be kept under constant effectiveness of the united Nations machinery also need to be kept under constant review. As Sir Geoffrey Howe made clear in our general debate, on 23 September, in review. As Sir Geoffrey Howe made clear in our general debate, on 23 September, in his speech on behalf of the European Community and its Member States, the Twelve his speech on behalf of the European Community and its Member States, the Twelve attach particular importance to maintaining and strengthening the mechanisms attach particular importance to maintaining and strengthening the mechanisms established by the united Nations for the protection of human rights. It is established by the United Nations for the protection of human rights. It is essential that the necessary resources should continue to be made available for essential that the necessary resources should continue to be made available for this purpose. this purpose. The task'before us is ~ large one and one that does not fall solely to The task'before us is ~ large one and one that does not fall solely to governmental organizations. Non-governmental organizations and individuals have governmental organizations. Non-governmental organizations and individuals have made valuable and courageous contributions, which the Twelve salute, to the made valuable and courageous contributions, which the Twelve salute, to the promotion and protection of h~~an rights. promotion and protection of human rights. Information, education and publicity, too, are important tools for the Information, education and publicity, too, are important tools for the promotion of respect for and awareness of human rights. The Twelve attach great promotion of respect for and awareness of human rights. The Twelve attach great importance to the wide circulation of international human rights instruments, in importance to the wide circulation of international human rights instruments, in particular the universal Declaration and International Covenants, not only in all particular the Universal Declaration and International Covenants, not only in all official languages of the United Nations but also in other national languages. We official languages of the United Nations but also in other national languages. We reiterate the appeal made in our declaration of 21 July 1986 to all States to reiterate the appeal made in our declaration of 21 JUly 1986 to all States to enhance public awareness of the cause of human rights through educational enhance public awareness of the cause of human rights through educational programmes and by allowing non-governmental organizations freely to disseminate programmes and by allowing non-governmental organizations freely to disseminate human rights information. human rights information. On this anniversary the international community can indeed take satisfaction On this anniversary the international community can indeed take satisfaction in its achievements: the International Covenants r.epresent the broadest in its achievements: the International Covenants r.epresent the broadest (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) (Sir John Thomson, united Kingdom) international codification of accepted standards for huw~n rights. But this should international codification of accepted standards for huw~n rights. But this should not be simply an occasion for self-congratulation or complacency. It should not be simply an occasion for self-congratulation or complacency. It should instead be the occasion for a renewed commitment by all Member States to the instead be the occasion for a renewed commitment by all Member states to the promotion of the ideals and objectives of the Covenants. The Twelve will play promotion of the ideals and objectives of the Covenants. The Twelve will play their full part in this•. their full part in this•. Mr. AGUILAR (Venezuela) (interpr~tation from S~anish): It is a true Mr. AGUILAR (Venezuela) (interpr~tation from S~anish): It is a true honour for the delegation of Venezuela and for me personally to be speaking at this honour for the delegation of Venezuela and for me personally to be speaking at this meeting commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the adoption b~ the General meeting commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the adoption b~ the General Assembly of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Assembly of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the OptfJnal the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the OptfJnal Protocol to the latte~ document. Protocol to the latte~ document. The General Assembly, when it adopted and proclaimea in resolution ~he General Assembly, when it adopted and proclaimea in resolution 217 A (111), of 10 December 1948, the universal Declaration of Human Rights, toc~ 217 A (111), of la December 1948, the universal Declaration of Human Rights, toc~ an extremely important step in t,~~ rrocess of developing the necessarily general, an extremely important step in t:'~~ rrocess of developing the necessarily general, but none the less imperative, norms in the United Nations Charter in the field of but none the less imperative, norms in the United Nations Charter in the field of human riqhts. However, from the outset it was intended that that Declaration would human riqhts. However, from the outset it was intended that that Declaration would be the first part of an international charter of human rights and would be be the first part of an international charter of human rights and would be supplemented subseauently by two others, one dealing with the definition of the supplemented subseauently by two others, one dealing with the definition of the rights and freedoms which would be the sUbject of international protection and the rights and freedoms which would be the SUbject of international protection and the other with the machinery for verification and control of their application. other with the machinery for verification and control of their application. As everybody knows, it was not found possible to carry out the original plan As everybody knows, it was not found possible to carry out the original plan because of disagreements that arose in the course of the work which followed the because of disagreements that arose in the course of the work which followed the adoption of the Universal Declaration. It must be recognized that the task of adoption of the Universal Declaration. It must be recognized that the task of drawing up juridically binding norms in this area was not an easy one, in view of drawing up juridically binding norms in this area was not an easy one, in view of the great differences that existed at the time, and still exist, between Member the great differences that existed at the time, and still exist, between Member States from the point of view of their respective ideologies, social and economic States from the point of view of their respective ideologies, social and economic (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) systems, culture and degree of development. Those difficulties, which were seen systems, culture and degrae of development. Those difficulties, which were seen very clearly in the p~eparatory work on the two Covenants, explain why it took very clearly in the p~eparatory work on the two Covenants, explain why it took 18 years to draw them up. Fortunately, thanks ,the faith and perseverence of 18 years to draw them up. Fortunately, thllnks ., the faith and perseverence of many men and women who worked tire1eeJsly year after year, it was f.inally possible ma~y Iften and women who worked tireleeJsly year after year, it was £.inally possible to adopt those international instruments, although it was necessary to wait for to adopt those international instruments, although it was necessary to wait for about 10 years before they actually came into force. about 10 years before they actually came into force. This ls not the time to go into the background of the lc"g ana conplex process This is not the time to go into the background of the 1c.l:.g ana conplex process of the drafting of those Covenants al~ the Optional Protocol. I shall confine of the drafting of those Covenants a~~ the Optional Protocol. I shall confine myself to saying that after lengthy deliberations on whether civil and political ~self to saying that after lengthy deliberations on whether civil and political dghts and economic, social and cultural rights should be dealt with in a siGgle dghts and economic, social and cultural rights should be dealt with in a 8i[i91e instrument, it wa~ finally decided to deal with the two categories of rights instrument, it wa~ finally decided to deal with the two categories of rights separately, it being understood that both the Covenants would have the same separately, it being understood that both the Covenants would have the smue importance and equal status. importance and equal status. (Mr. !guilar, Venezuela) (Mr. !guilar, Venezuela) It is significant in this connection that both these Covenants were adopted on It is si911ificant in this connection that both these Covenants were adopted on the same day and came into force in the same year, namely, 1976, on 3 January in the same day and came into force in the same year, namely, 1976, on 3 January in the case of the International Covenant on Economic, SOcial and Cultural Rights, and the case of the International Covenant on Economic, SOcial and Cultural Rights, and 23 March, in the case of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 23 March, in the case of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol. It is not possible in a Declaration of this kind to and the Optional Protocol. It is not possible in a Declaration of this kind to carry out a detaile!J examination of the rights which are defined and protected in carry out a detaile!! examination of the rights which are defined and protected in these Covenants. Suffice it to say, in this connection, that these two documents these Covenants. Suffice it to say, in this connection, that these two documents lay down those rights which are generally recognized as deserving of international lay down those rights which are generally recognized as deserving of international protection in either category. This does not mean, of course v that the list of protection in either category. This does not mean, of course v that the list of rights and freedoms which should be internationally protected should necessarily be rights and freedoms which should be internationally protected should necessarily be confined to those laid down in the two Covenants. This list could well be confined to those laid down in the two Covenants. This list could well be broadened, and this will undoubtedly be done as soon as the various international broadened, and this will undoubtedly be done as soon as the various international societies require it and as soon as there is general agreement about the need to societies require it and as soon as there is general agreement about the need to modify the Covenants or to adopt new international instruments to deal with these modify the Covenants or to adopt new international instruments to deal with these new requirements. But, as practice has indicated, what is perhaps as important - new requirements. But, as practice has indicated, what is perhaps as important - perhaps even more important - as identifying and defining the rights protected perhaps even more important - as identifying and defining the rights protected internationally, is the question of the ways and means o~ verifying and monitoring internationally, is the question of the ways and means o~ verifying and monitoring the impl~mentation and performance of the obligations assumed by the various States the impl~mentation and performance of the obligations assumed by the various States parties to the various agreements on human rights. parties to the various agreements on human rights. It is particularly interesting, in this connection, to refer to the valuable It is particularly interesting, in this connection, to refer to the valuable experience gained by the Committee established pursuant to the International experience gained by the Committee established pursuant to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which has been in existence for more than Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which has been in existence for more than la years now. First, it should be pointed out that this experience shows how la years now. First, it should be pointed out that this experience shows how appropriate it was to entrust the delicate task of verifying and controlling the appropriate it was to entrust the delicate task of verifying and controlling the implementation of the international instruments on the promotion and protection of implementation of the international instruments on the promotion and protection of human rights to organs made up of experts serving in their personal capacity. As human rights to organs made up of experts serving in their personal capacity. As is well known, pursuant to article 28 of the International Covenant on Civil and is well known, pursuant to article 28 of the International Covenant on Civil and (Kr. !guiler, Venezuela) (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) Political Rights, the Committee which'carries out this work is made up of Political Rights, the Committee which'carries out this work is made up of 18 sembers, nationals of States partiesi who are persons of great moral integrity, 18 Members, nationals of States parties l who are persons of great moral integrity, of recognized authority in human rights matters, and who are elected and perform of recognized authority in human rights matters, and who are elected and perform their functions in a personal capacity. The fact that according to article 30 of their functions in a personal capacity. The fact that according to article 30 of the same Covenant, the members of the Committee, in order to be elected, require the same Covenant, the members of the Committee, in order to be elected, require not merely the largest number of votes but an absolute majority of votes of the not merely the largest number of votes but an absolute majority of votes of the repr.esentatives of states Parties present and voting, contributes to election of repr.esentatives of states Parties present and voting, contributes to election of screened c~ndidates. screened c~ndidates• -This composition, to a large extent, also makes it possible to avoid the . This composition, to a large extent, also makes it possible to avoid the politicization of these functions, which unfortunately happened in the work of politicization of these functions, which unfortunately happened in the work of similar organs made up of governmental representatives~ similar organs made up of governmental representatives~ We are therefore very pleased that this experience has served as a model for We are therefore very pleased that this experience has served as a model for the recent creation of a Committee to IOOnitor the iuplementation of the the recent creation of a Committee to IOOnitor the iD1?lementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, whose members were International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, whose members were elected in a personal capacity by the Economic and Social Council on 22 May of this elected in a personal capacity by the Economic and Social Council on 22 May of this year. year. Basically, the functions of verifying and monitoring the implementation of Basically, the functions of verifying and monitoring the implementation of these Covenants is carried out through 3 well-tried machinery of examining ~he these Covenants is carried out through 3 well-tried machinery of examining the reports periodically filed by States Parties, in accordance with articles 16 and 17 reports periodically filed by States Parties, in accordance with articles 16 and 17 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and of the International Covenant on Economic, SOcial and Cultural Rights and article 40 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. article 40 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Once again, the experience gained in the Human Rights Committee, established Once again, the experience gained in the Human Rights Committee, established under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, enables us to under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, enables us to evaluate the usefulness of this machinery. Since its creation in 1977, the evaluate the usefulness of this machinery. Since its creation in 1977, the Committee has considered more than 80 reports filed by States Parties. It should Committee has considered more than 80 reports filed by States Parties. It should be pointed out that during that period it studied the first report which, in be pointed out that during that period it studied the first report which, in accordance with article 40 of the Covenant, is to be presented by all States accordance with article 40 of the Covenant, is to be presented by all States (Mr. Aguilar" Venezuela) (Mr. Aguilar" Venezuela) parties one year after the entry into force of the Covenant for each of those parties one year after the entry into force of the Covenant for each of those countries respectively, and it has now started to consider the second periodic countries respectively, and it has now started to consider the second periodic report which, in accordance with the provisions adopted by the Committee and the report which, in accordance with the provisions adopted by the COllllittee and the option conferred upon it by article 40 of the COI1enant, has been submitted to it by option conferred upon it by article 40 of the COI7enant, has been submitted to it by certain States parties for examination. We see to what extent, therefore, this is certain states parties for examination. We see to what extent, therefore, this is a responsible task and how il'lp)rtant ~ is for states parties and for the Committee a responsible task and how iqK)rtant ~ is for States parties and for the Committee that there should be a constructive dialogue when these reports are studied. that there should be a constructive dialogue when these reports are stUdied. The Committee has also carried out an extremely important piece of work The Committee has also carried out an extremely important piece of work pursuant to the Optional Protocol to the lnternational Covenant on Civil and pursuant to the Optional Protocol to the Xnternational Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Unfortunately, only 37 States are at present parties to that Political Rights. Unfortunately, only 37 States are at present parties to that Protocol, which, as we know, authorizes the Committee to receive and consider Protocol, which, as we know, authorizes the Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals who are under the jurisdiction of a state Party and communications from individuals who are under the jurisdiction of a State Party and who ~laim to be victims of a violations by that State of any of the rights who ~laim to be victims of a violations by that State of any of the rights enunciated in the Covenant. In this connection, it should be p:§linted out that in enunciated in the Covenant. In this connection, it should be p:ginted out that in 1985 a volume was published which contains a selection of decisions taken by the 1985 a volume was published which contains a selection of decisions taken by the Committee pursuant to that Protocol between the second and sixteenth sessiona and Committee pursuant to that Protocol between the second and sixteenth session~ and there will shortly be published a second volume with a selection of decisions there will shortly be published a second volume with a selection of decisions adopted ~etween the seventeenth and twenty-eighth sessions. adopted ~etween the seventeenth and twenty-eighth sessions. Special mention should also be made of the general comments of the Committee Special mention should also be made of the general comments of the Committee on Civil and Political Rights on various provisions contained in the Covenant, in on Civil and Political Rights on various provisions contained in the Covenant, in order to acquaint states Parties with their sense and scope, and also to facilitate order to acquaint States Parties with their sense and scope, and also to facilitate the implementation and the preparation of periodic reports. the implementation and the preparation of periodic reports. The Committee's report contains a detailed description of the work carriea out I during the last three sessions of the Council. This is an eloquent demonstration The Committee's report contains a detailed description of the work carrie" out I during the last three sessions of the Council. This is an eloquent demonstration of ~he very serious and constructive done by the body. of ~he very serious and constructive done by the body. (Mr. ~uilar, Venezuela) (Mr. ~uilar, Venezuela) unfortunately, because of the financial crisis whi~ now besets the Unfortunately, because of the financial crisis whi~ now besets the Organization, the session to be held in OCtober and November of this year was Organization, the session to be held in October and November of this year was cancelled. It is to be hoped that this situation will not recur next year, because cancelled. It is to be hoped that this situation will not recur next year, because the C~ittee cannot efficiently perform its duties pursuant to the Covenant and the CQamittee cannot efficiently perform its duties pursuant to the Covenant and the Optional Protocol if the three sessions which it has been holding since it was the Optional Protocol 1f the three sessions which it has been holding since it was cremted are now reduced to two. To confine the activities of the Committee to two cre~ted are now reduced to two. To confine the activities of the Committee to two sessions with a six-month interval between each would have a serious impact on the sessions with a six-month interval between each would have a serious impact on the consideration of the periodic reports of States parties, particularly in the case consideration of the periodic reports of States parties, particularly in the case of individual communications which are submitted for their conside~ation pursuant of individual communications which are submitted for their considecation pursuant to the Optional Protocol. The result undoubtedly would be a backlog, or to the Optional Protocol. The result undoubtedly would be a backlog, or superficial consideration of these reports, and very often proper attention would superficial consideration of these reports, and very often proper attention would not be given to individual complaints. We are confid~nt that these points will be not be given to individual complaints. We are confid~nt that these points will be duly taken into acco~t when next year's calendar is drawn up. duly taken into acco~t when next year's calendar is drawn up. Attention should also be drawn to the fact that the number of States Parties Attention should also be drawn to the fact that the number of States Parties to both of these Covenants and the Optional Protocol are Jtill very limited. As of to both of these Covenants and the Optional Protocol are Jtill very limited. As of 1 August 1986, according to the report of the Secretary-General contained in 1 August 1986, according to the report of the Secretary-General contained in document A/41/S09, the International Covenant on Economic, SOcial and Cultural document A/4l/S09, the International Covenant on Economic, SOcial and Cultural Rights, had been ratified or acceded to by 87 States, the International Covenant on Rights, had been ratified or acceded to by 87 States, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by 83 States, and the Optional Protocol by 37 S~tes. Civil and Political Rights by 83 States, and the Optional Protocol by 37 s~tes. Thus, scarcely more than half of the States Members of the Organization have Thus, scarcely more than half of the States Members of the Organization have ratified or acceded to these two international instruments and the Optional ratified or acceded to these two international instruments and the Optional Protocol. Therefore, we would urge all Member States of the Organization, which Protocol. Therefore, we would urge all Member States of the Organization, which have not yet done so, to become parties to both of the Covenants and to the have not yet done so, to become parties to both of the Covenants and to the Optional Protocol, so that these instruments can be of a trUly universal Optional Protocol, so that these instruments can be of a trUly universal character. Of course, ratification and accession to these Covenants is extremely , character. Of course, ratification and accession to these Covenants is extremely important, but what is even more important is strict compliance by States which important, but what is even more important is strict compliance by States which have already become parties to these international instruments. have already become parties to these international instruments. (Mr. Agui1ar~ Venezuela) (Mr. Aguilar~ Venezuela) In conclueion, we should like to express our gratitude to the In conclueion, we should like to express our gratitude to the S~_~~tary-General for the support which he hss never failed to give to the task of SE._~C"tary-General for the support which he h!ls never failed to give to the task of promoting and protecting human rights. The assistance provided by the Centre for promoting and protecting human rights. The assistance provided by the Centre for Humar. Rights regarding .the iq)lementation of the Covenants and the Optional Huma... Rights regarding .the iq)lementation of the Covenants and the Optional Protocol has undoubtedly been an important factor in the fulfilment of the tasks Protocol has undoubtedly been an important factor in the fulfilment of the tasks entrusted to the bodies established to ensure tbeir inplementation. The programme entrusted to the bodies established to ensure their inplementation. The programme of advil!Ory services in the field of human rights and technical assistance to of advil30ry services in the field of human rights and technical assistance to States not parties to the Convenants in order to help them sUbse~ently to ratify States not parties to the COnvenants in order to help them subse~ently to ratify or accede to these documents deserve particular mention, as does the very important or accede to these documents deserve particular mention, as does the very important work carried out to ensure that tbe widest possible pUblicity is given to these . Covenants and to the steps taken towards their effective implementation. work carried out to ensure that the wi~est possible pUblicity is given to these . Covenants and to the steps taken towards their effective implementation. Mr. CESAR (Czechoslovakia) (interpretation from Russian): I have the Mr. CESAR (Czechoslovakia) (interpretation from Russian): I have the honour to make the following statement as the Chairman of the Group of Eastern honour to make the following statement as the Chairman of the Group of Eastern European States. European states. This sole~ meeting of the united Nations Gener~l Assembly dedicated to the This sole1JU1 meeting of the united Nations Gener~l AsseJllbly dedicated to the twe~tieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human twe~tieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rig~ts takes place in a year which the United Nations ha~ declared the Rig~ts takes place in a year which the united Nations ha~ declared the International Year of Peace. There io a deep symbolic connection between these two International Year of Peace. There io a deep symbolic connection between these two events. events. More than 40 years ago the ideal of preserVing peace constituted the More than 40 years ago the ideal of preserVing peace constituted the foundation for the establishment of our Organization. The founding Members of the foundation for the establishment of our Organization. The founding Members of the United Nations declared in the Charter that they were determined to save succeeding United Nations declared in the Charter that they were determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human generations from the scourge of war, reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the eaual rights of men rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the eaual rights of men and women, and undertook to promote social progress and better standards of life. and women, and undertook to promote social progress and better standards of life. The United NatiGns drew an important conclusion from ~he tragic experience of the The United NatiGns drew an important conclusion from ~he tragic experience of the Second Worl~ ~ar, which had brought about a massive and most flagrant denial of the Second World ~ar, which had brought about a massive and most flagrant denial of the rights of entire nations and millions of defenceless victims. The p~rpose of rights of entire nations and mlllions of defenceless victims. The p~rpose of establishing the United Nations was to guarantee the fundamental rights of every .. establishing the United Nations was to guarantee the fundamental rights of every .. person and every nation, the right to life in the conditions necessary for human person cnd every nation, the right to life in the conditions necessary for human dignity. dignity. In addition to the efforts exer~ed by the United Nations to prevent war, its In addition to the efforts exerted by the united Nations to prevent war, its efforts devoted to formulating international norms in the field of human rights are efforts devoted to formulating international norms in the field of human rights are of outstanding importance. The Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights, adopted and of outstanding importance. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted and proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution 217 A (Ill), of 10 December 1948, proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution 211 A (Ill), of 10 December 1948, has found specific reflection in more than 50 currently valid intern~tional has found specific reflection in more than 50 currently valid intern~tional treaties and agreements. Far from belittling the significance of other treaties and agreements. Far from belitt!ing the significance of other international instruments, we consider that the International Covenants on Ruman international instruments, we consider that the International Covenants on Human Rights, whose twentieth anniversary we are observing today, pursuant to General Rights, whose twentieth anniversary we are observing today, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 40/114, of 13 December 1985, entitled -Indivisibility and Assembly resolution 40/114, of 13 December 1985, entitled ·Indivisibility and interdependence of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights-, rightly interdependence of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights·, rightly holds a central place in this area of international co-ope~ation. holds a central place in this area of international co-ope~ation. The formulation of the text of the Covenants constituted a decisive stage in The formulation of the text of the Covenants constituted a decisive stage in the 18 years of work of the United Nations in the field of human rights. 'Their the 18 years of work of the United Nations in the field of human rights. 'Their adoption by the General Assembly on 16 December 1966 was a major step forward adoption by the General Assembly on 16 December 1966 was a major step forward towarda the achievement of the goals of CO-OPeration and the enhancement and towarda the achievement of the goals of co-operation and the enhancement and promotion of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, as set promotion of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, as set forth in the United Nations Charter. forth in the United Nations Charter. The lasting importance of the Covenants lies in the fact that they were the The lasting importance of the Covenants lies in the fact that they were the first instruments establishing the fundamental principles and norms of first instruments establishing the fundamental principles and norms of international co-operation in the humanitarian field in a form that was legally international co-operation in the humanitarian field in a form that was legally binding on States. The adoption of the Covenants on Ruman Rights also meant binding on States. The adoption of the Covenants on Human Rights also meant international recognition of the principles of the self-determination of nations, international recognition of the principles of the self-determination of nations, the inalienable right of nations to their natural resources and the equality of the inalienable right of nations to their natural resources and the equality of human beings, without discrimination. (Mr. Cesar, Czechoslovakia) (Mr. Cesar, Czechoslovakia) Taken as a whble - because that ia how they have to be viewed - the Covenants Taken as a whble - because that ia how they have to be viewed - the Covenants on Ruman Rights encompass the whole r.ange of fUndamental human rights and on Ruman Rights encompass the whole r.ange of fUndamental human ri~hts and freedoms. They prohibit war propaganda by lawJ they show that the safeguarding of freedoms. They prohibit war propaganda by law. they show that the safeguarding of human rights, primaril~ the right to 11fe, is dependent upon the maintenance of human rights, primari1~ the right to life, is dependent upon the maintenance of peace and security on our planetJ they confirm the indivisibility and peace and security on our planet. they confirm the indivisibility and interdependence of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. interdependence of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. Naturally, all States that participated in the drafting of the Covenants and Naturally, all States that participated in the drafting of the Covenants and voted for their adoption at the twenty-first session of the General Assembly were voted for their adoption at the twenty-first session of the General Assembly were gui~ed on the one hand by the noble goals of the United Nations Charter and on the guided on the one hand by the noble goals of the united Nations Charter and on the other by the real possibilities of their: respective socio-political systems. It other by the real possibilities of their: respective socio-political systems. It should be recalled that the adoption of the two Covenants at the 1496th meeting of should be recalled that the adoption of the two Covenants at the l496th meeting of the twenty-first session of the United Nations General Assembly, on the twenty-first session of the United Nations General Assembly, on 16 December 1966, was unanimous. That action confirmed that co-operation among 16 December 1966, was unanimous. That action confirmed that co-operation among States with different social systems was possible and beneficial, even in such a States with different social systems was possible and beneficial, even in such a sensitive area as this one, which is strongly marked by differences in ideological sensitive area as this one, which is strongly marked by differences in ideological approaches. approaches. The importance and weight of the Covenants on Ruman Rights consist, The importance and weight of the Covenants on Human Rights consist, inter alia, in the fact that their compromise provisions form a solid foundation inter alia, in the fact that their compromise provisions form a solid foundation for the further elaboration of international legal standards and norms in for the further elaboration of international legal standards and norms in individual, specific areas. individual, specific areas. . During the time that has passed since their establishment, the two . During the time that has passed since their establishment, the two international mechanisms designed to monitor the implementation of the Covenants by international mechanisms designed to monitor the implementation of the Covenants by innividualstates have accomplished a great deal of beneficial work. There is no innividualStates have accomplished a great deal of beneficial work. There is no doubt that their functioning could be made more effective if more States acceded to doubt that their functioning could be made more effective if more states acceded to the Covenants and the approach were absolutely equal in relation to the two the Covenants and the approach were absolutely equal in relation to the two categories of human rights, on the one hand civil and political and on the other categories of human rights, on the one hand civil and political and on the other economic, soc1al and cultural. Anyone-sided interpretation of standards based on economic, soc1al and cultural. Anyone-sided interpretation of standards based on (Mr" Cesar, Czechoslovakia) (Mr.. Cesar, Czechoslovakia) the exclusivity of any legal or social system will impede rather thaln promote the the excluaivity of any legal or Eloclal system will impede rather tluln promote the universal implementation of the Covenants. Attempts to that end are both univerBal implementation of the Covenants. Attempts to that end are both unre~11stic a~ detrimental to the foundation ~ which states have agreed with a unrealistic a~ aetrtmental to the foundation ~ which states have agreed with a view to developing co-operation in the advancement of human rights. view to developing co-operation in the advancement of human rights. We regard current international law in the field of human rights as a means ©f We regard current international law in the field of human rights as a means international co-operation aimed at ~trengthening peace, but not as a means of international co-operation aimed at ~trengthenin9 peace, but not as a means of justifying the policy of interference in the internal affairs of other Stat~s. justifying the policy of interference in the internal affairs of other Stat~s. There have be~n time£ in history when crusades have been organized in order to There have been time~ in history when crusades have been organized in order to suppress people of other religious beliefs, when interventions have been launched suppress people of other religious beliefs, when interventions have been launched in the name of the protection of one's own citizens and their property abroad and in the name of the protection of one's own citizens and their property abroad and when entire nations have been subjugated on the pretext of oonferring on the when entire nations have been subjugated on the pretext of oonferring on the So-called values of civilization. Regrettably, similar interpretations are used SO-called values of civilization. Regrettably, similar interpretations are used even now by certain States to justify their interventions or so-called punitive even now by certain States to justify their interventions or so-called punitive sanctions. sanctions. In the: context of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenants In the: context of tlle twentieth anniversary of the a~ption of the Covenants it is especially alarming that certain St&tes continue to pursue a policy of it is especially alarming that certain St&tes contiltue to Plrsue a policy of boycotting the International Covenants on BumW1 Rights. It is much easier to make boycotting the International Covenants on Hum~1 Rights. It is mch easier to make high-flown speeches about ~espect for human rights and to give all kinds of lessons high-flown SPeeches about ~espect for human rights and to give all kinds of lessons in that regard than to fulfil to the full extent of their scope the obligations set in that regard than to fulfil to the full extent of their scope the obligations set forth in international instruments, primarily in such significant international forth in international instruments, primarily in such significant international covenants as those relating to human rights. covenants as those relating to human rights. It was already known to lawyers in ancient Rome that once States sign and It was already known to lawyers in ancient Rome that once States sign and ratify international treaties they have to abide by them, because pacta sunt ratify international treaties they have to abide by them, because pacta sunt servanda - agreements must be observed. It is difficult to understand the servanda - agreements must be observed. It is difficult to understand the obstacles preventing certain States from implementing generally acceptable obstacles preventing certain States from tmplementing generally acceptable compromise norms in the field of human rights. Socialist count~ies attach great compromise norms in the field of human rights. SOCialist count~ies attach great importance to international co-operation in the implementation of the provisions of importance to international co-operation in the implementation of the provisions of the Covenants, as well as in other humanitarian matters. SOcialist, democratic the Covenants, as well as in other humanitarian matters. SOcialist, democratic revolutions have not been carried out in our count~ies in order to achieve some revolutions have not been carried out in our countr:ies in order to achieve some sort of world hegemony but rather to fre~ us from oppression and deprivation of sort of world hegemony but rather to fre!? us from oppression and deprivation of rights and safeguard the free development of each individual and the full exercise rights and safeguard the free development of each individual and the full exercise of all his political, civil, social, economic and cultural rights. of all his political, civil, social, economic and cultural rights. For socialism, full recognition and constitutional enactment of the entire For socialism, full recognition and constitutional enactment of the entire complex of human rights as an indissoluble whole is just the first step, the complex of human rights as an indissoluble whole is just the first step, the starting point. we put emphasis primarily on the genuine ensuring and safeguarding starting point. we put emphasis primarily on the genuine ensuring and safeguarding of all rights for every member of society. Care for the well-being of man, genuine of all rights for every member of society. Care for the well-being of man, genuine implementation of his right to work, education, housing and social welfare, time implementation of his right to work, education, housing and social welfare, time off for work and medical services and participation in the management of the off for work and medical services and participation in the management of the affairs of the State, society and the production collective - all this constitutes affairs of the State, society and the production collective - all this constitutes the essence of both the policy and the practice of socialist States and societies. the essence of both the policy and the practice of socialist States ana societies. In a socialist society the freedoms, human rights and dignity of the human In a socialist society the freedoms, human rights and dignity of the human individual have real content, the unity of rights and duties is safeguarded, thp same laws and ethical norms apply to everyone and ever better conditions are being ,j created for the all-around develo~nt of the human individual. l~s new stages are same laws and ethical norms apply to everyone and ever better conditions are being ,j created for the all-around develo~nt of the human individual. l~s new stages are reached in the socio-economic development of the socialist countries the rights and reached in the socio-econoDdc development of the socialist countries the rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens acquire new eont~nt. For example, democracy and fundamental freedoms of citizens acquire new content. For example, democracy and socialist self-government b¥ the people are enhanced by ever br~der involvement of socialist self-government by the people are enhanced by ever br~der involvement of citizens in the management of State and social affairs, and the well-being of the citizens in the management of State and social affairs, and the well-being of the people is raised to a qualitatively new level. people is raised to a qualitatively new level. OUr approach is based on the premise that in the present circumstance~ the OUr approach is based on the premise that in the present circumstances. the main objective of intelnational co-operation in matters rel~tin9 to human rights is main objective of intel~ational co-operation in matters rel~tin9 to human rights is to create appropriate, truly human material and spiritual conditions for all nations to create appropriate, ttuly human material and spiritual conditions for all nations and every individual. We are convinced that the true safeguarding of the right of and every individual. We are convinced that the true safeguarding of the right of every nation to peace and of every human being to life upens up wider possibilities every nation to peace and of every human being to life upens up wider possibilities also for increased international co-operation in the sphere of human rights. also for increased international co-operation in the sphere of human righte. Kr. BIBRRING (Denmark): I have the honour to dpeak on behalf of the five Mr. BIERRING (Denmar k) : I have the honour to .3peak on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, SWeden and my own country, Denmark. Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, SWeden and my own country, Denmark. One of the most important achievements of the United Nations has been the One of the most important achievements of the United Nations has been the extensive codification of human rights. Today we join the entire membership in extensive codification of human rights. Today we join the entire membership in celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, SOcial and Cultural Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Together with the universa~ Declaration of Human Rights, they form an Rights. Together with the universa~ Declaration of Human Rights, they form an international bill of rights, the corner-stone on which all subsequent efforts in international bill of rights, the corner-stone on which all subsequent efforts in this field are based. this field are based. Since the Covenants were .adopted by the General Assenbly, only about half the Since the Covenants were .adopted by the General Assenbly, only about half the Member States have acceded to them and only one third of those have acceded to the Member States have acceded to them and only one third of those have acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Let us use this Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Let us use this anniversary not only to celebrate an important achievement in the history of anniversary not only to celebrate an important achievement in the history of mankind but also to urge all those States which still have not ratified them to do mankind but also to urge all those States which still have not ratified them to do so as soon as possible. so as soon as possible. The COvenants dealcwith the rights of the individ~al human being and are The COvenants dealtwith the rights of the Indlvid~al human being and are designed to protect him or her against the encroachment of State power~ Respect designed to protect him or her against the encroachment of State power~ Respect for the rights of the individual is a fundamental princ'lple underlying the approach for the rights of the individual is a fundamental princ'lple underlying the approach of the NOrdic countries to international issues. We believe in the overriding of the Nordic countries to international issues. We believe in the overriding importance of these rights and in the need for States to respect them scrupulously. importance of these rights and in the need for States to respect them scrupulously. We note that many international problems which cause grave human suffering We note that many international problems which cause grave human SUffering derive from the failure of States to recognize the dignity and worth of the human derive from the failure of Stats9 to recognize the dignity and worth of the human being. It is our conviction that all human rights - civil, political, social, being. It is our conviction that all human rights - civil, political, social, economic and cultural - must be respected and promoted as essential elements of an economic and cultural - must be respected and promoted as essential elements of an integral system for the protection of the individual. integral system for the protection of the individual. We take this opportunity to repeat once again that by accepting the Charter We take this opportunity to repeat once again that by accepting the Charter States also accept that human rights violations are a legitimate concern of the States also accept that human rights violations are a legitimate concern of the United Nations, indeed, a necessary one if the Organization is to fu~fil its united NationsJ indeed, a necessary one if the Organization is to fUlfil its purposes and preserve its credibility. This concern must be universal and purposes and preserve its credibility. This concern must be universal and evenhanded. It must extend ~qually to all violations, wherever they occur and evenhanded. It must extend equally to all violations, wherever they occur and under whatever political, ~ocial or religious system. under whatever political, ~ocial or religious system. In other words, efforts by the United Nations to promo'te and protect human In other words, efforts by the united Nations to promo'te and protect human rights do not constitute interference in the internal affairs of States. This rights do not constitute interference in the internal affairs of States. This general conclusion is apparently shared by all. We hope, therefore, that Member general conclusion is apparently shared by all. We hope, therefore, that Member States will refrain from rejecting as interference in their internal affairs States will refrain from rejecting as interference in their internal affairs allegations that they have violated human rights. allegations that they have violated human rights. Unfortunately, there is often a wide gap between the words of the Covenants- Unfortunately, there is often a wide gap between the words of the COvenants· and reality in many parts of the world. Let us devote our efforts to ensuring that and reality in many parts of the world. Let us devote our efforts to ensuring that by the time of the next anniversary many more Member States will have ac~eded to by the time of the next anniversary many more Member States will have ac~eded to these instruments, and above all to their full implementation in all parts of the these instruments, and above all to their full implementation in all parts of the world.* world.* *Mr. Ogouma (Benin), Vice-President, took the Chair. Mr .KIKUQlI (Japan): My ~elegation has the honour to speak as one of the Mr .KIKUQlI (Japan): My ~elegation has the honour to speak as one of the three representing the Group of Asian states in commemoration of the twentieth three representing the Group of Asian states in commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rights. It is anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rights. It is clear that the substantial progress in ensuring respect for fundamental human clear that the substantial progress in ensuring respect for fundamental human rights is due to the painstaking efforts made by those who have devoted themselves rights is due to the painstaking efforts made by those who have devoted themselves to this cause. We also recognize that there is still mch to be done bef':)re these to this cause. We also recognize that there is still III.1ch to be done bef':)re these basic rights are universally honoured and fully implemented, goals which we believ~ basic rights are universally honoured and fully implemented, goals which we believe are closely connected to the realization of world peace. are closely connected to the realization of world peace. My delegation believes that it would be worth while on this occasion to take a My delegation believes that it would be worth while on this occasion to take a brief look at the history of the international efforts to secure world-wide respect brief look at the history of the international efforts to secure world-wide respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, so that we may reaffirm our original for human rights and fundamental freedoms, so that we may reaffirm our original determination to achieve progress in this vitally important area. determination to achieve progress in this vitally important area. After the Second WOrld War, the Member States of this Organization reaffirmed After the Second WOrld War, the Member States of this Organization reaffirmed in the United Nations Charter their belief in fundamental human rights, and in 1948 in the united Nations Charter their belief in fundamental human rights, and in 1948 the~ adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provided the impetus the~ adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which provided the impetus for the world-wide efforts to establish concrete standards for the protection of for the world-wide efforts to establish concrete standards for the protection of the rights' of people everywhere. In this hall in 1966 the Memer States adopted the rights' of people everywhere. In this hall in 1966 the Memer States adopted the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as a means of realiZing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as a means of realizing the ideal expressed in the Universal Declaration. These two International Covenants ideal expressed in the Universal Declaration. These two International Covenants spurred efforts which led to the adoption of more than twenty additional spurred efforts which led to the adoption of more than twenty additional international instruments in this field. The more recent examples include the international instruments in this field. The more recent examples include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of piscrimination against WOmen, adopted Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of piscrimination against WOmen, adopted in 1979, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading in 1979, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment, adopted in 1984. Thus in the 1970s the emphasis shifted Treatment and Punishment, adopted in 1984. Thus in the 1970s the emphasis shifted to the implementation of existing humanitarian instruments. to the implementation of existing humanitarian instruments. This movement represented III significant change, since it leel to the This movement represented III significant change, since it led to the establishment of ways and means of ensuring the enforcement of the stanelarels on establishment of ways and means of ensuring the enforcement of the standards on which the international community had agreed. I am referring here to the inclusion which the international community had agreed. I am referring here to the inclusion of the s~alled enforcement clause regarding the agreements; the creation of the of the s~alled enforcement clause regarding the agreements; the creation of the mechanisms to eleal with appeals reg8reling the infringement of human rights; anel mechanisms to deal with appeals regarding the infringement of human rights; and mechanisms for the investigati~~ of violations of human rights by ael hoc organs. mechanisms for the investigati~~ of violations of human rights by ad hoc organs. The Uniteel Nations was to serve as a centre for the co-ordination of all these The United Nations was to serve as a centre for the co-ordination of all these funetions, in which regard my elelegation wishes to stre9S the crucial importance of funetions, in which regard my delegation wishes to stre~s the crucial importance of pu~~uing more systematic and co-orelinated methods of implementation. In this punuing more systematic and co-ordinated methods of implementation. In this connection, we note that only "bout half of all the Membelr States of the United connection, we note that only ,:sbout half of all the Membell: States of the United Nations have ratified these International Covenants. My delegation, therefore, Nations have ratified these International Covenants. My delegation, therefore, takes this opportunit:r to appeal to those which have not yet done so to take takes this opportunity to appeal to those which have not yet done so to take positive action so that the univeE'sality of those Covenants will be ensured. positive action so that the unive~sality of those Covenants will be ensured. It is true that remarkable progress has bef'\n made in the field of fundamental It is true that remarkable progress has bepn made in the field of fundamental human rights. However, it is also true that we still face many problems in this human rights. However, it is also true that we still face many problems in this field, at both the national and the international level. These difficulties are field, at both the national and the international level. These difficulties are often complicated by the differing political, ecC'~: ~iCf social and cultural systems often complicated by the d1ffering political, ece -: ~iCf social and cultural systems and traditions of the nations of the world. FUrthermore, these problems sometimes and traditions of the nations of the world. Furthermore, these problems sometimes cross national boundaries, which necessitates active co-operation at the cross national boundaries, which necessitates active co-operation at the international level. In this regard, my delegation wishes to give its assurance international level. In this regard, my delegation wishes to giv/! its assurance that Japan will work together with other Member States to contribute to the cause that Japan will work together with other Member States to contribute to the cause of human rights as IIllch as possible. of human rights as much as possible. In conclusion, my delegation wishes once again to request all Members of the In conclusion, my delegation wishes once again to request all Members of the united Nations to review what has been achieved and resolve to make further united Nations to review what has been achieved and resolve to make further progress. As for how we should proceed from now on, it is our belief that, progress. As for how we should proceed from now on, it is our belief that, although at times the going may be slow and rough, we must work steadily and although at times the going may be slow and rough, we must work steadily and pragmatically at the problems that confront us, since this is the only way to pragmatically at the problems that confront us, since this is the only way to realize universal respect for and observance of human rights. ~e twentieth anniversary of t~e adoption of the Internat~onal COvenants on ~e twentieth anniversary of t~e adoption of the Internat~onal COvenants on Human Rights is, therefore, a special occasion for us, for it is at this time that Human Rights is, therefore, a special occasion for us, for it is at this time that we recall the or~ginal spirit which inspired them, a spi~it which tends to slacken we recall the or~ginal spirit which inspired them, a spi~it which tends to slacken unless we give it our constant attention. unless we give it our constant attention. Mr. SAIJ\B (Jordan) (interpretation from Arabic) I I have the honour, as Mr. SALAB (Jordan) (interpretation from Arabic). I have the honour, as Chairman of one "If the delegations of the Arab Group, to ,fi1rticipate in this Chairman of one 'If the delegations of the Arab Group, to ,f'1rticipate in this meeting to commemorate the adoption of the International Covenant on Human Rights. meeting to commemorate the adoption of the International Covenant on Human Rights. Mankind's long and bitter Guffering prompted the creative human mind to develop Mankind's long and bitter ouffering prompted the creative human mind to develop instruments guaranteeing human rights and fundamental freedoms, in order to instruments guaranteeing human rights and fundamental freedoms, in order to maintain and protect the dignity of the human person on the basis of freedom and maintain and protect the dignity of the human person on the basis of freedom and equality, without discrimination as to sex, language, race or religion. The equality, without discrimination as to sex, language, race or religion. The leaders and thinkers o~ ~his era drafted international principles reflecting the leaders and thinkers o~ ~his era drafted international principles reflecting the highest aspiration of ~~~kind, the aspiration to create a world where the highest aspiration of ~~~kind, the aspiration to create a world where the individual would enjoy freedom of speech and religion and be free from any individual would enjoy freedom of speech and religion and be free from any intimidation and fear. So that these important and noble international instruments intimidation and fear. So that these important and noble international instruments should not remain a mexe aspiration or an unattainable goal, concerted should not remain a me~e aspiration or an unattainable goal, concerted international efforta were made to make them open to implementation in accordance international effortG were made to make them open to implementation in accordance with international arrangements, to monitor the implementation of their provisions with international arrangements, to monitor the implementation of their provisions and to develop general awareness of the need to preserve human ,rights. and to develop general awareness of the need to preserve human ,rights. In this context, the United Nations is, as always, playing a major fundamental In this context, the United Nations is, as always, playing a major fundamental role in safeguarding these instruments and monitc)ring their implementation on the role in safeguarding these instruments and monitf)r!ng their implementation on the basis of the fundamental principle of the Charter that the mai~tenance of basis of the fundamental principle of the Charter that the mai~tenance of individual human freedoms is tbe noblest aim o~ our collective endeavours. The individual human freedoms is the noblest aim o~ our collective endeavours. The peace~loving peoples of the world pledged their co-operation within the united peace~loving peoples of the world pledged their co-operation within the United Nations to maintai,n respect for human rights. Thereafter the General Assembly, on Nations to maintain respect for human rights. Thereafter the General Assembly, on 10 December 1948, adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the highest , , 10 Dece~ber 1948, adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the highest , , common ideal·for all peoples and nations, with the object of ensuring respect for common ideal.for all peoples and nations, with the object of ensuring respect for those rights ana freedoms. those rights ana freedoms. (Mr. 8alah, Jordan) (Mr. 8alah, Jordan) Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights embodied the basic Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights embodied the basic philosophical principles on which the Declaration is based, sayingI philosophical principles on which the Declaration is based, sayingI WAll human beings are born free· and equal in dignity and rights. They WAll human beings are born free· and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. w (reBOlut~on 217 A (Ill), Art. 1) spirit of brotherhood. w (reBOlut~on 217 A (Ill), Art. 1) The conviction of the need to comply with the provisions of the Oiarter, which The conviction of the need to comply with the provisions of the Oiarter, which calls for social development for mankind, for the improvement of standards of calls for social development for mankind, for the improvement of standards of livinr in 'an atmosphere of freedom and human rights and for fundamental freedoms, livin~' in 'an atmosphere of freedom and human rights and for fundamental freedoms, without discrimination, opened the way to the search for binding legal instruments without discrimination, opened the way to the search for binding legal instruments in the field of human rights to lay down the norms and commitments that all States in the field of human rights to lay down the norms and commitments that all States would have to abide by. Then began the search for texts to reflect those norms, would have to abide by. Then began the search for texts to reflect those norms, maintain the rights of mankind and, together with the Universal Declaration of maintain the rights of mankind and, together with the Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights, be the foundation of international legitimacy in th~ human rights Human Rights, be the foundation of international legitimacy in th~ human rights field. field. Following long discussions, involving long-lasting differences of opinion, in Following long discussions, involving long-lasting differences of opinion, in its resolution 2200 (XXI) of 1966 the General Assembly adopted the two its resolution 2200 (XXI) of 1966 the General Assembly adopted the two International COvenants on Human Rights, in addition to the Optional Protocol to International COvenants on Human Rights, in addition to the Optional Protocol to the International COvenant on Civ~l and Political Rights. Those COvenants entered the International COvenant on Civ~l and Political Rights. Those COvenants entered into force in 1976 - 10 years after their adoption. into force in 1976 - 10 years after their adoption. In accordance with resolution 40/114, of 13 December 1985, we are meeting In accordance with resolution 40/114, of 13 December 1985, we are meeting today to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the two today to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the two International COvenants on Ruman Rights. ~is important occasion, with its noble International COvenants on Human Rights. ~is important occasion, with its noble connotations, is a recognition of the importance the Organization attaches to human connotations, is a recognition of the importance the Organization attaches to human rights and fundamental freedoms. The adoption of the two COvenants and their rights and fundamental freedoms. The adoption of the two COvenants and their ratification have led to an increasing concern for the promotion of human rights ratification have led to an increasing concern for the promotion of human rights "' ••. 1' and the protection of man's fundamental fr~edoms. "' .... I' and the protection of manls fundamental freedoms. Despite our conviction of the importance of the two COvenants and their Despite our conviction of the importance of the two COvenants and their • universal character, that universality has ~t yet been achieved, because some I universal character, that universality has not yet been achieved, because some States have not yet acceded to the COvenants. Although we have gone a long way States have not yet acceded to the COvenants. Although we have gone a long way towards laying down international instruments that conform to the Charter, we have towards laying down international instruments that conform to the Charter, we have not always been able to put an end to the grave violations of human rights in many not always been able to put an end to the grave violations of human rights in many parts of the world. As individ~als and States, we are today called upon to ensure parts of the world. As individ~als and States, we are today called upon to ensure man's enjoyment of his fundamental freedoms. We must all co-operate in man's enjoyment of his fundamental freedoms. We must all co-operate in implementing one of the most important objectives of international action in this implementing one of the most important objectives of international action in this field, which is the broadening of the COh~~pt of national protection of field, which is the broadening of the COhc~pt of national protection of individuals, through the free acceptance of human rights instruments and the individuals, through the free acceptance of human rights instruments and the grafting of their spirit onto the national legislation of all countries. grafting of their spirit onto the national legislation of all countries. Mr. INGLES (Philippines)1 When the General Assembly adopted the Mr. INGLES (Philippines)1 When the General Assembly adopted the universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 one representative said that it Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 one representative said that it deserved to be known as the DRights of Man Ass~mbly·. TOday, as we observe the deserved to be known as the "Rights of Man Assembly·. Today, as we observe the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International COvenants on Human twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International COvenants on Human Rights, we should try to live up to that enviable distinction. Rights, we should try to live up to that enviable distinction. For years the protection of human rights had been viewed largely as a matter For years the protection of human rights had been viewed largely as a matter of the relationship between individuals and their respective States and therefore a of the relationship between individuals and their respective States and therefore a subject considered to be within a State's sole competence. The Charter challenged subject considered to be within a State's sole competence. The Charter challenged this view. In its preamble the peoples of the United Nations expressed their this view. In its preamble the peoples of the United Nations expressed their determinati.on to reaffirm their faith in fundamental human rights, the dignity and determinati.on to reaffirm their faith in fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of the human person and the equal rights of men and women and of nations worth of the human person and the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in large and small, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedOlU. In Article 56 Member States pledged themselves to take joint and larger freedOlU. In Article 56 Member States pledged themselves to take joint and separate action, in co-operation with the Organization, for the achievement, among separate action, in co-operation with the Organization, for the achievement, among other things, of universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and other things, of universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. religion. (Mr. Ingles, Philippines) (Mr. Ingles, Philippines) By subscribing to the Charter, therefore, Member states recognized that the By subscribing to the Charter, therefore, Member states recognized that the observance of "human rights no longer pertained to the exclusive domestic observance of "human rights no longer pertained to the exclusive domestic jurisdiction of states, but was a matter of international concern. jurisdiction of states, but was a matter of international concern. The Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights marked the first international The Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights marked the first international definition of the human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Charter. definition of the human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Charter. But it only laid down a ·common standard of achievement for all peoples and all But it only laid down a ·common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations·. (resolution 217 A (Ill), eighth preambu1ar para.) • It was the adoption of the International Covenants on Ruman Rights that nations·. (resolution 217 A (Ill), eighth preambu1ar para.) • It was the adoption of the International Covenants on Ruman Rights that authoritatively defined the economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights authoritatively defined the economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights embodied therein as peremptory norms of customary international law. embodied therein as peremptory norms of customary international law. The Philippines had been in the forefront of the struggle to promote human The Philippines had been in the forefront of the struggle to promote human rights. Representatives of the Philippines participated actively in ~he drafting rights. Representatives of the Philippines participated actively in ~~e drafting of the Universal Declaration, as well as of the International Coven~~t~ on Ruman of the Universal Declaration, as well as of the International Coven~~t~ on Ruman My delegation is pleased to note that as of 1 August 1986 the International My delegation is pleased to note that as of 1 August 1986 the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights had been ratified or acceded to by Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights had been ratified or acceded to by 87 States, and that the International Covenant on Civil a~ Political Rights had 87 States, and that the International Covenant on Civil a~ Political Rights had been rat~fied or acceded to by 83 States, a little more than half the membership of been rat~fied or acceded to by 83 States, a little more than half the membership of the United Nations. We urge those States which have not yet done so to ratify or the United Nations. We urge those States which have not yet done so to ratify or accede to the two Covenants. accede to the two Covenants. " The Philippines ratified the IntQrnaticna1 Covenant on Economic, Social and " The Philippines ratified the IntQrnaticna1 Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in June 1974. It also ratified tbe International Covenant on Civil Cultural Rights in June 1974. It also ratified tbe International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and made the declaration provided for in article 41 of the and Political Rights and made the declaration provided for in article 41 of the Covenant on 28 February 1986, three days after a popular revolution installed a new Covenant on 28 February 1986, three days after a popular revolution installed a new Government and restored democracy in the Philippines. Government and restored democracy in the Philippines. It cannot be gainsaid that the United Nations has succeeded in focusing the It cannot be gainsaid that the United Nations has succeeded in focusing the world's attention on human rights issues, but it has freauent1y been criticized as world's attention on human rights issues, but it has freauent1y been criticized as (Mr. Ingles, Philippines) (Mr. Ingles, Philippines) being far less successful in eatablishing adequate procedures for the enforcement being far less successfUl in establishing adequate procedures for the enforcement of hUlUn rights. It is in this area that international co-o~ration must be of human rights. It is in this area that international co-o~ration must be encouraged and strengthened - for example, to remedy the obviolls gaps in the encouraged and strengthened - for example, to remedy the obviolls gaps in the Covenants. My delegation can un((erstandthe reluctance of scme states to submit Covenants. My delegation can un((erstand the reluctance of'some states to submit themselves to international supervision in the field of human rights. themselves to international supervision in the field of human rights. Nevertheless, comprehensive and effective machinery must be established if the Nevertheless, comprehensive and effective machinery must be established if the United Nations is to be able to fulfil its promise of the full enjoyment of, and United Nations is to be able to fulfil its promise of the full enjoyment of, and respect for, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all mankind. respect for, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all mankind. (Mr .. Ingles, Philippines) (Mr. Ingles, Philippines) The nearest approach to a permanent legal institution for the monitoring oft The nearest approach to a permanent legal institution for the monitoring of! violations of human rights is the commission on Human Rights, which provides policy violations of human rights is the commission on Human Rights, which provides policy guidance for united Nations activities in this area.. It invites Governments to guidance for united Nations activities in this area. It invites Governments to reply to complaints involving a consistent pattern of gross violations of human reply to complaints involving a consistent pattern of gross violations of human rights.. fj.7tl7ever, by a self-denying ordinance, the Q:)mmission does not take action rights. ~~ever, by a self-denying ordinance, the COmmission does not take action on complaints involving isolated instances of human-rights violations.. How many on complaints involving isolated instances of human-rights violations. How many tons of complaints have been consigned to gather dust in the archives of the united tons of complaints have been consigned to gather dust in the archives of the united Nations Secretariat? Even so, the Philippines welcomes the efforts of the Nations Secretariat? Even so, the Philippines welcomes the efforts of the Commission on HUman Rights, not only in standard-setting but also in public Commission on HUman Rights, not only in standard-setting but also in public discussion or confidential consideration and subsequent investigation of serious discussion or confidential consideration and sUbsequent investigation of serious and persistent violations of human rights.. It w~y be recalled that the discussions and persistent violations of human rights. It w~y be recalled that the discussions in the Commission on Human Rights of gross violations by the past regime in the in the Commission on Human Rights of gross violations by the past regime in the ~lilippines contributed to the moral pressure of pUblic opinion that eventually led ~lilippines contributed to the moral pressure of pUblic opinion that eventually led to its downfall .. to its downfall. There is of course the Human Rights Committee set up under the International There is of course the Human Rights Committee set up under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to monitor compliance with that Covenant.. Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to monitor compliance with that COvenant. But it has jurisdiction only over States Parties to the Covenant, and only to the But it has jurisdiction only over States Parties to the Covenant, and only to the extent that they have made the declaration under article 41 of the Covenant, or extent that they have made the declaration under article 41 of the Covenant, or ratified the Optional Protocol recognizing the competence of the Committee to hear ratified the Optional Protocol recognizing the competence of the Committee to hear complaints from individuals.. However, the COmmittee or its Conciliation Commission complaints from individuals. However, the COmmittee or its COnciliation COmmission does not decide ca~es like a court of human rights but may only offer its good does not decide ca~es like a court of human rights but may only offer its good offices to the parties.. In case the parties fail to agree on an amicable offices to the parties. In case the parties fail to agree on an amicable settlement, the Committee or the Commission shall make only a brief statement of settlement, the Committee or the Commission shall make only a brief statement of the facts of the case. the facts of the case. As for the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it As for the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it provides for the submission of periodic reports to the Economic and Social Council provides for the submission of periodic reports to the Economic and Social Council concerning the progress made and measures taken to advance the rights enshrined concerning the progress made and measures taken to advance the rights enshrined (Mr. Ingles, Philippines) (Mr. Ingles, Philippines) in the Covenant. But the Council is only vested with the authority to make in the Covenant. But the Council is only vested with the authority to make recommendations to the General Assembly and other organs of the United Nations on recommendations to the General Assembly and other organs of the United Nations on the advisability of international measures likely to contribute to the effective the advisability of international measures likely to contribute to the effective progressive iJllllementation of the Covenant. Hence, the decision to establish a progressive iJll)lementation of the Covenant. Hence, the decision to establish a Committee on social and Cultural Rights to monitor implementation of the Covenant Committee on SOcial and Cultural Rights to monitor implementation of the Covenant is a positive development. is a positive development. The adoption of the International Covenants should be viewed as only the The adoption of the International Covenants should be viewed as only the initial step in the establishment of the rule of law in the matter of the initial step in the establishment of the rule of law in the matter of the observance of human rights. It is obvious that they have to be amended or observance of human rights. It is obvious that they have to be amended or supplemented by more detailed instruments in the specific fields. Already we supplemented by more detailed instruments in the specific fields. Already we have - among others - the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms have - among others - the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, on the Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, and on the of Racial Discrimination, on the Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, and on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against WOmen. Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against WOmen. My delegation attaches great importance, therefore, to the expansion of the My delegation attaches great importance, therefore, to the expansion of the competence of the Commission on Human Rights to deal with all valid complaints from competence of the Commission on Human Rights to deal with all valid complaints from individuals alleging violations of human rights, as well as to the continuing individuals alleging violations of human rights, as well as to the continuing improvement of existing mechanisms for the implementation of the two Covenants on improvement of existing mechanisms for the implementation of the two Covenants on Human Rights. Human Rights. In so many parts of the world we see'people struggling against oppression and In so many parts of the world we see people struggling against oppression and injustice. The United Nations must reach out and help them in other ways than by injustice. The United Nations must reach out and help them in other ways than by merely adopting resolutions of censure or condemnation. I recall the following merely adopting resolutions of censure or condemnation. I recall the following words used by President Corazon C. Aquino when she addressed this body on words used by President Corazon C. Aquino when she addressed this body on 22 September: 22 September: Obviously this is wise in so far as it prevents abuse of the sovereign ... Obviously this is wise in so far as it prevents abuse of the sovereign ... WThe United Nations has stayed out of the internal affairs of nations. "The United Nations has stayed out of the internal affairs of nations. independence of nations•••• [Yet] it should carefully avoid becoming an independence of nations•••• [Yet] it should carefully avoid becoming an unwitting partner of their oppressors·. (A/41/PV.5, p. 3-5 and 7) unwitting partner of their oppressors". (A/41/PV.S, p. 3-5 and 7) More than that, the united Nations .ust take positive measures under the Charter More than that, the united Nations .ust take positive measures under the Charter against systematic and widespread violations of human rights by Member states. The against systematic and widespread violations of human rights by Member states. The day is long past when tyrants could oppress their people with impunity by in~oking day is long past when tyrants could oppress their people with impunity by in~oking the outmoded concept that the matter is exclusively an internal affair. the outmoded concept that the matter is exclusively an internal affair. The Filipino people 1n their struggle to restore democracy and preserve their The Filipino people In their struggle to restore democracy and preserve their dignity and worth as human beings looked to the international standards of human dignity and worth as human beings looked to the international standards of human rights that they heloped formulate. In the end, even as we were on our own, rights that they heloped formulate. In the end, even as we were on our own, without any help from the united Nations, we finally liberated ourselves from a without any help from the united Nations, we finally liberated ourselves from a reign of greed and despotism. reign of greed and despotism. The new Philippine Government is strongly committed to the promotion of The new Philippine Government is strongly committed to the promotion of respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. ~ that end respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. ~ that end it has taken the following actions on the national level: the immediate release of it has taken the following actions on the national level: the immediate release of all political prisoners, the restoration of the writ of habeas cOrpus and the all political prisoners, the restoration of the writ of habeas cOrpus and the creation of a presidential committee to investigate violations and oversea the full creation of a presidential committee to investigate violations and oversea the full restoration of human rights. At the international level we have, as I mentioned restoration of human rights. At the international level we have, as I mentioned earlier, rati~ied the Covenant on Civil and Politic~l Rights, which we signed on earlier, rati~ied the Covenant on Civil and Politic~l Rights, which we signed on 19 December 1906 but which the previous GOvernment had refused to ratify. 19 December 1906 but which the previous GOvernment had refused to ratify. We have also acceded to the COnvention against TOrture and Cruel, Inhuman or We have also acceded to the COnvention against TOrture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, so that the atrocities committed by the deposed Degrading Treatment or Punishment, so that the atrocities committed by the deposed regime shall not be committed again. The Philippines will continue to pursue regime shall not be committed again. The Philippines will continue to pursue policies directed to the full implementation of the rights contained in the policies directed to the full implementation of the rights contained in the Covenants. Covenants. As we resume our place in the mainstream of the world-wide movement for the As we resume our place in the mainstream of the world-wide movement for the universal enjoyment of and respect for human rights, we see that much still remains universal enjoyment of and respect for human rights, we see that much still remains to be done. FOr the International COvenants on Human Rights, as we have indicated, to be done. FOr the International COvenants on Human Rights, as we have indicated, are not an end in themselvesJ at best th~y constitute only a framework on which to are not an end in themselvesJ at best th~y constitute only a framework on which to build public confidence in the efficacy of international action to safeguard and build public confidence in the efficacy of international action to safeguard and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. (Mr. Ingles, Philippines) (Mt. Ingles, Philippines) In commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the In commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International COvenants on Human Rights, the United Nations faces an even greater , International Covenants on Human Rights, the United Nations faces an even greater , challenge: to make a.living reality of its cardinal purposes so grandly conceived challenge: to make a.living reality of its cardinal purposes so grandly conceived in the Charter. in the Charter. The world continues to be a·witness to widespread oppression and injustice, to The world continues to be a'witness to widespread oppression and injustice, to the pervading poverty of more than three fourths of the world's population, and to the pervading poverty of more than three fourths of the world's population, and to constant threats of war and possible nuclear annihilation. None the less, the constant threats of war and possible nuclear annihilation. None the less, the United Nations should take pride in the fact that it has helped move mankind United Nations should take pride in the fact that it has helped move mankind for~ard in the recognition of human rights as the touchstone of the peace, security for~ard in the recognition of human rights as the touchstone of the peace, security and well-being of the peoples of all nations. and well-being of the peoples of all nations. Mr. BELONOGOV (union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Mr. BELONOGOV (union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian): Today, the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Russian): Today, the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rights, I have come to this rostrum with particular emotion: Covenants on Human Rights, I have come to this rostrum with particular emotion: first, because I am aware that the International COvenants on Human Rights, which first, because I am aware that the International COvenants on Human Rights, which were based on an initiative of the Soviet Union calling for their preparation, have were based on an initiative of the Soviet Union calling for their preparation, have stood the test of time, have demonst~ated their value as instruments of fundamental stood the test of time, have demonst~ated their value as instruments of fundamental importance in the efforts to secure universal resPeCt for human rights and freedoms. importance in the efforts to secure universal resPeCt for human rights and freedoms. (Mr. Belonogov, USSR) (Hr: • Belonogov, USSR) Secondly, I have purely personal grounds for feeling a particular emotion at Secondly, I have purely personal grounds for feeling a particular emotion at this time, since the very first steps in my diplomatic career, more than 30 years this time, since the very first steps in my diplanatic career, more than 30 years ago, were connected precisely with the fact that I was involved in drafting both ago, were connected precisely with the fact that I was involved in drafting both those COvenants, first'in the COmmission on Human Rights and then here at the those COvenants, first'in the COmmission on Human Rights and then here at the sessions of the General ASsembly. 'l'he first international forums in which one sessions of the General Assembly. The first international forums in which one happens to participate quite naturally remain forever etched in one's memory. ' happens to participate quite naturally remain forever etched in one's memory. ' Therefore I well recall the circumstances which gave birth to the International Therefore I well recall the circumstances which gave birth to the International Covenants on Human Rights, particularly since that birth was by no means an easy Covenants on Human Rights, particularly since that birth was by no means an easy one and not without its complications, sometimes being accompanied by bitter and one and not without its complications, sometimes being accompanied by bitter and protracted political struggle. First, we had to overcome the resistance of those protracted political struggle. First, we had to overcome the resistance of those forces which were fundamentally opPOsed to international co-operation in the field forces which were fundamentally opPOsed to international co-operation in the field of human rights, taking the form of States becoming parties to treaties and of human rights, taking the form of States becoming parties to treaties and agreements containing specific legal obligations for GOvernments to observe in agreements containing specific legal obligations for GOvernments to observe in connection with human rights and freedoms. unfortunately, the negative attitude connection with human rights and freedoms. unfortunately, the negative attitUde towards the adoption of such obligations is still to be found in the policies of towards the adoption of such obligations is still to be found in the policies of certain States. certain States. Secondly, in those years a number of influential States were against the Secondly, in those years a number of influential States were against the COvenants on Human Rights containing any language referring to the socio-economic COvenants on Human Rights containing any language referring to the socio-economic sphere. As far as the Soviet Union is concerned, its involvement in the drafting sphere. As far as the Soviet Union is concerned, its involvement in the drafting of the COvenants was from the very outset governed by the task of ensuring that of the Covenants was from the very outset governed by the task of ensuring that they encompassed the broadest possible range of human rights and freedoms. We also they encompassed the broadest possible range of human rights and freedoms. We also considered it of fundamental importance that the Covenants should start with an considered it of fundamental importance that the Covenants should start with an aLticle referring to the rights of peoples to self-determination and to their right aLticle referring to the rights of peoples to self-determination and to their right freely to manage their own resources. The struggle to include that key provision freely to manage their own resources. The struggle to include that key provision in the COvenants, which represented a prer.equisite for the enjoyment of individual in the Covenants, which represented a prer.equisite for the enjoyment of individual rights and human freedoms, was an unusually difficult one. rights and human freedoms, was an unusually difficult one. (~. Belonogov, USSR) (~. Belonogov, USSR) Turning to the contents of the COvenants, we can see that the stubborn and Turning to the contents of the Covenants, we can see that the stubborn and hard work which went into their preparatio~ in the final analysis yielded excellent hard work which went into their preparatio~ i" the final analysis yielded excellent results. History, however, does ·not stand still. In recent decades a new results. History, however, does ·not stand still. In recent decades a new situation has arisen, surrounded by the realities of the nuclear space age which situation has arisen, surrounded by the realities of the nuclear space age which has given a new slant to the whole problem of human rights, which has brought to has given a new slant to the whole problem of human rights, which has brought to the forefront the question of mankind's survival, preventing a nuclear catastrophe the forefront the question of mankind's survival, preventing a nuclear catastrophe and how thus to reliably secure the most important right of all, the right of the aud how thus to reliably secure the most important right of all, the right of the individual to life. In these days there is a very urgent need to put an end to the individual to life. In these days there is a very urgent need to put an end to the arms race on Earth and not to allow it to spread to outer space, and .for the arms race on Earth and not to allow it to spread to outer space, and .for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons and other forms of weapons of mass complete elimination of nuclear weapons and other forms of weapons of mass destruction. As is knOwn, the Soviet Union put forward a concrete staged programme destruction. As is knawn, the Soviet Union put forward a concrete staged progr~mme to free Earth of those weapons by the year 2000. That was also the pUrPOse of the to free Earth of those weapons by the year 2000. That was also the purpose of the efforts made by the Soviet side at the recent meeting of the leaders of the soviet efforts made by the Soviet side at the recent meeting of the leaders of the soviet Union and the United States in Reykjavik. There the Soviet Union made bold Union and the united States in Reykjavik. There the Soviet Union made bold proposals and demonstrated a willingness to make major concessions in order to proposals and demonstrated a willingness to make major concessions in order to achieve a ,historic purpose commensurate with the vital interests of all mankind, achieve a ,historic purpose commensurate with the vital interests of all mankind, that of eradicating nuclear weapons. that of eradicating nuclear weapons. Recently, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Recently, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Mr. Gorb,achev, made the following statement: Party of the Soviet Union, Mr. Gorb~chev, made the following statement: RA few steps away, as we are, from practical agreement on such a RA few steps away, as we are, from practical agreement on such a difficult and vital problem we have all become immeasurably more aware of the difficult and vital problem we have all become immeasurably more aware of the danger which faces the world. We are more clearly aware of the need for there danger which faces the world. We are more clearly aware of the need for there to be immediate solutions and the most important thing is, as we now know, to to be immediate solutions and the most important thing is, as we now know, to remove the nuclear threat both in its real and potential forms.- remove the nuclear threat both in its real and potential forms." Quite recently the Soviet programme for the elimination of nuclear weapons by Quite recently the SOviet programme for the elim~nation of nuclear weapons by the year 2000 was declared by many pillars of world politics to be an impossible the year 2000 was declared by many pillars of world politics to be an impossible (Mr. Belonogov, USSR) (Mr. Belonogov, USSR) dream. At the same time, despite the dramatic nature both of the talks and their dream. At the same time, despite the dramatic nature both of the talks and their results, the meeting 'in Reykjavik perhaps for the first time in many decades has results, the meeting 'in Reykjavik perhaps for the first time in many decades has brought us forward considerably in our efforts to seek a way of bringing about brought us forward considerably in our efforts to seek a way of bringing about nuclear disarmament. This mapped out the course for resolving the most tmportant nuclear disarmament. This mapped out the course for resolving the most tmportant problems on which the very fate of mankind depends, and that is, and likewise problems on which the very fate of mankind depends, and that is, and likewise therefore, the fate of the rights and freedoms of each individual. therefore, the fate of the rights and freedoms of each individual. But the post-Reykjavik period has also shown something else. Those circles But the post-Reykjavik period has also shown something else. Those circles who are taken up with militarism and profits from the arms race are quite clearly who are taken up with militarism and profits from the arms race are quite clearly frightened at the clear prospect of there being swift progress towards nuclear frightened at the clear prospect of there being swift progress towards nuclear disarmament. They are making feve~ish efforts to ensure that the process which disarmament. They are making feverish efforts to ensure that the process which started in Reykjavik peters out. Naturally, it would be a mistake to overestimate started in Reykjavik peters out. Naturally, it would be a mistake to overestimate the strength of those who oppose detente and disarmament, but it would also be the strength of those who oppose detente and disarmament, but it would also be inadvisable to underestimate them as well. It is quite clear that this ~ill be a inadvisable to underestimate them as well. It is quite clear that this ~ill be a difficult struggle which at the same time is a struggle for the future of mankind difficult struggle which at the same time is a struggle for the future of mankind and for human rights and freedoms, a struggle to guarantee in the broadest and for human rights and freedoms, a struggle to guarantee in the broadest connotation of the word the a1ms and the tasks formulated in the International connotation of the word the a1ms and the tasks formulated in the International Covenants on Human Rights. Covenants on Human Rights. The International Covenants assert the indivisibility, interrelation and The International Covenants assert the indivisibility, interrelation and interdependence of the rights of peoples and the rights of the individual, of interdependence of the rights of peoples and the rights of the individual, of political, economic and social rights. It is impossible to implement one of those political, economic and social rights. It is impossible to implement one of those Covenants without implementing the other. We cannot have political rights without Covenants without implementing the other. We cannot have political rights without social rights and vice versa. Any other approach would be at variance with the social rights and vice versa. Any other approach would be at variance with the International Covenants and would undermine human rights. International Covenants and would undermine human rights. In the Soviet Union"which has ratified both of those Covenants, all the In the Soviet Union"which has ratified both of those Covenants, all the rights and freedoms enunciated in the Covenants are legally enshrined in the rights and freedoms enunciated in the Covenants are legally enshrined in the Constitution and other acts. An earnest that in the Soviet Union there will be Constitution and other acts. An earnest that in the Soviet Union there will be (Mr. Belonogov, USSR) (Mr. Belonogov, USSR) even.mot.e tbor:ough illlPle_ntion of the whole range of hUlllan rights is the policy even more thorough illPle_ntion of the whole range of hUllan rights is the policy which was approved at the 27th congress of the COIRunist Party of the Soviet union which was approved at the 27th COngress of the co.aunist Party of the Soviet union further to strengthen and developsocialist deaoc~acy. It was preciaely in further to strengthen and develop· socialist deaoc~acy. It was precisely in democracy that the founder of our State, VlaCli.ir Ilyich Lenin, saw the creative democracy that the founder of our State, Vladl.ir Ilyich Lenin, saw the creative force of developll8nt and progress, and today, speeding up the development of force of developllent and progressl and today, speeding up the development of society is unthinkable and t.possible without the further development of socialist society is unthinkable and iapos8ible witho~t the further development of socialist democracy in all its aspects and manifestations and, consequently, it is democracy in all its aspects and manifestations and, consequently, it is untbinkable without the expansion and without deepening the very content of human untbinkable without the expansion and without deepening the very conten, of human rights and freedoma. rights and freedoms. (Mr. Belonogov, USSR) (Mr. Belonogov, USSR) We regard it as our task to consolidate further socialist self-determination We regard it as our task to consolidate further socialist self-determination and the self-government of the people and fully to· involve the workers in managing and the self-government of the people and fUlly to involve the workers in managing State and public affairs. That is the climate which Is needed if we are to exploit State and public affairs. That is the climate which Is needed if we are to exploit fUlly the oreative possibilities both of society ar~ of the individual. fUlly the oreative possibilities both of society ar~ of the individual. our approach also determines the consistent policy of the Soviet Union to Our approach also determines the consistent policy of the Soviet Union to strengthen further international co-operation in the humanitarian field. As strengthen further international co-operation in the humanitarian field. As members know, at the present session the Soviet Union, together with other members know, at the present session the Soviet Union, together with other socialist countries, has put fo~ard an important initiative on the establishment socialist countries, has put fo~ard an important initiative on the establishment of a comprehensive system of international peace and security which would of a comprehensive system of international peace and security which would presuppose broad co-operation in the· humanitarian sphere as well. presuppose broad co-operation in the· humanitarian sphere as well. Many States with differing social, economic and political ~ystems are today Many States with differing social, economic and political ~ystems are today parties to the International Covenants. That is surely telling corroboration of parties to the International Covenants. That is surely telling corroboration of the vitality and strength of those instruments. The International Covenants have the vitality and strength of those instruments. The International Covenants have become the yardstick for the way in which certain States respect human rights. In become the yardstick for the way in which certain States respect human rights. In the light of this, it is completely abnormal that certain States which are vet~ment the light of this, it is completely abnormal that certain States which are vetJment in their protestations of their dedication to human rights should openly boycott in their protestations of their dedication to human rights should openly boycott the International Covenants. We call upon those States to revise that double the International Covenants. We call upon those States to revise that double standard and join in international co-operation in the field of human rights. standard and join in international co-operation in the field of human rights. The twentieth anniversary of the Covenants is a major event in international The twentieth anniversary of the Covenants is a major event in international life, and today's discussion is also intended to promote the development of life, and today's discussion is also intended to promote the development of co-operation among States in the field of human rights and in strengthening peace co-operation among States in the field of human rights and in strengthening peace and mutual understanding among peoples. That is why the Soviet union, which has and mutual understanding among peoples. That is why the Soviet union, which has constantly spoken in favour of such co-operation, supports draft resolution constantly spoken in favour of such co-operation, supports draft resolution A/41/L.2l which has been introduced by a group of States. A/41/L.21 which has been introduced by a group of States. Dame Nita BARROW (Barbados): My delegation is honoured at the decision !?ame lUta BARROW (Barbados): My delegation is honoured at the decision of the Latin American and Caribbean Group that Barbados should be one of the three of the Latin American and Caribbean Group that Barbados should be one of the three countries from the re9,ion to participate in this meeting commemoratin~ the countries from the region to participate in this meeting commemoratin~ the twentieth anniversary of the International Covenants on Ruman Rights. twentieth anniversary of the International Covenants on Ruman Rights. On 16 December 1966 the General Assembly of the Uni~ed Nations adopted and On 16 December 1966 the General Assembly of the Uni~ed Nations adopted and OPened for signature, ratification or accessio~ the International Covenant on opened for signature, ratification or accessio~ the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Ri~ht3 and the Optional Protocol. It was also during the twenty-first Political Right3 and the Optional Protocol. It was also during the twenty-first session that Barbados gained its indePendence and was ~ble for the first time to session that Barbados gained its independence and was ~ble for the first time to come to this Assembly as a sovereign State. It is not difficult therefore to come to this Assembly as a sovereign State. It is not difficult therefore to understand the special affinity which Barbados feels with the Covenan~s, which understand the special affinity which Barbados feels with the Covenan~s, which spe~k, inter alia, of the right to self-determination. spe~k, inter alia, of the right to self-determination. Bar.bados shares the commitment of the Latin American and Car.ibbean States to Bar.bados shares the commitment of the Latin American and Car.ibbean States to promoting and safeg~arding human rights not only in our own countries and our promoting and safeg~arding human rights not only in our own countries and our region but everywhere on this globe. We believe that Done of. us can truly be region but everywhere on this globe. We believe that Done of us can truly be satisfied until human rights violations cease to exist anywhere. satisfied until human rights violations cease to exist anywhere. Barbados considers the Covenants to be the best and clearest blueprint of how Barbados considers the Covenants to be the best and clearest blueprint of how each State may guarantee to its citizens the human rights and fundamental freedoms each State may guarantee to its citizens the human rights and fundamental freedoms to Which they are entitled as human beings and of how individuals should respect to which they are entitled as human beings and of how !ndividuals should respect each other's hUm&n rights. In 1973 we ratified the Coven~nts and the Optional each other's hu~n rights. In 1973 we ratified the Covenants and the Optional Protocol as an indication to all of the commitment of Barbados to the principles Protocol as an indication to all of the commitment of Barbados to the principles enshrined in those most important instruments. enshrined in those most important instruments. The Universal Declaration'of Ruman Rights; proclaimed by the General Assembly The Universal Declaration·of Ruman Rights; proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1948, was hailed for the moral force it could exert in the primordial field of in 1948, was hailed for the moral force it could exert in the primordial field of human rights. The international community sensed, however, that other instruments human rights. The international community sensed, however, that other instruments which carried legal force were still a necessity., Thus, when, 20 years ago, the which carried legal force were still a necessity.· Thus, when, 20 years ago, tbe Covenants were adopted by the General Assembly, e~mpleti~g what is known as the Covenants were adopted by the General Assembly, e~~'!!pletiP':;~ what is known as the (Dame Nita Barrow, Barbados) (Dame Nita Barrow, Barbados) international bill of human rights, it was an incomparable achievement. MY international bill of human rights, it was an incomparable achievement. MY delegation considers that the adoption of resolution 2200 A (XXI) was one of the delegation considers that the adoption of resolution 2200 A (XXI) was one of the best examples of bow our international body is able to co-operate in the interest best examples of how our international body is able to co-operate in the interest of humanity. We believe that those who toiled with patience and in a spirit of of humanity. We believe that those who toiled with patience and in a spirit of compromise deserve to be remembered with an expression of gratitude on this special compromise deserve to be remembered with an expression of gratitude on this special day. day. The value of our human rights Covenants cannot be disputed. However, we feel The value of our human rights Covenants cannot be disputed. However, we feel that on this day of commemoration we should be assessing and evaluating their that on this day of commemoration we should be assessing and evalu~ting their impact. As at 1 August 1986, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and impact. As at 1 August 1986, the International Covenant on Economic, Sool&1 and Cultural Rights had been ratified or acceded to by 87 States, the International Cultural Rights had been ratified or acceded to by 87 States, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights had been ratified or acceded to by Covenant on Civil and Political Rights had been ratified or acceded to by 83 StatesJ and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and 83 StatesJ and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights had Ween ratified O~ ~cceded to by 37 States. Of this number, Political Rights had Ween ratified O~ ~cceded to by 37 States. Of this number, 19 Latin American and Caribbean States had ratified or acceded to each of the two 19 Latin American and Caribbean States had ratified or acceded to each of the two Covenants. Covenants. In view of our size and numbers, that is a clear demonstration of the esteem In view of our size and numbers, that is a clear demonstration of the esteem in which the instruments are held and a pledge by those states to uphold the in which the instruments are held and a pledge by those states to uphold the principles enshrined therein. My delegation would urge states which have not yet principles enshrined therein. My delegation would urge States which have not yet done so to become parties to the Covenants as a clear demonstration of their done so to become parties to the Covenants as a clear demonstration of their intentions. intentions. In his statement in the general debate at the forty-first session of the In his statement in the general debate at the forty-first session of the General Assembly the Foreign Minister of Barbados stated: General Assembly the Foreign Minister of Barbados stated: "The context in which the people of Barbados address the question of human "The context in which the people of Barbados address the question of human rights is empirical not theoretical." (A/4l/PV.22, p. 27) rights is empirical not theoretical." (A/4l/PV.22, p. 27) (Dame Nib Barrow, Barbados) (Dame Nita Barrow, Barbados) We suggest that the protection and prClllllOtion of human rights· should be We suggest that the protection and prClllOtion of human rights· should be constantly monitored if we are to know how great is the challenge which remains. constantly monitored if we are to know how 9reat is the challenge which remains. In this regard the Ruman Rights Committee has a ve~y !mport3nt role to play in our In this regard the Ruman Rights Committee has a ve~y !mport3nt role to play in our efforts in so far as international sotivity is concerned. efforts in so far as international &ctlvity is concerned. At the national level each State, even those which are not yet parties to the At the national level each State, even those which are not yet parties to the Covenants, should be vigilant in guarding the rights of citi~ens and activities Covenants, should be vigilant in guarding the rights of citi~ens and activities which mould public opinion and foster a spirit of mutual respect regardless.of . race, sex, creed or ethnic origin. Efforts might also be made to ensure that . national legislation is consistent with the principles of the Covenants. which mould public opinion and foster a spirit of mutual respect regardless.of . race, sex, creed or ethnic origin. Efforts might also be made to ensure that . national legislation is consistent with the principles of the Covenants. (DMle rUta Barrow, Barbados) (DMle rUta Barrow, Barbados) Moreover, regional organizations have a role to play in nurturing the Moreover, regional organizations have a role to play in nurturing the solidarity and fraternity among peoples in a given geographical area. solidarity and fraternity among peoples in a given geographical area. Non-government'd organizations, too, deserve encouragement and support in any Non-government'd organizations, too, deserve encouragement and support in any efforts they undertake to promote social development and human rights, as they efforts they undertake to promote social development and human rights, as they represent a wide cross section of their communities. represent a wide cross section of their communities. In joining the United Nations, we all stated our determination: •••• to In joining the United Nations, we all state~ our determination: •••• to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights·. We have made great progress in reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights·. We have made great progress in elaborating those rights and in promoting the!r acceptance. elaborating those rights and in promoting the!r acceptance. The States parties to the international Covenants recognize in the preamble to The States partiea to the international Covenants recognize in the preamble to the instruments that: the instruments that: •••• in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ideal •••• in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ideal of free human beings enjoying freedom from fear and want can only be achieved of free human beings enjoying freedom from fear and want can only be achieved if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy his (or her] economic, if COnditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy his [or her] economic, social and cultural rights, GS well as his (or her] civil and political social and cultural rights, as well as his [or her] civil and political rights. • rights.· Ours is a collective duty to ensure the creation and maintenance of such a Ours is a collective duty to ensure the creation and maintenance of such a climate. On the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenants, and on its climate. On the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenanta, and on its own twentieth anniversary the Government of Barbados considers this a most own twentieth anniversary the Government of Barbados considers this a most opportune time for us to rededicate ourselves to those principles which we address opportune time for us to rededicate ourselves to those principles which we address this afternoon and which provide the moral and legal foundations of this this afternoon and which provide the moral and legal foundations of this organization. organization. Mrs. ASTORGA GADEA (Nicaragua) (interpretation from Spanish): It is a Mrs. ASTORGA GADEA (Nicaragua) (interpretation from Spanish): It Is a great honour for my delegation to participate today as the Chairman of the Group of great honour for my delegation to participate today as the Chairman of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States in the commemoration of the twentieth Latin American and Caribbean States in the commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the international Covenants on human rights. anniversary of the adoption of the international Covenants on human rights. In commemorating the adoption of these Covenants, it is important to emphasize In commemorating the adoption of these Covenants, it is important to emphasize that the united Nations is the most complete realization by mankind of the that the United Nations is the most complete realization by mankind of the (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) (Mrs. Astorga Gadea, Nicaragua) promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It could not be promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It could not be otherwise, since our Organization was created precisely as an answer to the most otherwise, since our Organization was created precisely as an answer to the most destructive and inhumane war in history. destructive and inhumane war in history. The very first paragraphs of the Charter state that one of the aims of the The very first paragraphs of the Charter state that one of the aims of the Organization is to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and Organization is to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the eaual rights of men and women and of nations worth of the human person, in the eaual rights of men and women and of nations large and small. large and small. In Article 1, for the first time in the history of international relations a In Article 1, for the first time in the history of international relations a universal instrument includes the right of peoples to self-determination, which was universal instrument inclUdes the right of peoples to self-determination, which was the first great blow to colonialism and nee-colonialism. Gigantic steps in the the first great blow to colonialism and neo-colonialism. Gigantic steps in the evolution and implementation of this belief were represented by the Universal evolution and implementation of this belief were represented by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose adoption laid down the basis for the proposals Declaration of Ruman Rights, whose adoption laid down the basis for the proposals put forward in the 1950s that bore fruit with the entry into force of the put forward in the 19508 that bore fruit with the entry into force of the international Covenants on human rights in 1966. international Covenants on human rights in 1966. All these initiatives were found in their highest expression in adoption o~ All these initiatives were found in their highest expression in adoption o~ the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and, in 1977, with the recognition by the General Assembly of the indivisibility and, in 1977, with the recognition by the General Assembly of the indivisibility and the interdependence of all rights, civil, political, economic, social and and the interdependence of all rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural. cultural. The Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights, the International Covenant on Civil The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, have come to ~ regarded as the "Magna Carta of Human Rights·, the Cultural Rights, have come to ~ regarded as the "Magna Carta of Human Rights·, the basic legislation in this sphere. As States Members of the Organization, we must basic legislation in this sphere. As States Members of the Organization, we must not slacken our' efforts to create a complete system in the area of human rights. not slacken our' efforts to create a complete system in the area of human rights. The Covenants are of crucial importance for peaceful co-operation among States in The Covenants are of crucial importance for peaceful co-operation among States in the area of human rights. the area of human rights. Yet, in spite of the fact that over the past 40 years the activities of our Yet, in spite of the fact that over the past 40 years the activities of our Organization in the area of human r1ghts has constituted a significant part of its Organization in the area of human rights has constituted a significant part of its work, we must point out that nearly half the Member States of our Organization have work, we must point out that nearly half the Member states of our Organization have not yet acceded to these fundamental instruments, the international Covenants on not yet acceded to these fundamental instruments, the international Covenants on human rights. human rights. The obligations of the States Parties are found in a carefully conceived The obligations of the States Parties are found in a carefully conceived system of measures for implementation, in which the Human Rights Committee has an system of measures for implementation, in which the Human Rights Committee has an important role to play. It was established under the International Covenant on important role to play. It was established under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and its reputation and considerable influence are due Civil and Political Rights, and its reputation and considerable influence are due to the fact that it makes possible a realistic exchange of experiences and is a to the fact that it makes possible a realistic exchange of experiences and is a valuable instrument for the co-operation of States in promoting human rights. valuable instrument for the co-operation of States in promoting human rights. Conseauently it is often referred to as a positive achievement. Conseauently it is often referred to as a positive achfevement. with regard to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, we hope with regard to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, we hope that the organizational changes agreed upon, will serve to enhance the that the organizational changes agreed upon, will serve to enhance the effectiveness of its work, as well as the presentation of reports by Member effectiveness of its work, as well as the presentation of reports by Member States. The indivisibility and interdependence ~f economic, social and cultural States. The indivisibility and interdependence ~f economic, social and cultural rights and civil and political rights reauire that reports of States parties on the rights and civil and political rights reauire that reports of States parties on the implementation of the international Covenants on human rights should be studied at implementation of the international Covenants on human rights should be studied at the same level ~nd with the same care and depth. More effective examination of the the same level ~nd with the same care and depth. More effective examination of the reports and good use of the valuable experience of the Human Rights Committee, reports and good use of the valuable experience of the Human Rights Committee, would not only help to ensure that States made greater efforts to implement the would not only help to ensure that States made greater efforts to implement the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and to give it International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and to give it universal application, hut it would al~ encourage the co-operation of States in universal application, hut it would al~ encourage the co-operation of states in promoting the rights laid down therein. promoting the rights laid down therein. The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, most of which have acceded The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, most of which have acceded to these Covenants, today wish to urge Member States to commemorate the adoption of to these Covenants, today wish to urge Member States to commemorate the adoption of the international Covenants on human rights by signing, ratifying or acceding to the international Covenants on human rights by signing, ratifying or acceding to them. them. Mr. NOWORYTA (Poland): The delegation of the Polish People's Republic Mr. NOWORYTA (Poland): The delegation of the Polish People's Republic welcomed the decision of the General Assembly last year to convene during its welcomed the decision of the General Assembly last year to convene during its forty-first session a commemorative plenary meeting devoted to the twentieth forty-first session a commemorative plenary meeting devoted to the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the international Covenants on human rights. By any anniversary of the adoption of the international Covenants on human rights. By any standards, the adoption of the International Covenant or. Economic, Social and standards, the adoption of the International Covenant or. Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant.on Civil and Pol~tical Rights, has Cultural Rights and the International Covenant.on Civil and Pol!tical Rights, has been a milestone in the endeavours pursued in the United Nations: been a milestone in the endeavours pursued in the united Nations: U ••• to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth U ••• to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth • ••• • ••• of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women of the human person, in the equal rights of men ~nd women as proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations. as proclaimed in the Charter of the united Nations. Raving been worked out in the process of multilateral negotiations within the RaVing been worked out in the process of multilateral negotiations within the unitea Nations, the international Covenants on human rights struck a positive united Nations, the international Covenants on human rights struck a positive compromise between the needs and reauirements of the international community for compromise between the needs and reauirements of the international community for co-operation and the ~ractical possibilities for their implementation. The co-operation and the &ractical possibilities for their implementation. The adoption of the Covenants presupposed the existence of. political will on the part adoption of the Covenants presupposed the existence of. political will on the part of the Governments of the countries concerned to assume specific obligations. The of the Governments of the countries concerned to assume specific obligations. The Covenants constitute a synthesis of many schools of philosophy. They represent the Covenants constitute a synthesis of many schools of philosophy. They represent the highest expression of humanism, and of legal and social thought. highest expression of humanism, and of legal and social thought. (Mr. Noworyta, Poland) (Mr. Howoryta, Poland) The adoption of the Covenants gave a strong impetus to a trend towards The adoption of the Covenants gave a strong impetus to a trend towards relaxation of international tensions which subsequently did much to further the relaxation of international tensions which subsequently did much to further the elaboration and adoption of many agreements on disarmament and on social questions. elaboration and adoption of many agreements on disarmament and on social questions. The socialist, as well ail neutral and non-aligned countries, brought to the The socialist, as well ail neutral and non-aligned countries, brought to the Covenants the provisions of such immense value as the right of all peoples to Covenants the provisions of such iftlllense value as the right of all peoples to self-determination, to the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, and self-determination, to the enj~nt of economic, social and cultural rights, and opposition to all kinds of policies of aggression, discrimination and domination. opposition to all kinds of policies of aggression, discrimination and domination. These provisions have been given a prominent place in the Covenants. The latter These provisions have been given a prominent place in the Covenants. The latter have genuinely and significantly contributed to the promotion and protection of have genuinely and significantly contributed to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and to international co-operation in this human rights and fundamental freedoms and to international co-operation in this respect. The significance of the International Covanants on Ruman Rights is respect. The significance of the International Covanants on Ruman Rights is underlined by the fact that they constitute the first all-embracing and underlined by the fact that they constitute the first all-embracing and legally-binding international treaties in the field of human rights, and establish legally-binding international treaties in the field of human rights, and establish standards to which all states should conform. standards to which all states should conform. The Polish People's RepUblic attaches great importance to the implementation The Polish People's RepUblic attaches great importance to the lnplementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights· and of the of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights· and of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and to the universal International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and to the universal recognition and implementation of the Covenants. We attach eaual iJ'll)Ortance to recognition and implementation of the Covenants. We attach eaual importance to both Covenants. There is a close relationship and interdependence between both Covenants. There is a close relationship and interdependence between economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. This inti28te relationship economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. This intimate relationship has been confirme~ by resolution 40/114 of 13 December 1985. has been confirme~ by resolution 40/114 of 13 December 1985. Consequently, there is a need for joint implementation of the International Consequently, there is a need for joint implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which co~stitute a material guarantee of real implementation and Cultural Rights, which co~stitute a material guarantee of real implementation and eaua1 access to all rights and freedoms. eaual access to all rights and freedoms. (Mr. Noworyta, Poland) (Mr. Noworyta, Poland) Poland, being a socialist State, apart from developing institutional Po1anCl, being a socialist State, apart from developing institutional guarantees for civil and political rights, ~ttaches particular importance to guarantees for civil and political rights, ~ttaches particular importance to widespread guarantees of an economic and social nature which, in our view, widespread guarantees of an economic and social nature which, in our view, safeguard respect for human rights. safeguard respect for human rights. Poland made a sigfiificant contribution to the elaboration of the Covenants and Poland made a sigfiificant contribution to the elaboration of the Covenants and other international instrument~ for the protection and pr~otion of human rights. other international instrument~ for the protection and pr~otion of human rights. The texts of the Covenantl! have been published on a t,:'t,'\ber of occasions and The texts of the Covenantl! have been published on a tn,'\ber of occasions and at~ easily available in Poland. A bibliography on the Covenants in the Polish at~ easily available in Poland. A bibliography on the Covenants in the Polish language is auite impressive. On 4 November an all-Polish scientific conference language is auite impressive. On 4 November an all-Polish scientific conference commemo~ating the twentieth anniversary of the Covenants will be held in poznan. commemo~ating the t~ntieth anniversary of the Covenants will be held in Poznan. There is another precondition for the enjoyment of human rights, namely, that There is another precondition for the enjoyment of human rights, namely, that of peace. We subscribe to the view that respect for and promotion of human rights of peace. We subscribe to the view that respect for and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms in their civil, political, economic, social and cultural and fundamental freedoms in their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, on the one hand, and the strengthening of international peace and security, rights, on the one hand, and the strengthening of international peace and security, on the other, mutually reinforce each other. It is significant that the year 1986, on the other, mutually reinforce each other. It is significant that the year 1986, marking the' twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on marking the' twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rights, has been proc1atmed the International Year of Peace. Human Rights, has been proclaimed the International Year of Peace. This solemn occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the ad~ption of the This solemn occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the ad~ption of the International Covenants can best be commemorated by the rededication of all States International Covenants can best be commemorated by the rededication of all States to the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and to the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Charter of the united Nations and by their common pledge to pursue policies directed at the full implementation of by their common pledge to pursue policies directed at the full implementation of the rights contained in the International Coven~nts. the rights contained in the International Coven~nts. The draft resolution (A/4l/L.21) on the twentieth anniversary of the adoption The draft resolution (A/41/L.21) on the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rights, which the Polish delegation has the of the International Covenants on Human Rights, which the Polish delegation has the pleasure to co-sponsor, invites all States to commemorate this anniversary by pleasure to co-sponsor, invites all States to commemorate this anniversary by continuing and strengthening measures aimed at the implementation, ptomotion and continuing and strengthening measures aimed at the implementation, ptomotion and protection of the provisions of those instruments. protection of the prOVisions of those instruments. (Hr. Noworyta, Poland) (Hr. Noworyta, Poland) The draft resolutie.n also invites the appropriate United Rations bodies, the The draft resolutie.n also invites the appropriate United Rations bodies, the apecia1ized agencies and regional intergovernmental organizations and apecia1ized agencies and regional intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations, to take appropriate measures to celebrate the non-governmental organizations, to take appropriate measures to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenants. twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenants. We hope that the implementation of the resolution will promote the cause of We hope that the implementation of the resolution will promote the cause of human rights world-wide.* human rights world-wide•• Mr. ATTEWBLL (Cenada): My delegation is pleased to speak today on behalf Mr. ATTBWBLL (Canada): My delegation is pleased to speak today on behalf of the delegations.of Australia, AUlstria, Canada and New Zealand on the occasion of of the delegation•.of Australia, AUlstria, Canada and New Zealand on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on Human Rights. Rights. Anniversaries are the occasion for celebration. They are the occasion to Anniversaries are the occasion for celebration. They are the occasion to remember the great accomplishments of the past and the high sense of purpose and remember the great accomplishments of the past and the high sense of purpose and dedication whion propelled this Organization towards completion of an international dedication whion propelled this Organization towards completion of an international bill of human rights. Anniversaries are also the time for observation and bill of human rights. Anniversaries are also the time for observation and reflection. It is appropriate that my remarks today touch both the optimistic reflection. It is appropriate that my remarks today touch both the opt:l1llistic faith that led to ~he adoption of the covenants as well as the more critical spirit faith that led to ~he adoption of the covenants as well as the more critical spirit which now pervades discussion of all areas of international co-operation. which now pervades discussion of all areas of international co-operation. Work on the International Bill of Human Rights began in 1946, in the initial Work on the International Bill of Human Rights began in 1946, in the initial year of the United Nations. Progress was rapid on the Universal Declaration of year of the United Nations. Progress was rapid on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted two years later after substantial preparatory Human Rights, which was adopted two years later after substantial preparatory work. But casting the principles enshrined in the universal Declaration into work. But casting the principles enshrined in the universal Declaration into binding treaty obligations with effective enforcement machinery proved a much more binding treaty obligations with effective enforcement machinery proved a much more formidable task. Twenty years were to pass before initial preparatory work bore formidable task. Twenty years were to pass before initial preparatory work bore " final fruit with the adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political €inal fruit with the adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political *Mr. Moushoutas (Cyprus), Vice-President, took the Chair. *Mr. Moushoutas (Cyprus), Vice-President, took the Chair. (Mr. Attewell, Canada) (Mr. Attewell, Canada) Rights, its Optional Protocol and the International Covenant on Economic, social Rights, its Optional Protocol and the International Covenant on Eoonomio, social and Cultural Rights. and Cultural Rights. The adoption of all of these' instruments constituted a revolution in The adoption of all of these" instruments oonstituted a revolution in international law. It brought to the forefront of international activities the international law. It brought to the forefront of international activities the protection of individuals and the safeguarding of rights all too often ignored by protection of individuals and the safeguarding of rights all too often ignored by Governments. Gone is the notion that a State's treatment of its own nationals was Governments. Gone is the notion that a State's treatment of its own nationals was entirely the domestic responsibility of the State concerned. Gone as well ~s the entirely the domestic responsibility of the State oonoerned. Gone as well Js the doctrine that intercession on humanitarian and human rights grounds with other doctrine that interoession on humanitarian and human rights grounds with other States constitutes interference in the internal affairs of other States. Through States oonstitutes interferenoe in the internal affairs of other States. Through usage and precedent, the Universal Declaration has acquired a privileged status usage and preoedent, the Universal Deolaration has aoquired a privileged status contemplated by only a few at the ttme of its adoption in 1948. oontemplated by only a few at the time of its adoption in 1948. We celebrate the adoption of these instruments. We congratulate both the We oelebrate the adoption of these instruments. We oongratulate both the Organization which gave birth to the Covenants and the many individuals whose Organization whioh gave birth to the Covenants and the many individuals whose contributions will long be remembered by the oppressed and down-trodden of this contributions will long be remembered by the oppressed and down-trodden of this world. world. Twenty years after the adoption of the Covenants, our assessment must be Twenty years after the adoption of the Covenants, our assessment must be balanced and sober. These instruments have not ushered into being a new global balanced and sober. These instruments have not ushered into being a new global order in which respect for the integrity and dignity of the human person is a order in whioh respect for the integrity and dignity of the human person is a primary consideration. But neither.have these instruments proven more rhetorical primary consideration. But neither.have these instruments proven more rhetorioal proclamations. Many countries - over 80 - are States Parties to these instruments proclamations. Many countries - over 80 - are States Parties to these instruments and the list is growing longer. and the list is growing longer. The work of the Human Rights C01iIIllittee on civil and political rights has been The work of the Human Rights C01iIIIittee on civil and political rights has been impressive. The Sessional WOrking Group of the Economic and Social Council has impressive. The Sessional Korking Group of the Bconomic and Social Council has made a substantial contribution to the protection and promotion of economic, social made a substantial contribution to the protection and promotion of economic, social and cultural rights and this work sh')uld be further enhanced by the new expert and cultural rights and this work sh)uld be further enhanced by the new expert Committee. The Covenants and the Universal Declaration which inspired them have Committee. The Covenants and the Universal Declaration which inspired them have found reflection in the legal and administrative systems of many countries. The found reflection in the legal and administrative systems of many countries. The global sweep of the Covenants has been supplemented by regional arrangements for global sweep of the Covenants has been supplemented by regional arrangements for the promotion of human rights, most recently the African Charter of Human and the promotion of human rights, most recently the African Charter of Ruman and Peoples' Rights. Peoples' Rights. The work of the Human Rights Committee has been especially innovative. The The work of the Ruman Rights Committee has been especially innovative. The review of States periodical reports has provided a wealth of information, review of States periodical reports has provided a wealth of information, encouraged dialogue and underlined the accountability of States in the field of encouraged dialogue and underlined the accountability of States in the field of human rights. The publication of its casework is especially important in building human rights. The publication of its casework is especially important in building up a body of expertise and experience in the field of human rights which can be up a body of expertise and experience in the field of human rights which can be shared with jurists and interested observers throughout the world. shared with jurists and interested observers throughout the world. Further innovations in the wor~ of the Ruman Rights Committee should be given Further innovations in the wor~ of the Ruman Rights Committee should be given consideration. For example, in order to strengthen the Committee's monitoring consideration. For example, in order to strengthen the Committee's monitoring function, it should be informed about the declarations of states of siege or function, it should be informed about the declarations of states of siege or emergency and their effects on the enjoyment of human rights. emergency and their effects on the enjoyment of human rights. It is of crucial importance that States are aware of their reporting It is of crucial importance that States are aware of their reporting . obligations and have the necessary expertise to prepare ad~auate documentation for obligations and have the necessary expertise to prepare ad~auate documentation for the Committee. We, therefore, support the work of the Committee in drafting the Committee. We, therefore, support the work of the Committee in drafting general comments on the obligations enshrined in the Covenant on Civil and general comments on the obligations enshrined in the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in working towards the preparation of guidelines for the Political Rights and in working towards the preparation of guidelines for the submission and periodicity of reports under all human rights instruments. Such submission and periodicity of reports under all human rights instruments. Such guidelines would facilitate the preparation of reports, ensure that reporting guidelines would facilitate the preparation of reports, ensure that reporting timetables are realistic and identify key requirements in reporting obligations timetables are realistic and identify key requirements in reporting obligations which need to be met punctually and completely. (Mr. Attewell, Canada) (Mr. Attewell, Canada) There is abundant scope for effective co-operation within the United Nations There is abundant scope for effective co-operation within the united Nations system and among United Nations agencies in seeking to improve the reporting system and among United Nations agencies in seeking to improve the reporting processes. Participation in training courses at the national level and at regional processes. Participation in training courses at the national level and at regional seminars on the application of the Covenants is to been encouraged and emulated by seminars on the application of the Covenants is to been encouraged and emulated by other expert bodies in the field ·of human rights. The United Nations Institute for other expert bodies in the field -of human rights. The United Nations Institute for Training and Rese~rch (UNITAR) seminara on the preparation of national reports, Training and Rese~rch (UNITAR) seminara on the preparation of national reports, held in Senegal and in Barbados, have demor.3trated the value of an integrat,~ held in Senegal and in Barbados, have demor.3trated the value of an integrat,-d approach to human rights training. Moreo~er, we consider that relevant specialized approach to human rights training. Moreo~er, we consider that relevant specialized agencies ~an play an active role In assisting the bodies supervising implementation agencies ~an play an active role In assisting the bodies supervising implementation of the Covenants. of the Covenants. The progress made in building up a body of customary law, capturing the spirit The progress made in building up a body of customary law, capturing the spirit of the Universal Declaration in binding treaty obligations and creating protective of the Universal Declaration in binding treaty obligations and creating protective machinery has been impressive. Therefore, we lament the financial and budgetary machinery has been impressive. Therefore, we lament the financial and budgetary decisions taken in recent months which threaten to unde:mine 40 yeara of inspired decisions taken in recent months which threaten to unde:mine 40 yeara of inspired and diligent work. The cancellation of one of the 1986 meetings was a serious and diligent work. The cancellation of one of the 1986 meetings was a serious setback. The proposal that the summary records of the substantive work of the two setback. The proposal that the summary records of the substantive work of the two supervisory Committees be cut causes us grave disquiet because it wou~d undermine superVisory Committees be cut causes us grave disquiet because it wou~d undermine the foundation of the Committees' work. The United Nations has an inescapable the foundation of the Committees' work. The United Nations has an inescapable obligation to provide adequate services for these two Committees. We find it obligation to provide adequate services for these two Committees. We find it unacceptable that fundamental work of the United Nations should be so disrupted. unacceptable that fundamental work of the united Nations should be so disrupted. The delegations of Australia, Austria, Canada and New Zealand join those The delegations of Australia, Austria, Canada and New Zealand join those within the international community which endorse the progress made in human rights within the international community which endorse the progress made in human rights matters in this Organization over 40 years. We support especially the role of the matters in this Organization over 40 years. We support especially the role of the International Bill of Human Rights in rallying international pUblic opinion towards International Bill of Human Rights in rallying international pUblic opinion towards a more compassionate world in which basic rights are respocted. We urge that more a more compassionate world in which basic rights are respocted. We urge that more States ratify the International Covenants and give consideration to becoming States ratify the International Covenants and give consideration to becoming parties to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and parties to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Politioal Rights. We urge as well the total co-operation 9f the internation~l , Politioal Rights. We urge as well the total co-operation 9f the internation~l , community in the work of expert bodies in the field of human rights. Twenty yearlJ c::ommunity in the work of expert bodies in the field of human rights. Twenty yearl3 ago we oelebrated the long-delayed passage of the two Covenants. Now let us ago we oelebrated the long-delayed passage of the two Covenants. Now let us oelebrate not only their entry into foroe but also their effective implementation. oelebrate not only their entry into foroe but also their effective implementation. The Covenants set standards in the field of human rights which must eventually The Covenants set standards in the field of human rights which must eventually become the standards of all States and of all peoples. beoome the standards of all States and of all peoples. Kr. ENGO (Cameroon): I am honoured by the privilege of speaking as Hr. ENGO (Cameroon): I am honoured by the privilege of speaking as ourrent Chairman of the Afrioan Group presenting the sentiments of a oontinent that ourrent Chairman of the Afrioan Group presenting the sentiments of a oontinent that has provided sustenanoe to the economio growth ef the world yet the bulk of whose has provided sustenance to the economic growth ef the world yet the bulk of whose peoples remain among the most deprived known to history. peoples remain among the most deprived known to history. We assemble onoe again, in reality to oo~morate, not to oelebrate; for there We assemble once again, in reality to oo~morate, not to celebrate; for there is nothing real to oelebrate. The least we oan do is remind ourselves of the lofty is nothing real to celebrate. The least we can do is remind ourselves of the lofty aspirations to peace and seourity we eet for this and future generations; ideals aspirations to peace and security we eet for this and future genera~ions; ideals born of man's awareness of the nature of his finite~ess and inoapaoities; an born of man's awareness of the nature of his finite~ees and incapacities; an awareness derived from a long history of misery inf~ioted by his oraving for awareness derived from a long history of misery inf~icted by his craving for grandeur. We must address the persistence of the fundamental evil that haunts man grandeur. We must address the persistence of the fundamen~l evil that haunts man in his organization of peace and seourity both in the national society and in the in his organization of peace and security both in the national society and in the international oommunity~ international community. I We meet at a time at whioh the turmoil in many countries aoross the globe is I We meet at a time at which the turmoil in many countries across the globe is mirrored olearly in the state of the international community. What~ver the mirrored clearly in the state of the international community. What~ver the oonvenienoe of perspeotive, whether in terms of the oentral preocoupations of the convenience of perspective, whether in terms of the oentral preoccupations of the Intern~tional Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or of those of the nagging International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or of those of the nagging injustioes and dangers the elimination of whioh is sought by the presoriptions of injustices and dangers the elimination of which is sought by the prescriptions of the International Covenant on Eoonomio, Social and Cultural Rights, the world does the International Covenant on Economio, Social and Cultural Rights, the world does not seem to have made signifioant progress in resolving its oontemporary malaise; not seem to have made significant progress in resolving its oontemporary malaise; the same malaise that modern man hypocritically associates only with the obsessions the same malaise that modern man hypocritically associates only with the obsessions of imperial legions in the Middle Ages o~ European history. of imperial legions in the Middle Ages o~ European history. (Nr. Engo, Cameroon) (Hr. Engo, Cameroon) The preparations folt unproductive conflict and destructive war in contemporary The preparations folt unproductive conflict and destructive war in contemporary times seem to respond to the same utterances as those o~ the RO!II2ln legions in times seem to respond to the same utterances as those o~ the RO!II2ln legions in training for and prosecuting senseless wars, bringing undeserved pestilence to training for and prosecuting senseless wars, bringing undeserved pestilence to populations. Either by 4esign or by resistance to accelerating forces of change, populations. Either by design or by resistance to accelerating forces of change, the wor14 has beCOllle a hostile place in which the very survival of man is at the world has become a hostile place in which the very survival of man is at stake. Across the globe the actions of peoples and nations appear to have their stake. Across the globe the actions of Peeples and nations appoar to have their roots in that natural impulse of all animals to resent, to retaliate, or else roots in that natural impulse of all animals to resent, to retaliate, or else merely to aatisfy the urge to subdue the weak. merely to aatisfy the urge to subdue the weak. One would think that the frustrations of warfare and the threat of nuclear One would think that the frustrations of warfare and the threat of nuclear annihilation would usher 1ft a new era, a ~odern renaissance, which, given the annihilation would usher 1ft a new era, a ~odern renaissance, which, given the tremendous human and natural resources available, would direct our more enlightened tremendous human and natural resources available, would direc't our more enlightened and scientific minds to the prOMOtion of better standards and conditions of living and scientific minds to the prOMOtion of better standards and conditions of living fC'"Jr all mankind. fCir all mankind. In today's world unimaginative politics engineered by misleading economic . In today's world unimaginative politics engineered by misleading economic . theories and miscalculations have blurred the noble visions of the human intellect theories and miscalculations have blurred the noble visions of the human intellect expzessed by centuries of theologians" philosophers, poets, writers, artists and expzessed by centuries of theologians" philosophers, poets, writers, artists and the like. Held hostage by the very attainments we have sought in science and the like. Held hostage by the very attainments we have sought in science and technology, we appear collectively incapable of understanding the nature of our technology, we appear collectively incapable of understanding the nature of our predicament as a generation. predicament as a generation. The human ri~ht8 issue has become a ritual football, dribbled from one The human ri~hts i8sue bas beeoa a ritual football, dribbled from one ideological camp to the other" For many Western Pewrs the disC1)uue provides an ideological camp to the other" For many Western Pcwrs the disC1)uue provides an oppor~unity to rebuke ?ommunism and to accuse the socialists of expansionism and opportunity to rebuke ?ommunism and to accuse the socialists of expansionism and brutality in trying to maintain an assumed sphere of influence. The rejoinder of brutality in trying to maintain an assumed sphere of influence. The rejoinder of the socialists contains si_i1ar pointers against capitalism and the west, which the socialists contains si8ilar pointers against capitaliSM and the west, which they submit has greater expertis~ in exploitation. they submit has greater expertis~ in exploitation. (Mr. Engo, Cameroon) (Mr. Engo, Cameroon) Both live in a world of.hypocritiCt'l convenience when 11: comes to .addressing Both live in a world ofhypacriticn1 convenience when it comes to addressing the issues of the third "odd. Each sees the causes of .conflict in terms of the - degree of involvement of the other. Thus, the South African tragedYJ the economic the issues of the third wodd. Each sees the causes of .conflict in terms of the - degree of involvement of the other. Thus, the South African tragedYJ the economic woes of third-world peoples, the global instability; these are all treated .in terms woes of third-world peoples, the global instability; these are all treated .in terms of an East-West·confUct. In the process, even the two super-Powers, heading the of an East-West·confUct. In the process, even the two super-Powers, heading the two ideological blocs best equipped to prevent war and the ones to which a helpless two ideological blocs best equipped to prevent war and the ones to which a helpless world looks for constructive ch~nge in the global climate, these two Power~ often world looks for constructive ch~nge in the global climate, these two Power~ often give in to the alluring fantasies of bitterness and wasteful ideological conflict give in to the alluring fantasies of bitterness and wasteful ideological conflict between them. The rest of the world JI.:Ist tremble at the political vibrations, between them. The rest of the world JlU:lst tremble at the political vibrations, wondering whether the geography that delineates man's existence on this planet does wondering whether the geography that delineates man's existence on this planet does have any commensurate biology that distinguishes human beings from other creatures have any commensurate biology that distinguishes human beings from other creatures that share the habitat. that share the habitat. The countries of the third world have reason to be scaredJ for when the The countries of the third world have reason to be scaredJ for when the diatribe between the great and powerful assumes its physical expression, it is in diatribe between the great and powerful assumes its physical expression, it is in third-world countries that they establish a theatre for violent conflict. When third-world countries that they establish a theatre for violent conflict. When that happens, the peoples of the victim nations must needlessly shed costly blood, that happens, the peoples of the victim nations must needlessly shed costly blood, be condemned, be categorized, be impoverished further, as unwilling mark~~~ for be condemned, be categorized, be impoverished further, as unwilling mark~~~ for trade in armaments and as prisonere of despicable external debts. Perhaps trade in armaments and as prisonere of despicable external debts. Perhaps unconsciously to hide their origins, the staged conflicts are now called regional unconsciously to hide their origins, the staged conflicts are now called regional conflicts• conflicts• . This commemorative occasion must be categorized among those recent;ly organized . This commemorative occasion must be categorized among those recently organized by the i~ternational community to take stock of this generation's rea~tion to the by the i~ternational community to take stock of this generation's rea~tion to the plight of the hum~n condition. plight of the hum~n condition. For too long has the concentrated attention of the world been turned to Africa For too long has the concentrated attention of the world been turned to Africa as a theatre of brutality and indifference to so-called democracy and human as a theatre of brutality and indifference to so-called democracy and human rights. The reviews issued to the world by political agents and press analysts rights. The reviews issued to the world by political agents and press analysts (Hr. Engo, Cameroon) (Mr. Engo, Cameroon) would give the misleading impression that the definition (;2 the concept of human would give the misleading impression that the definition (;2 the concept of human rights ie confined within the realms of a limited sphere of those principal civil rights ie confined within the realms of a limited sphere of those principal civil and political rights recognized by the universal Declaration of Buman Rights. and political rights recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Africa has had its share of the hlstor.lc experience of breaches of civil and Af!i:ica has had its share of the hlstor.lc experience of breaches of civil and political rights, relating to life, liberty and security of the pereon and freedom political rights, relating to 11fe, liberty and security of the pereon and freedom from arbitrary arrest, detention and exile. In this its peoples have always been from arbitrary arrest, detention and exile. In this its peoples have always been -.;ictiiltS, and that is important to note. They have been and continue to be the -.;ictiiltS, and that is important to note. They have been and continue to be the SUbject of deprivations at the haft~l) of external forces, either directly or through SUbject of deprivations at the haft~IJ of external forces, either directly or through the effects of internal strife and ~ational political instability, generally the effects of internal strife and ~atlonal political instability, generally designed or instigated from without. designed or instigated from without. One only needs to examine the events of CQntemporary history to conclude that One only needs to examine the events of contemporary history to conclude that free Africa and the third world do not provide the genesis of the lack of humanism free Africa and the third world do not provide the genesis of the lack of humanism involved. Emergent African Statea may well have mitigating circumstances, for the involved. Emergent African StateB may well have mitigating circumstances, for the systems and the mechanisms they inherited from centu~ies of calculated exploitation systems and the mechanisms they inherited from centu~ies of calculated exploitation are hardly appropriate to reinstate the noble cultural values which insist on the are hardly appropriate to reinstate the noble cultural values which insist on the African loving his neighbour and being his brother's keeper. Respect for the African loving his neighbour and being his brother's keeper. Respect for the sanctity of huamn life. is part of the jus cogens of African legal and religious sanctity of huamn life, is part of the jus cogens of African legal and religious norms. norms. What justifiable reasons can be advanced in defence of those nations which What justifiable reasons can be advanced in defence of those nations which once claimed exclusivity of advancement and civilization? To recall their history once claimed exclusivity of advancement and civilization? To recall their history would merely be repetitive of COIlllOi'l knowledge of hist:odc~l facts. Suffice it to would merely be repetitive of COIlllOi'l knowledge of hist:odc~l facts. Suffice it to say that Africa will continue the sacred march against attendant misgivings. with say that Africa will continue the sacred march against attendant misgivings. with regard to the present SUbject matter, an African Charter on Ruman and Peoples' regard to the present SUbject matter, an Afrlcan Charter on Ruman and Peoples' Rights was adopted at the eighteenth ordinary session of the Assembly of Reads of Rights was adopted at the eighteenth ordinary session of the Assembly of Beads of State and Guvernment, held in June 1981. It came into force on 21 OCtober 1986. state and Guvernment, held in June 1981. It came into force on 21 october 1986. In only a matter of five years, we have demonstrated the Africans' commitment. In In only a matter of five years, we have demonstrated the Africans' commitment. In (Mr. En9C!, Cameroon) (Hr. Bn9C!. Cameroon) the words of the Seeretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), that . . the words of the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), that . . date marked an important day in the history of that organization. Be went on to date marked an important day in the history of that organization. Re went on to say: say: -indeed, for the first t~e, after Europi and America, the African continent ·indeed, for the first time, after Burope and America, the African continent has also established a legal instrument of great political significance, not has also established a legal instrument of great political significance, not only for upholding fundamental human and peoples' rights, but also for only for upholding fundamental human and peoples' rights, but also for protecting and promoting these rights. In this regard, as provided for under protecting and promoting these rights. In this regard, as provided for under this Charter, an African Commission on Buman and Peoples' Rights shall be set this Charter, an African Commission on Ruman and Peoples' Rights shall be set up and the eleven members elected by the next Ordinary Session of the Assembly up and the eleven members elected by the next Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Beads of State and Government-. of Reads of State and Government·. That Charter is the region's complement to the International Covenants. Time That Charter is the region's complement to the International Covenants. Time must be permitted to season the particular aspirations declared in it. It must be permitted to season the particular aspirations declared in it. It specifically took into consideration specifically took into consideration ~the virtues of the historical traditions and the values of African ~the virtues of the historical traditions and the values of African civilization which should inspire and characterize their reflection on the civilization which should inspire and characterize their reflection on the concept of human and peoples' rights-. concept of human and peoples' rights·. The element of -peoplesis new to the international discourse. It reflects The element of -peoples· is new to the international discourse. It reflects the reality of African concepts of communal existence: that man is not created to the reality of African concepts of communal existence: that man is not created to live and act alone, that success in the life of the individual depends on live and act alone, that success in the life of the individual depends on conditions of peace and security contributed to by all members of society. Applied conditions of peace and security contributed to by all members of society. Applied to the international community, that attitude could stimulate greater co-operation to the international community, that attitude could stimulate greater co-operation among States in the peaceful resolution of international conflicts and problems of among States in the peaceful resolution of international conflicts and problems of a universal character. a universal character. Poverty, whether of an individual, a nation or a region, is a condition of war Poverty, whether of an individual, a nation or a region, is a condition of war and conflict, not peace and security. We would submit that many of the violations and conflict, not peace and security. We would sumit that many of the violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 'n the young countries of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 'n the young countries (Hr. Engo, Cameroon) (Mr. Engo, Cameroon) stem from a paradoxical poverty: incomprehensible, having regard to the endowment stem from a paradoxical poverty: incomprehensible, having regard to the endowment of natural resources. Prustrations lead to dissatisfaction, ostenzibly with the of natural resources. Frustrations lead to dissatisfaction, ostensibly with the leadership of the nation, and change, sometimes erratic, is sought without an leadership of the nation, and change, sometimes erratic, is sought without an understanding of the true meaning of things. Ignorant outsiders react with understanding of the true meaning of things. Ignorant outsiders react with destructive condemnation, accusing Africa of immaturity, as 1f that continent destructive condemnation, accusing Africa of immaturity, as 1f that continent claims exclusive ownership of instability. claims exclusive ownership of instability. It is thus to the less abstract elements of the human condition that we must It is thus to the less abstract elements of the human condition that we must turn. What, we may ask, has happened since the International Covenant on EconCdiic, turn. What, we may ask, has happened since the International Covenant on EconCldic, Social and Cultural Rights was adopted and since it came into force? That Covenant Social and Cultural Rights was adopted and since it came into force? That Covenant introduced many new features which addressed the broad iseue of better standards of introduced many new features which addressed the broad iseue of better standards of liVing for eVt"ty people. The right to work would provide access to fair wages and living for eVt"'ty people. The right to work would provide access to fair wages and the attributes of human dignity. Social security, a natural ~eature of the the attributeG of human dignity. Social security, a natural ~eature of the traditional African culture, enhances the capacity to dream and to entertain traditional African culture, enhances the capacity to dream and to entertain reasonable hopes for the future. The rights to health and education would reasonable hopes for the future. The rights to health and education would guarantee a knowledge of one's environment and the scope of advancement that guarantee a knowledge of one's environment and the scope of advancement that beckons to each member of society. The right to form and join trade unions gives a beckons to each member of society. The right to form and join trade unions gives a sense of participation or guarantees to a national and a valid say in the process sense of participation or guarantees to a national and a valid say in the process of community and nation-building. c of community and nation-building. c (Hr. Engo, Cameroon) (Hr. I5ngo, Cameroon) The right to participate in thl! cultural life of the community, to enjoy the The right to participate in thl! cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advance and its benefits, touches the foundations arts and to share in scientific advance and its benefits, touches the foundations of man as a social animal. of man as a social animal. All of these are perhaps the most critical of the itelllS focused upon in the All of these are perhaps the most critical of the itellS focused upon in the International Bill of Human Rights. Success in these areas woul.d undoubted~y International Bill of Human Rights. Success in these areas woul.d undoubted~y foster better national and international attitudes favouring universal peace and foster better national and international attitudes favouring universal peace and security. They would induce conditions of internal peace for each individual, security. They would induce conditione of internal peace for each individual, inspiring him to greater heights of spiritual rejuvenation. Nations are, it must inspiring him to greater heights of spiritual rejuvenation. Nations are, it must constantly be borne in mind, constituted and run by people. constantly be borne in mind, constituted and run by people. The human component is the instrument for fanning so-called public emotions, The human component is the instrument for fanning so-called public emotions, its attitudes towards national life dictate the fortunes of war and peace. Man at its attitudes towards national life dictate the fortunes of war and peace. Man at peace with himself influences change for the better. It was Aquinas the peace with himself influences change for the better. It was Aquinas the philosopher who postulated the belief that for men to be at peace with one another, philosopher who postulated the belief that for men to be at peace with one another, each must be at peace with himself, but, he went on, each must be at peace with himself, but, he went on, -Man's he~rt is not at peace, so long as he has,not what he wants, or if, -Man's he~rt is not at peace, so long as he has. not what he wants, or if, h3ving what he wants, there still remains something for him to want.- h3ving what he wants, there still remains something for him to want.- As we review the human experience with regard to human rights the facts of the As we review the human experience with regard to human rights the facts of the attitudes of some of the contemporary great nations are not only dlsco~raging but attitudes of some of the contemporary great nations are not only disco~raging but present embarrassing ~estion marks as to the scope of the success the present embarrassing ~estion marks as to the scope of the success the international community may reasonably expect. To greatness must be attached international community may reasonably expect. To greatness must be attached leadership, and the world needs that auality of leadership that is inspired for the leadership, and the world needs that auality of leadership that is inspired for the common good. common good. Apart from the activities alluded to earlier, it would appear that, Apart from the activities alluded to earlier, it would appear that, regrettably, international conventions are backed mainly by the young nations. The regrettably, international conventions are backed mainly by the young nations. The indolence'of some of the bigger nations is blurred by the dust of undue criticism indolence'of some of the bigger nations is blurred by the dust of undue criticism mounted mainly by them against one another and against defenceless young nations. mounted mainly by them against one another and against defenceless young nations. Permit me to refer to those relating to labour, for purposes of illustration. Permit me to refer to those relating to labour, for purposes of illustration. (Mr.. 8ngo, Cuercon) (Mr. 8n9O' Cuercon) According to statistics, the International Labour Organisation (lOO) had by According to statistics, the International Labour Organisation (lOO) had by 1975 adopted 140 international labour conventions since it was established in 1919, 1975 adopted 140 international labour conventions since it was established in 1919, many of them relating to important hWllln rights aspects.. We need not labour the many of them relating to important hWllln rights aspects. We naed not labour the fact that a very ~rtant super-Power had ratified only seven since its ent~y into fact that a very ~rtant super-Power had ratified only seven since its ent~y into the ILO in 1934J the other super-Power had ratified only 40.. the ILO in 1934J the other super-Power had ratified only 40. The staggering revelation Is that, while our young nations in Africa have The staggering revelation Is that, while our young nations in Africa have responded legislatively and administratively to most of the human rights aspects of responded legislatively and administratively to most of the human rights aspects of these conventions, the important leadership of this period in time has not.. these conventions, the important leadership of this period in time has not. In my nation, CUleroon, for instance, the right to work and to receive fair In my nation, C8Jleroon, for instance, the right to work and to receive fair wage conditions is not only an aspect of national policy towards WOIII8n but the wage conditions is not only an aspect of national policy towards WCIIIen but the instrument of enforcing tr&t1itional values, which treat woman as the indispensable instrument of enforcing traditional values, which treat woman as the indispensable mother of society. A pregnant working mother in my country is entitled to a total mother of society. A pregnant working mother in my country is entitled to a total of four months' maternity leave of absence with full pGY.. The husband gets three· of four months' maternity leave of absence with full pGY. The husband gets three· days with full pay. This avoids disruption of budgetary decisions made by days with full pay. This avoids disruption of budgetary decisions made by individuals or couples. In our view, it is fair and just. individuals or couples. In our view, it is fair and just. It is 'amazing that such provisions cannot be found in many of the leading It is 'amazing that such prOVisions cannot be found in lUny of the leading nations in this the last auarter of the twentieth century. Women are still nations in this the last auarter of the twentieth century. Women are still discriminated against in work .. This sort of issue is even more.fundamental than discriminated against in work. This sort of issue is even more.fundamental than the grave threats to the right to freedom of expression. the grave threats to the right to freedom of expression. Why is this important as a human rights issue? The current debates on the Why is this important as a human rights issue? The current debates on the status of women and family planning reveal that the practice of such discrillftation status of women and family planning reveal that the practice of such cUscriJlftation violates fUndamental human rights as defined in. article -" and as specifically violates fUndamental human rights as defined in. article -" and as specifically addressed in article 10, of the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. addressed in article 10, of the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The International Year of Peace provides yet another opportunity to appeal to The International Year of Peace provides yet another opportunity to appeal to the greats of the international community - the u~ited States and the Soviet union the greats of the international community - the u~ited States and the Soviet union in particular - to use their good offices to promote a better, safer world. We in particular - to use their good offices to promote a better, safer world. We urge them to remove confrontation from their relations and join the universal urge them to remove confrontation from their relations and join the universal (Mr. Engo, Cameroon) (Mr. Engo, Cameroon) campaign for the rudiments of Peace and security, founded on the protect"ion of oampaign for the rudiments of peace and security, founded on the protect"ion of human rights in al~ its aspects, everywhere. human rights in al~ its aspects, everywhere. In southern Africa there can be no news worse than the world has seen in In southern Afrioa there oan be no news worse than the world has seen in recent times. A deprived people bleeds for justice's sake, and we waste recent times. A deprived people bleeds for justioe's sake, and we waste opportunities here arguing on the ph~aseology of resolutions that turn out to be opportunities here arguing on the ph~aseology of resolutions that turn out to be little more than tranquillizers - for the process, not for the deprived people who little more than tranquillizers - for the process, not for the deprived people who die. die. Oneot-:::~r aspect that must be underlined concerns the young nations and the One ot~~r aspeot that must be underlined oonoerns the young nations and the role they could play in the peace process. Harassed by undue criticism, bullied by role they could play in the peaoe process. Harassed by undue critioism, bullied by an oppressive bad press, the Governments of young nations are being called upon to an oppressive bad press, the Governments of young nations are being called upon to compromise national values. oompromise national values. In the difficult process of infusing a sense of nationhood into a colonial In the diffioult process of infusing a sense of nationhood into a colonial grographical expression, peoples have to grapple with delicate adaptations in order grographical expression, peoples have to grapple with delicate adaptations in order to achieve a constitutional consensus within the nation. The trend of opinion to achieve a constitutional consensus within the nation. The trend of opinion among some of the so-called non-profit humane or humanitarian organizations is in among some of the so-called non-profit humane or humanitarian organizations is in many instances moulded by the narrative of individuals who escape the nation after many instances moulded by the narrative of individuals who escape the nation after attempting to disrupt the organization of the State. We may exclude genuine attempting to disrupt the organization of the State. We may exclude genuine political refugees. Indiscriminately, those organizations listen to one or other political refugees. Indiscriminately, those organizations listen to one or other individual, make hasty judgements, ignore subse~ent responses by the legitimate individual, make hasty :JUdgements, ignore subsequent responses by the legitimate Government and set themselves up as champions of the cause of so-called oppressed Government and set themselves up as champions of the oause of so-called oppressed peoples. We must be careful not to be drawn into activities that may be disrup~ive peoples. We must be careful not to be drawn into activities that may be disrup~ive of the justice and order we claim to seek in' other nations. Between the universal of the justice and order we claim to seek in' other nations. Between the universal interest in human rights everywhere and the principle prohibiting interference in interest in human rights everywhere and the principle prohibiting interference in the internal affairs of a.nation there is a thin line which must constantly be the internal affairs of a.nation there is a thin line which must constantly be watched. watched. (Mr. Bngo, Cueroon) (Mr. Bngo, C..-roon) The international instruaent8 we hail todar ca.. fraa the human conscience of The international instruaent8 we hail todar ca.. fraa the human conscience of the finest type. One region wbere the credibility of the IlOst powerful of this the finest type. One region wbere the credibility of the IlOst powerful of thia generation is being tested is Africa. Por our gra~chi1dren and history, let us generation is being tested is Africa. Por our grapdchildren and history, let us avoid the conclusion that, although we created the united Nations Charter, the avoid the conclusion that, although we created the united Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Qnd the COvenants, we either snored through Universal Declaration of Human Rights 3nd the COvenants, we either snored through atte~ts at their demise or took conscious steps to ignore the values they attelllpts at their demise or took conscious steps to ignore the values they p~oc1aimed and consequently bequeathed to future generations a wrecked and useless p~oelaimed and consequently bequeathed to future generations a wrecked and useless world. world. Let us, in upbo1ding these International Covenants, give full support to Let us, in upbolding these International Covenants, give full support to others which prOl'llOte the attainment of conditions that are conducive to the others which promote the attainment of conditions that are conducive to the implementation of human ·rights. Africans need more than prOllises, less of implementation of human "rights. Africans need more than prOllises, less of unfulfilled and forlorn hopes. unfulfilled and forlorn hopes. We call for the international community'. full support for Africa's Priority We call for the international community'. full support for Africa's Priority programme for Economic Recovery as a major universal effort to create those Programme for Economic Recovery as a major universal effort to create those conditions. We seek support for t&e OAU African Charter of Human and Peoples' conditions. We seek support for t&e OAU African Charter of Human and Peoples' Rights. We· are particularly concerned about the nature and realities of the cruel Rights. We· are particularly concerned about the nature and realities of the cruel world in which we live. We are just as concerned that a resource-rich Africa shall world in which we live. We are just as concerned that a resource-rich Africa shall not bequeath to its grandchildren and future generations a wretcbed and useless not bequeath to its grandchildren and future generations a wretched and useless world. world. 9 .. Mr. SARRR (senegal) (interpretation from French): The commemoration of 9 . Mr. SARRR (Sinega1) (interpretation from French): The commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoPtio~ of the International Covenants on Ruman the twentieth anniversary of the adoPtio~ of the International Covenants on Ruman Rights gives me the opportunity of paying a tribute, on behalf of Senegal, to the Rights gives me the opportunity of paying a tribute, on behalf of Senegal, to the united Nations for the standard-setting work it has done in regard to the united Nations for the standard-setting work it has done in regard to the protection and promotion of human rights. protection and promotion of human rights. Indeed, since the General Assembly in its resolution 217 A (111) of Indeed, since the General Assembly in its resolution 217 A (111) of la Cecember 1948 adopted and proclatmedthe Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights - 10 Cecember 1948 adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Ruman Rights - making that subject a common ideal of mankind and a concern of the international making that subject a common ideal of mankind and a concern of the international community - the United Nations has achieved significant progress in defining and community - the United Nations has achieved significant progress in defining and codifying the standards relating to the exercise and protection of human rights and codifying the standards relating to the exercise and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. fundamental freedoms. ThuS, the International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and ThuS, the International Covenants on Economic, social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the Optional Protocol to the Covenant on on Civil and political Rights, as well as the Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, were patiently drafted. They entered into force in Civil and Political Rights, were patiently drafted. They entered into force in 1976, and since then have formed, along with the Universal Declaration of HUman 1976, and sinoe then have formed, along with the Universal Declaration of HUman Rights, what it has now been agreed to call the ·Interna~iona1 Charte~ of Ruman Rights, what it has now been agreed to call the ·Interna~ional Charte~ of Human Rights·. Rights·. Similarly, the right of peoples to self-determination, the struggle against Similarly, the right of peoples to self-determination, the struggle against apartheid and racial discrimination, crimes against humanity and the crime of apartheid and racial discrimination, crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide, statelessness, refugees, the rights of non-citizens, the protection of genocide, statelessness, refugees, the rights of non-citizens, the protection of persons subjected to detention or i~risonment, women' s r icjhts, the right to persons subjected to detention or i~risonment, women's rights, the right to culture and education, marriage and the family, and so forth, have become SUbjects culture and education, marriage and the family, and so forth, have become SUbjects of various international legal instruments, in the form of conventions or of various international legal instruments, in the form of conventions or declarations or a package of rules of conduct, which have entered into force. declarations or a package of rules of conduct, which have entered into force. New concepts have taken shape - in particular, the right of participation by New concepts have taken shape - in particular, the right of participation by the people as a factor in development and in the realisction of human rightsJ the the people as a factor in development and in the realizction of human rightsJ the (Mr. Barre, Senegc1) . ~"",~ right of the chi1dJand, above all, the right to development. All those concepts (Mr. Sarre, Senegcl) . ~"",~ right of the child» and, above all, the righi: i:o developmeni:. All those concepts '. ";".. are now ~ing studied in a number of working groups. are now being si:udied in a nW'llber of working groups. Moreover, the imp~t of the developaent of ~ience and technology on human Moreover, the imp~t of the developaent of ~ience and technology on human rights has ~en recognized. Indeed, while scientific di~coveries and the explosive rights has been recognized. Indeed, while scientific di~coveries and the explosive development of technology have opened broad prosPeCts for economic, social and development of technology have opened broad prosPeCts for economic, social and cultural development, that progress can endanger the rights ~nd freedome of the cultural development, that progress can endanger the rights ~nd freedoms of the individual, and tberefore vigilant, sustained attention by the internationa~ individual, and therefore vigilant, sustained attention by the internationa~ communnity is reauired. In other words, this is the prodigi,ous development since communnity is reauired. In other words, this is the prodigi,ous development since the Second World War of what can undoubtedly be described as the -human rights the Second World War of what can undoubtedly be described as the Whuman rights phenomenon-. In fact that phenollenon, on the one hand, derives from a totality of phenomenonw • In faci: that phel1Ollenon, on the one hand, derives from a totality of ideas, expressions, beh8Viour, rules and institutions and, on the other, has ideas, expressions, beb8viour, ru1e8 and institutions and, on the other, has inherited the cOJllDOn past of mankind. Por it has indeed been confirmed that all inherited the COJllllOn past of mankind. For it has indeed been confirmed thai: all the cur.ants of thought have contributed to the deve10pnent of human rights. i:he currents of i:hought have contributed i:o the deve10pnent of human rights. But this human rights phenomenon does not stop with the past: it takes into But this human rights phenomenon does not stop with the past: it takes into account the present, which i8 constantly changing, and it looks to a future yet to account the present, which is constantly changing, and it looks to a future yet to ~ buUt•. be buUt•. Given that phenomenon - also a contemporary phenomenon - that has Given thai: phenomenon - also a contemporary phenomenon - that has unauestiunably 1efi: its stamp on our ceni:ury, and because of th~ formidable legal unauestiunab1y left its stamp on our century, and ~cause of th~ formidable legal arsenal Which it has produced and sttmulai:ed - and which, moreover, is still arsenal Which it has produced and st~u1ated - and which, moreover, is still diversifying and developing, since man's imagination in regard to ensuring the diversifying and developing, since man's imagination in regard to ensuring the protection of his dignity is as wide as his desire for and capacity to explore protection of his dignity is as wide as his desire for and capacity to explore outer space - one might think ~hat the human being is now truly protected from all outer space - one might think ~hat the human being is now truly protected from all viOlations of his pera~~. BUi:, alas, as everyone knows, that is not the case. violations of his per8~~. But, alas, as everyone knows, that is not the case. To be sure, there have been encouraging and positive achievements both at i:he To ~ sure, there have been encouraging and positive achievements both at the country and the international levels. Thus, various measures have been taken in country and the international levels. Thus, various measures have been taken in different economic, social, educational and cultural spheres as well as in the different economic, social, educational and cultural spheres as well as in the (Mr. 88rr', Senegal) (Mr. Sarr', Senegal) sphere of civil and political rights to ensure that all incUviduals can be equal sphere of civil and political rights to ensure that all individuals can be equal de jure and de facto and that they can really exercise their fundamental rights. de jure and de facto and that they can really exercise their fundamental rights. At the international level, since the adoption of resolution 1514 (XV), the At the international level, since the adoption of resolution 1514 (XV), the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the right to self-determination and the right of peoples to decide their own future right to self-determination and the right of peoples to decide their own future ha,.'e been enshrined as human rights and as conditions for the exercise of ha,.'e been enshrined as human rights and as conditions for the exercise of fundamental freedORS. fundamental freedoas. In that regard, &overal countries have acceded to international sovereignty In that regard, soveral countries have acceded to international sovereignty and are patiently working - by means of various development models and under the and are patiently working - by means of various development models and under the dual constraint of political tensions and a widespread and critical economic dual constraint of political tensions and a widespread and critical economic crisla - to build a model for their society, to develoP and to play their role in cris:1a - to build a model for their society, to develoP and to play their role in the concert of free and independent nations. the concert of free and independent nations. The concept of international protection of human rights is not yet firmly The concept of international protection of human rights is not yet firmly established; the intention is to give a new dimension to international established, the intention is to give a new dimension to international co-operation. International pUblic opinion, alerted and involved, is becoming more co-operation. International pUblic opinion, alerted and involved, is becoming more and more aware of the need to help in the promotion of and respect for human and more aware of the need to help in the promotion of and respect for human rights. Some non-governmental organizations and men and women of good will rights. SOIIe non-governaental organizations and lien and WCIRIen of good will throughout the world are albG ~rticipating in this noble battle to ensure the throughout the world are alaG ~rticipating in this noble battle to ensure the triumph of human rights. triumph of human rights. But, while we should welcoM and certainly encourage these measures - although. But, while we should velcoH and certainly encourage these measures - although. concrete results from them remain modest and limited - we must also recognize t~at concrete results from the. remain modest and limited - we must also recognize t~at the internet.ional c01ll'llunity, despite its sustained efforts, has not yet been able the international community, despite its sustained efforts, has not yet been able to wage an all-out COl1IIlOn battle fc!: respect for and prOftlOtion of human rights and to wage an all-out coamon battle fc!: respect for and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and. that much remains to be done. fundamental freedoms, and. that much remains to be done. Indeedv in racist SOuth Africa the apartheid r6gime, considered to be a crime Indeedv in racist SOuth Africa the apartheid regime, considered to be a crime against humanity, continues in full force. In occupied Namibia and Palestine, the against humanity, continues in full force. In occupied Namibia and Palestine, the (Mr. sarr6, Senegal) (Mr. sarr6, Senegal) right to self-determination and independence is still denied to the Namibian and right to self-determination and independence is still denied to the Namlbian and Palestinian peoples. Throughout the world, despite the political programmes of of Palestinian peoples. Throughout the world, despite the political programmes of of action and declarations adopted in this regard, we witness more and more forms of action and declarations adopted in this regard, we witness more and more forms of racism and racial discrimination. racism and racial discrimination. Moreover, despite repeated appeals for r@spect for the human person, today the Moreover, despite repeated appeals for r@spect for the human person, today the world - which is both powerless and outraged - sees more and more massive and world - which is both powerless and outraged - sees more and more massive and systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, bloody racial systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, bloody racial riots, a~bitrary condemnations and detentions, disappearances and physical riots, a~bitrary condemnations and detentions, disappearances and physical elimination, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, and massacres, more or less elimination, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, and massacres, more or less organized, of ethnic and religious minorities. Individuals, migrant workers, organized, of ethnic and religious minorities. Individuals, migrant workers, cultural minorities have been left out of the picture and are increasingly becoming cultural minorities have been left out of the picture and are increasingly becoming victims of flagrant violations of human rights. victims of flagrant violations of human rights. What is the situ&~ion in Senegal? In the conta~t whose broad outlines I have What is the situ&~ion in Senegal? In the cont~~t whose broad outlines I have just drawn, I am pleased to recall, with some pride, that Senegal - traditionally a just drawn, I am pleased to recall, with some pride, that Senegal - traditionally a country of law - has constantly committed itself, on the basis of the principle~ country of law - has constantly committed i~self, on the basis of the princip1e~ that underlie and guide its policy in the matter, to defending and promoting, first that underlie and guide its policy in the matter, to defending and promoting, first of all nationally, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. of all nationally, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Indeed, from the moment it achieved independence Senegal ~lemnly proclaimed Indeed, from the moment it achieved independence Senegal ~lemn1y proclaimed in its Constitution its deep commitment to fundamental rights, as they are defined in its Constitution its deep commitment to fundamental rights, as they are defined in the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen and in the Universal in the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen and in the universal Declaration of Human Rights of 10 December 1948, and spontaneously acceded to the Declaration of Human Rights of 10 December 1948, and spontaneously acceded to the united Nations Charter, whose ·terms and provis~Of)s it committed itself to re,spect. United Nations Charter, whose ·terlllS and provis~Of)s it committed itself to respect. (Mr" Sarr6, Senegal) (Mr. Serr', Seneqal) In Senegal itself, at the seae time &s it guar&ntees the effective exercise of In Senegal itself, at the SBae t~ &8 it guar&ntee8 the effective exercise of civil, political economic, social and cultural rights for all Senegalese citizens civil, political economic, social and cultural rights for &11 Senegalese citizens without exception, the Government of Senegal ensures, within a framework of genuine without exception, the Government of Senegal ensures, within a framework of genuine democracy, equality of opportunity for all without discriIDination" Moreover, any democracy, equality of opportunity for all without discr:1lllination. Moreover, any discrimination, whether based on origin, race, sex, religion, ethnicity, political discrimination, whether based on origin, race, sex, religion, ethnicity, political ideology or anything else, is condeJllfted by lay. ideology or anything else, is condemned by lay. The Senegalese Constitution highlights the sacred nature of the human person, The Senegalese Constitution highlights the sacred nature of the human person, whose freedom is inviolable, and the State has the important obligation of whose freedom is inviolable, and the State has the important obligation of protecting and respecting it. protecting and respecting it. Freedom of expression and dissemination of opinion, whether oralr written or Freedom of expression and dissemination of opinion, whether oral" written or portrayed, freedom of movement and association, freede. of thought and conscience, portrayed, freedOll of movement and aS8ociation, freedClll of thought and conscience, the free profession and practice of religion: all of these are guaranteed for all, the free profession and practice of religion: all of these are guaranteed for all, as are the right to life and to physical integrity, the right to property, the as are the right to life and to physical integrity, the right to property, the right to education, the right to work, ths right to strive for a job and the right right to education, the right to work, the right to 8trive for a job and the right to a legal defence, which is considered as an absolute right throughout the entire to a legal defence, which is considered as an absolute right throughout the entire jUdicial Bystem and at all levels of judicial procedure. jUdicial system and at all levels of judicial procedure. All af these rights, as well as the right to strike, are recognized and All Qf these rights, as well as the right to strike, are recognized and guaranteed, and are exercised provided they do not violate the rights of others or guaranteed, and are exercised provided they do not violate the rights of others or public order or the law itme1f. This is mc.~QVer in conformity with the Covenant pUblic order or the law itme1f. This is mc.~Qver in conformity with the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. on Civil and Political Rights. In terms of the relevant provisions of the Senegalese Constitution, marriage In terms of the relevant provisions of the Senegalese Constitution, marriage and the family constitute the natural besisand moral basis fo~ the human and the family constitute the natural basis and moral basis fo~ the human communitYd They, like youth, are placed under the protection of the State. community 0 They, like youth, are placed under the protection of the State. There exist in Seneg~l some 15 political parti~s of all trends, which compete There exist in Seneg~l some 15 political parti~8 of all trends, which compete democratically and legally £or the vote. None need fea~ because of his pOlitical democratically and legally £or the vote. None need fea~ because of his pOlitical opinions and we have no political prisoners. All of this is due to the double opinions and we have no political prisoners. All of this is due to the double (Mr. Sarre, sen!9al) (Mr. Sure, senegal) fortune which Senegal enjoys of being a delrOcratic State and a country of law, fortune which Senegal enjcj7s of being a delrOcratic State and a country of law, where the executive, legislative and jUdicial powers are genuinely separate and where the executive, legislative and jUdicial powers are genuinely separate and where the press is absolutely t'refO., where the press is absolutely t'ref' .. For the gromtion of human rights, we have, inter alia, established at the For the promtion of human rights, we have, inter a11a, established at the national level an independent Co!lll'llitt" on RUNn Rights, essentially made up of national level an independent Co!lll'llitt" on Huun Rights, essentially made up of lawyers who ale chat"god with the popularizing, so to speak, of human rights at all lawyers who ale chat"ged with the popu\arizing, so to speak, of human rights at all levels and with educating people by alerting them to all the concrete realities levels and with educating people by alerting the. to all the concrete realities co~fered by the 'concept of h!1llllln rights • co~Tered by the 'concept of h!Jllllln rights • . Similarly, w~ have alse created an Institute c,i RU1Illn Rights within the . Similarly, w~ have alse created an Institute c,i HU1Illn Rights within the Department of Law at the University of Oaksi:'. Its essential role is to integrate Department of Law at the University of naksi:'. Its essential role is to integrate human righto ift their Afriean Md universal dhensions as .taught at the University, human righto ift their Afriean Md universal dhensions as .taught at the University, at the l3econdary school md, latar 'On, at the primary school, with the teaching of . at the l3econdary school md, lat0r 'On, at the primary school, with the teaching of . certain elementary notions of the concept of hmaan rights. certain elementary notions of the concept of h~n rights. Indeed, the mission of ta"lis Institute is not merely a national one. It is Indeed, the mission of ti"lis Institute is not merely a national one. It is directed already at this stage to the subregion and the ambition is to extend it to directed already at this stage to the subl'egion and the aJllbition is to extend it to all countries of OLl' region that are pa~ticularly interested in the prollDtion of all countries of OLr region that are pa~ticularly interested in the prollDtion of human rights. human rights. The Senegalese Govern.ent has placed the human individual at the centre of its The Senegalese Govern.ent has placed the human individual at the centre of its policy and its daily concern because, imbued with the fundamental values that make policy and its daily concern because, imbued ~lth the fundamental values that make man a creature different from others, the Senegalese people recognized the man a creature different from others, the Senegalese people recognized the existence of inviolllble Ma inalienable human rights as a basis for all human existence of inviol~le ana inalienable human rights as a basis for all human society, for peace and justice in the world. society, for peace and justice in the world. On the African level, whether in the case of the protocol on the Status of On the African level, whether in the case of the Protocol on the Status of Refugees in Africa, or the African Charter on Human Rights and the Rights of Refugees in Africa, or the African Charter on Ruman Rights and the Rights of Peoples, whose recent coming into force we welcome - an event so full of promise Peoples, whose recent coming into force we welcome - an event so full of promise and a key contribution on the part of Africa to univel'sal endeavours to protect and and a key contribution on the part of Africa to unl-;rel'sal endeavours to protect and .promote human rights - my country hu taken an'active part in the drafting ana (Mr. Sarre, Senegal) (Mr. Sarr', Senegal) putti~g into effect of thos~ important regional instruments whose impact on human putt:i.~g into effect of thos~ important regional instruments whose impact on human . rights is undeniable alnd whic;m amount to a very valuable contribution to . rights is undeniable ~nd whi~ amount to a very valuable contribution to international co-operation in this field. international co-operation in this field. As a party to virtually all international instruments relating to humap As a party to virtually all international instruments relating to humap rights, an active participant in the struggle against apartheid, racism and racial rights, an active participant in the struggle against apartheid, racism and racial discrimination, to mention only a few areas, senegal is constantly engaged on the discrimination, to mention only a few areas, senegal is constantly engaged on the national level and, indeed, on the international l!!vel, in implementing the national level and, indeed, on the international l!!vel, in implementing the racommendations and resolutions adopted in the fields of human rights and the recommendations and resolutions adopted in the fields of human rights and the struggle against racism by the General Assembly of the United Nations and its struggle against racism by the General Assembly of the United Nations and its relevant bodies. relevant bodies. Thus convinced that r~spect for human rights is a necessary condition for the Thus convinced that r~spect for human rights is a necessary condition for the exercise of democracy and the free development of the human individual, my country, exercise of democracy and the free development of the human individual, my country, as early as 6 July 1970, signed the international Covenants relating to economic, as early as 6 July 1970, signed the international Covenants relating to economic, social and cultural rights and to civil and political rights, which were also social and cultural rights and to civil and political rights, which were also ratified on 13 February 1978, together with the Optional Protocol relating to the ratified on 13 February 1978, together with the Optional Protocol relating to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore, on 4 January 1981, the Government of Senegal deposited with the FurtherlllOre, on 4 January 1981, the Government of Senegal deposited with the secretary-General of the United ~ations the declaration provided for under secretary-General of the united ijations the declaration provided for under article 41 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In making this solem article 41 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In making this solelll1 declaration, my country recognizes the competence of the Human Rights Committee to declaration, my country recognizes the competence of the Human Rights Committee to rec!!ive and examine any communication in which a State party claims that Senegal is rec!!ive and examine any communication in which a State party claims that Senegal is not discharging its obligations contracted under ~e International Covenant on not discharging its obligations contracted under ~e International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which it has signed and ratified. Civil and Political Rights which it has signed and ratified. Hence it is easy to understand the very special interest that my country Hence it is easy to understand the very special interest that my country attaches to the work of the Human Rights Committee and the Commission on Human attaches to the work of the Human Rights COllBDittl!e and the Commission on Human Rights, of which we are an active member. Rights, of which we are an active member. (Mr. sarre, senegal) j .The policy which 1 have just succinctly outlined has earnd Senegal a place in (Mr. sarre, senegal) j The policy which 1 have just succinctly outlined has earnd Senegal a place in the vanguard of the 8W1taineCI battle to ensure the respect and promtion of human the vanguard of the 8W1taineCI battle to ensure the respect and promtion of human dignity ana fundallental freedo_. According to us, hUlBan dght8 should not be dignity and fundallental freedo_. According to us, hUlBan dght8 should not be violated or flouted in any way or under any pretext whatsoever for, 'as has often violated or flouted in any way or under any pretext whatsoever for, 'as has often been categorically affirBed by President AbClou Diouf of the RePUblic of senegal: been categorically affirBed by President Abdou Diouf of the RePUblic of senegal: "We cannot agree that developaent problems can be so important as to justify "We cannot agree that developaent problems can be so important as to justify trampling people underfoot.· trampling people underfoot." The United Rations Charter, of which we were celebrating last year the The United Rations Charter, of which we were celebrating last year the fortieth anniversary, proclaillB the faith of peoples in: fortieth anniversary, proclaillB the faith of peoples in: •••• fundallental huun rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, "••• fundallental huun rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of JDen and wolllen and of nations large and small" in the equal rights of JDen and wolllen and of nations large and small" and one of the a1lls and principles of the United Nations being: and one of the allls and principles of the United Nations being: "To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an "To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an econollic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promting and economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promting and eneouraging respect for huaan rights and for fundamental freedoaa for all eneouraging respect for huaan rights and for fundamental freedoaa for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion". without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion·. It is thus the duty of States, of all States, to ensure that fundaae~ltal human It is thus the duty of States, of all States, to ensure that fundaae~ltal human rights are respected and fostered. rights are respected and fostered. Thus, as we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Thus, as we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenants on RUMan Rights, a celebration in which we should all International Covenants on RUMan Rights, a celebration in which we should all participate, let us urge all Member States of our Organization to become parties to participate, let us urge all Memer States of our Organization to becolIe parties to those two international instruMnts and thus make them universal, to make the those two international instruMnts and thus make them universal, to make the declaration provided for in article 41 of the Covenant on Civil and Political declaration provided for in article 41 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and to accede to the Optional Protocol to that Covenant. Rights, and to accede to the Optional Protocol to that Covenant. In this connection, we wish to stress that for the people of senegal human In this connection, we wish to stress that for the people of senegal human rights and fundaRental freedo.. are inalienable, irrevocable, indivisible and rights and fundaRental freedo.. are inalienable, irrevocable, indivisible and (Mr. Sar1", Senegal) 3':1 , - -- -'-~' . .;..~ ..-. interdependent. We attach the sa_ iJlportance to promting and protecting all (Mr. Sar!:', Senegal) 3'3 interdependent. We attach the sa. iJlportance to promting and protecting all -')'. hu_n rights,' whether· they be civil and political rights, or econoJDic~ social and ,"1', hu.n rights,' whether they be civil and political rights, or econoJDic~ social and cultural rights; indivi.dual rights equally with collective rights; we give no .. ,. precedence whatsoever to one or other categOry of right i for, as we see it, human . :,,,: rights are an indivisible whole. cultural rights; individual rights equally' with collective rights; we give no " precedence whatsoever to one or other categOry of right i for, as we see it, human . :,,,: rights are an indivisible whole. The United Nations, in which our: peoples and populations continue to have The United Nations, in which our: peoples and populations continue to have faith, seellS to us to ~ the most appropriate forua in which to consider h\llman faith, seellS to us to !:»e the most appropriate forua in which to consider h\llman rights, whil':h should be neither the monopoly nor the exclusive possession of any rights, whi~ should be neither the monopoly nor the exclusive possession of any country or region. This approach, furthermore, responds to the ideals and demands country or region. This approach, furthermore, responds to the ideals and demands of strengthening international co-operation. of strengthening international co-operation. (Mr .. Sarre, Senegal) ., . The question of human rights and fundamental fre.adoms should not be sacrificed (Mr. Sarre, Senegal) , The question of human rights and fundamental fre.adOE should not be sacrificed to the crisis which is currently besetting this Organization.. It is from the to the crisis which is currently besetting this Organization. It is from the standpoint of objectivity, discer..ent and levelheadecness, and in an atmosphere of standpoint of objectivity, discerftlllent and levelheadecness, and in an atmosphere of sfrengthened t.nternational co-operation and fr iendship artIOIlg peoples that we would sfrengthened t.nternational co-operation and fr iendship artIOIlg peoples that we would like to see a question of such tremendous importance for mankind as human rights like to see a question of such tremendous importance for mankind as human rights and fundamental freedoms constantly tackled and discussed.. We do not believe that and fundamental freedoms constantly tackled and discussed. We do not believe that human rights should give rise to acrilllOniouB confrontations.. Admittedly, it would human rights should give rise to acrilllOnious confrontations. Admittedly, it would be regrettable if human rights served as an excuse for countries to arraign be regrettable if human rights served as an excuse for countries to arraign sovereign states and deliberately to make diraet unjustifiable attacks.. At the sovereign states and deliberately to make dirsct unjustifiable attacks. At the same time, ~owever, it is deplorable that, under the pretext of national same time, however, it is deplorable that, under the pretext of national sovereignty, certain States consider themselves under no obligation to co-operate sovereignty, certain States consider themselves under no obligation to co-operate with the united Nations in the area of human rights.when it is common knowledge with the United Nations in the area of human rights.when it is common knowledge that in those countries there are massive, flagrant violations of human rights and that in those countries there are massive, flagrant violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms .. fundamental freedoms. In Senegal we do not believe that to engage in the promotion and defence of In Senegal we do not believe that to engage in the promotion and defence of human rights to restore freedOll and dignity to the human being in order to foster human rights to restore freedom and dignity to the human being in order to foster the well-being to which he has a natural right, or to join in the struggle against the well-being to which he has a natural right, or to join in the struggle against apartheid, racism and racial discrimination in countries where those practices apartheid, racism and racial discrimination in countries where those practices eXist, is an unfriendly act or a way of interfering in the internal affairs of exist, is an unfriendly act or a way of interfering in the internal affairs of States.. On the contrary, for all nations, large and small, and for the States. On the contrary, for all nations, large and small, and for the international community as a whole this is a sacred duty and mission which all of international community as a whole this is a sacred duty and mission which all of us together, inspired by the unshakeable political will and a sincere desire to us together, inspired by the unshakeable political will and a sincere desire to create &n atmosphere favourable to the attainment of the noble purposes and create &n atmosphere favourable to the attainment of the noble purposes and principles of the united Nations, must seek to accomplish in order to bring about principles of the United Nations, must seek to accomplish in order to bring about greater justice and eauity and international peace and security, and to ensure the greater justice and equity and international peace and security, and to ensure the security and future of mankind itself.. security and future of mankind itself. (Mr. Sarre, Senegal) (Mr. sarre, Seneg~l) We believe that the United Nations would be failing in its duty if it did not We believe that the United Nations would be failing in its duty If it did not uneauivoeally· denounce I18ssive, &yste_tic and flagrant violations of human rights uneauivoeally' denounce I18ss1ve, &ysteut:ic and flagrant violations of human rights when the existence of such violations i8 irrefutably established. That 18 why ray when the existence of such violations is irrefutably established. That is why m¥ country, on the basis of its -political beliefs and its cOlll1litJllent to the country, on the basis of its-political beliefs and its commitment to the San Francisco Charter, the universal Declaration of Ruman Rights and the varioua San PrancisooCharter, the universal Declaration of Ruman Rights and the varioua Intemational COvenants relating to human rights, will continue to participm'C:e in Intemational Covenants relating to human rights, will continue to particip8'(;e in any action likely to promote and prQtect fundamental fr~edoms whenever the any action likely to promote and prQtect fundamental fr~edoms whenever the objective and the m1ll of t ....at approach is to give greater dignity to man. objective and the ,dm of t ....at approach i8 to give greater dignity to man. It is in that context and that spirit that Senegal intends to make its modest It is In that context and that spirit that Senegal intends to make its modest contribution to the construction of a ROre just, MOre human world, in which the contribution to the construction of a &Ore just, MOre human world, In whicb the individual will take a QUalitative leap into grea~r well-being and be reconciled individual will take a QUalitative leap into grea~r well-being and be reconciled with himself and in which, living in peaceful and ha~moniouG coexistence, all may with hillSelf and in which, living in peaceful and ha.rmoniouG coexistence, all llIay work towards the triumph of true dialogue among cultures and the advent of a work towards the triumph of true dialogue among cultures and the advent of a pan-huaan civilization. pan-huasn civilization. Mr. PEJIC (Yugoslavia): The commemoration of the twentieth anniversary Mr. PEJIC (Yugoslavia): Tbe commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of t.,e International Covenants on Ruman Rights is an important of the adoption of t'a1e International Covenants on Ruman Rights is an important event for the entire international community. In the Charter of the United Nations event for the entire international community. In the Charter of the united Nations the Member States pledged solellftly the M.llber states pledged solelllftly -to reaffirm faith in funduental. human rights, in the dignity and worth of -to reaffirm faith in fundamental. human rights, in the dignity and worth of the hUllan person, in the eGUal rights of men and women and of nations large the human person, in the eGUal r igbts of men and women and of nations large and small-. and small-. They undertook also to take action jointly and separately, in co-operation with the They undertook also to take action jointly and separately, in co-operation with the organizati~n, to prOlllOte, inter alia, universal respect for and observance of human organbat1~n, to prOlllOte, inter alia, universal respect for and observance of human rights and fUndamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. language or religion. The noble purposes of the Charter are further elaborated in the universal The noble purposes of the Charter are further elaborated in the universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political (Mr. Pejic, Yugoslavia) (Mr. Pejic, Yugoslavia) Rights and the International COVenant on ~conomic, Social and Cultural Rights. Rights and the International Covenant on 11lconomic, Social and Cultural Rights. Those documents, conceived as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and Those documents, conceived as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, have been and rightly continue to be a fundamental source of all nations, have been and rightly continue to be a fundamental source of inspiration for national and international effortm for the protec~ion and promotion inspiration for national and international efforta for the protec~ion and promotion of human rights and fundamental ~reedoms. At the same time, the Covenants on Buman of human rights and fundamental ~reedoms. At the same time, the Covenants on Buman Ri~hts have changed the established relations in the international community and Riqhts have changed the established relations in the international community and set forth the principles and obligations of Member States, primarily with regard to set forth the principles and obligations of Member states, primarily with regard to their own citizens rather than to other States. They prOVided a basis for their own citizens rather than to other States. They prOVided a basis for international definitions of human rights and fundamental freedoms which further international definitions of human rights and fundamental freedoms which further elaborated specific rights and freedoms. elaborated specific rights and freedoms. Among a wide range of activities resulting in a number of international Among a wide range of activities resulting in a number of international declaration and conventions, of particular importance are the Declaration on Social declaration and conventions, of particular importance are the Declaration on Social Progress and Development, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Progress and Development, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Convention on the Suppression and Porms of Racial Discrimination, the International Convention on the suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, the Convention on the Elimination of All Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention against Torture and Other porms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to mention j~st a few. Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to mention j~st a few. It is encouraging that the Covenants have been widely accepted and that their It is encouraging that the Covenants have been widely accepted and that their provisions have become an integral part of the domestic legislation of individual provisions have become an integral part of the domestic legislation of individual Statas. To ensure their universality, further efforts are needed to ensure that Statas. To ensure their universality, further efforts are needed to ensure that they are accepted as widely a8 possible and faithfully implemented. In order to they are accepted as widely au possible and faithfully implemented. In order to heighten awareness of these important instruments the united Nations should reissue heighten awareness of these important instruments the united Nations should reissue the compilation on international instruments in the field of human rights as soon the compilation on international instruments in the field of human rights as soon as possible. as possible. In Yugoslavia both Covenants have become a part of internal law. Furthermore, In Yugoslavia both Covenants have become a part of internal law. Purthermore, in Yugoslavia the rights of workers and citizens have been further developed, thus in Yugoslavia the rights of workers and citizens have been further developed, thus (Mr. Pejie, Y?posla~ia) (Mr. Pejie, Yugosla~ia) creating a system·of self-management by workers and the participation of citizens creating a &ystem'of self-management by worker. and the participation of citizens in decision-making processes at all levels. in decision-making processes at all leve18. The freedome, rights and duties of man and citizen, as spelled out by our The freedou, rights and duUe. of man and citizen, as spelled out by our Constitution, are an i~separable part and expression of d~ratic, socialist, Constitution, are an i~separab1e part and expression of d~ratic, socialist, self-unagellent celations based on the socially-owned means of production, in which 881f-unagellent celations based on the socially-owned means of production, in which labour ill cfeating conditions for all-round and f1'ee expression and protection of labour is creating conditions for all-round and f1'ee expression and protection of and respect for human dignity. ane! respect for huun dignity. Popular participation, inclUding workers' participation in management and Popular participation, including workers' participation in management and self-lUnageRlent, has been increasingly recognized by the international community as self-lllanagement, has been increasingly recognized by the international community as an il!lpOrtant faetor in developlRent and its huun rights aspects. The active an i1llpOrtant factor In deve1op11lent and its huun rights aspects. The active involvement of citizens in setting national goals and objectives which affect their involvement of citizens in setting national goals and objectives which affect their lives ensures the MOst constructive mobilization of their energies for economic and lives ensures the MOst constructive mobilization of their energies for economic and social devel~ent. Such participation pfomotes social justice and enhances the social devel~ent. Such participation prOllOtes social justice and enhances the access of all sectors of society to the fruits of progress. access of all sectors of society to the fruits of progress. The international situation continues to be burdened by negative tendencies The international situation continues to be burdened by negative tendencies and, contrary to our expectations, hardly any progress has been made in reversing and, contrary to our expectations, hardly any progress has been made in reversing the.. The sovereignty and independence of lUny «=ountrlea are threatened and the thea. The sovereignty and independence of lUny «:ountrlea are threatened and the use of force and pressure plagues international relations. Tbe rights of peoples use of force and pressure plagues international relations. The rights of peoples to self-determination and the eovere!gn disposal of their na.tufal resources to self-determination and the eovere!gn disposal of their na.tura1 resources continue to be denied. The economic and social situation in many countries, continue to be denied. The economic and social situation in .any countries, particularly the developing ones, is being exacerbated. Racial discrimination and particularly the developing ones, Is being exacerbated. Racial discrimination and apartheid have not yet been eradicated and nUllerous other individual and collective apartheid have not yet been eradicated and numerous other individual and collective rights are being violated. There are attellPts to erede the achievements in the rights are being violated. There are attempts to erode the achievements in the emancipation of peoples and countries thus far. emancipation of peoples and countries thus far. (Mr. Pejic, Yugoslavia) (Mr. Pejic, Yugoslavia) It is incumbent upon the international community to sQek solutions to the It is incumbent upon the international community to sQek solutions to the pressing problems of the present-day world. Political action should be followed by pressing problems of the present-day world. Political action should be followed by practical measures aimed at promoting international economic relations and practical measures aimed at promoting international economic relations and international standard-setting activities. As far as the preparation of new international standard-setting activities. As far as the preparation of new international instruments in the field of human rights is concerned, it is very international instruments in the field of human rights is concerned, it is very important to continue the work on the completion and adoption of the Convention on important to continue the work on the completion and adoption of the Convention on the rights of the child and the Convention on migrant workers, the Declaration on the rights of the child and the Convention on migrant workers, the Declaration on the rights Of, national, ethnic and other minorities and the Declaration on the the rights of, national, ethnic and other minorities and the Declaration on the right to development. right to development. There is no doubt that the auestion of development is one of the most There is no doubt that the auestion of development is one of the most important auestions of the contemporary world and the most crucial one for the important auestions of the contemporary world and the most crucial one for the developing countries. The close interdependence between development and social developing countries. The close interdependence between development and social progress has been constantly reiterated at many different forums and has been progress has been constantly reiterated at many different forums and has been reflected in a large number of documents, inclUding article 1 of both CovenantB on reflected in a large number of documents, inclUding article 1 of both CovenantB on human rights. human rights. The value of the right to development is manifold. It seems to be The value of the right to development is manifold. It seems to be particularly imPOrtant that the right to development provides a new and fresh particularly important that the right to development provides a new and fresh dynamism and a more comprehensive interpretation of the whole set of civil, dynamism and a more comprehensive interpretation of the whole set of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and represents a strong ap~al for political, economic, social and cultural rights and represents a strong ap~al for the full and complete realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. the full and complete realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The adoption of the Declaration on the right of development by consensus at The adoption of the Declaration on the right of development by consensus at the current session of the General Assembly would be a significant contribution to \ . the current session of the General Assembly would be a significant contribution to \ . tbe meaningful cele~ration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the t~e meaningful cele~ration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenants. At the same time, it would open new perspectives for future Covenants. At the same time, it would open new perspectives for future co-operation and understanding between individuals and peoples as well as co-operation and understanding between individuals and peoples as well as contributing to further advancement of rights of individuals, peoples and mankind contributing to further advancement of rights of individuals, peoples and mankind as a whole. as a whole. M~. AL-RAWARI (Qatar) (interpretation from Arabic): I am pleased to make M~. AL-RAWARI (Qatar) (interpretation from Arabic): I am pleased to make this statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States, of which I have the honour to this statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States, of which I have the honour to be Chairman this month. This statement is our contribution to the ~ommemoration of be Chairman this month. This statement is our contribution to the ~ommemoration of . the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the international Covenants on human the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the international Covenants on human rights. These Covenants, and their adoption by the united Nations, represent an rights. These Covenants, and their adoption by the united Nations, represent an .' important milestone in the creation of a ~~tter world, where fairness and justice -' important milestone in the creation of a h~tter world, where fairness and justice prevail and where all of mankind enj~s dignity, liberty. and welfare. prevail and where all of mankind enj~s dignity, liberty. and welfare. The Arab Islamic civilization, which had its roots in our part of the world The Arab Islamic civilization, which had its roots in our part of the world " and then spread to other areas, many elements of which contributed to the creation " and then spread to other areas, many elements of which contributed to the creation of contemporary world civilizations, is based, among other elements, on the of contemporary world civilizations, is based, among other elements, on the individual's moral responsibility and the correspondi~g fundamental rights of the individual's moral responsibility and the correspondi~g fundamental rights of the individual, which no authority can deny or try to strip ~way. From this premise we individual, which no authority can deny or try to strip ~way. From this premise we attach great significance to human rights and consider the degree of respect for attach great significance to human rights and consider the degree of respect for such rights and their observance and application in practice as a significant such rights and their observance and application in practice as a significant indicator of the growth of the world's human community, its civilization, and the indicator of the growth of the world's human community, its civilization, and the idealism to which mankind aspires. idealism to which mankind aspires. It is indeed regrettable, on this twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the It is indeed regrettable, on this twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the human rights Covenants, that in some parts of the world we see those rights human rights Covenants, that in some parts of the world we see those rights trampled under foot and the rights of peoples violated, while the world community trampled under foot and the rights of peoples violated, while the world community apparently stands by unable to preserve those rights, to deter the culprits and to apparently stands by unable to preserve those rights, to deter the culprits and to implement the rights of the peoples concerned to self-determination. implement the rights of the peoples concerned to self-determination. 'The first instance that comes to mind in terms of these overall human ri~hts 'The first instance that comes to mind in terms of these overall human ri~hts violations is what we see in Palestine, whose people has been denied its collective violations is what we see in Palestine, whose people has been denied its collective right to self-determination, while indivi9ual Palestinians have been deprived of right to self-determination, while indivi9ual Palestinians have been deprived of (Mr. AI-Kawari, gatar) (Mr. Al-Kawari, gatar) their right to enjoy freedom, even in the heartland of their national home which their right to enjoy freedom, even in the heartland of their national home which has, ~las, heen usurpe& from them. We take this opportunity to salute the struggle i of the people of Palestine to achieve its collective and individual national has, ~las, been usurpe& from them. We take this opportunity to salute the struggle i of the people of Palestine to achieve its collective and individual national rights. We reiterate our support for that legitimate struggle until the rights. We reiterate our support for that legitimate struggle until the Palestinians realize their just claims and the rule of international law prevails Palestinians realize their just claims and the rule of international law prevails in our part of the world when human rights would then be respected. in our part of the world when human rights would then be respected. Also, the Arab Group cannot let this occasion pass without referring to Also, the Arab Group cannot let this occasion pass without referring to current events in South Africa, where the racist Pretoria regime totally denies current events in South Africa, where the racist Pretoria regime totally denies human rights to a majority of the indigenous popUlation, denying them citizenship human rights to a majority of the indigenous popUlation, denying them citizenship and depriving them of the opportunity.to participate in the rule of the country, as and depriVing them of the opportunity.to participate in the rule of the country, as well as other painful aspects of discrimination, in violation of the fundamental well as other painful aspects of discrimination, in violation of the fundamental human rights enshrined in the two Covenants, the twentieth anniversary of whose human rights enshrined in the two Covenants, the twentieth anniversary of whose adoption we commemorate today. adoption we commemorate today. Despite all that, we csnnot give up hope that the total darkness of night will Despite all that, we csnnot give up hope that the total darkness of night will eventually be followed by the bright sunlight of day. In fact, the con~ern of eventually be followed by the bright sunlight of day. In fact, the COMern of mankind for the lofty principles of the two international Covenants will ultimately mankind for the lofty principles of the two international Covenants will ultimately lead sooner or later to the elimination of those vicious manifestations which are, lead sooner or later to the elimination of those vicious manifestations which are, indeed contrary to hurnan rights. In this respect, we count on the awareness of the indeed contrary to human rights. In this respect, we count on the awareness of the international community and the true sincerity of the overwhelming majority of the international community and the true sincerity of the overwhelming majority of the world's people to uphold th~ banner of humen rights everywhere in the world, to world's people to uphold th~ banner of humen rights everywhere in the world, to translate the provisions of the two inzernational Covenants into a concrete reality translate the provisions of the two in~ernational Covenants into a concrete reality for the benefit of all peoples, under an umbrella of security, peace and genuine for the benefit of all peoples, under an umbrella of security, peace and genuine and full respect for human rights. and full respect for human rights. M~. GAYAMA (Congo) (interpretation from French): Among the tasks of the Mr. GAYAMA (Congo) (interpretation from Prench): Among the tasks of the international community through the United Nations system is the development of an international community through the United Nations system is the de\'elopment of an extended system of law to promote the well-being of man and the fundamental extended system of law to promote the well-being of man and the fundamental freedoms set out in the San Francisco Charter. freedoms set out in the San Prancisco Charter. The adoption on 16 December 1966 by the General Assembly of resolution The adoption on 16 December 1966 by the General Assembly of resolution 2200 A (XXI) including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and 2200 A (XXI) including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its Optional Protocol and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and its Optionel Protocol and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was one of the historic,moments in the fulfilment of this mission, Cultural Rights was one of the historic,moments in the fulfilment of this mission, since the United Nations thus succeeded in working out an International Bill of since the United Nations thus succeeded in working out an International Bill of Human Rights, of which the universal Declaration of Human Rights, of 1948, was the Human Rights, of which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of 1948, was the first stage and the two Covenants the culmination. first stage and the two Covenants the culmination. As we celebrate today the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of these As we celebrate today the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of these Covenants we cannot but reaffirm our determination concerning the commitments Covenants we cannot but reaffirm our determination concerning the commitments consequent upon our accession to the two instruments and concerning the position in consequent upon our accession to the two instruments and concerning the position in the world in general with regard to recognition of human rights as the foundation the world in general with regard to recognition of human rights as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace. of freedom, justice and peace. In this connection, we must stress that the question of human rights has In this connection, we must stress that the question of human rights has always been at: the heart of Africa's concerns as a powerful tool for the liberation always been at: the heart of Africa's concerns as a powerful tool for the liberation of the ~~ntine~t and an essential instrument for progress and development. It of the ~~ntine~t and an essential instrument for progress and development. It could not have been otherwise since the independence of most colonized African could not have been otherwise since the independence of most colonized African territories came about only some 10 years after the adoption of the Universal territories came about only some la years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Most African peoples were then unable to Declaration of Ruman Rights in 1948. Most African peoples were then unable to claim those rights except through the colonial Powers. The colonial wars which claim those rights except through the colonial Powers. The colonial wars which accompanied the evolution of many African countries and those in other parts of the. accompanied the evolution of many African countries and those in other parts of the. world proved, if proof were necessary, the relative. advantages for our peoples o~ world proved, if proof were necessary, the relative. advantages for our peoples o~' the advent of the recognition of human rights. the advent of the recognition of human rights. Further, it was in 1948 that. the infamous neo-fascist National Party of Further, it was in 1948 that. the infamous neo-fascist National Party of (Hr. Gayama, Concp) (Mr. Gayama, Congo) Mr. Verwoerd took over south Africa, creating the essential structures of the Mr. Verwoerd took over South Africa, creating the essential structures of the inhuman ~partheid policy, which today symbolizes the most fundamental denial of inhuman ~partheid policy, which today symbolizes the most fundamental denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms. human rights and fundamental freedoms. In fact, at the outset, the signatories of the Universal Decla~ation of 1948 In fact, at the outset, the signatories of the Universal Decla~ation of 1948 invested it only with a moral valueJ not in any way compulsory. It was the invested it only with a IIiOral valueJ not in any way compulsory. It was the Covenants relating to civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural Covenants relating to civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights that translated the principles of the Universal Declaration into binding rights that translated the principles of the Universal Declaration into binding treaty provisions. treaty provisions. In our view, the two International Covenants were a useful addition to the In our view, the two International Covenants were a useful addition to the Universal Declaration which simply relied on Member States to ensure the effective Universal Declaration which simply relied on Member States to ensure the effective enjoyment of the rights and freedoms proclaimed by it by the peoples of enjoyment of the rights and freedoms proclaimed by it by the peoples of non-autonomous Territories under their jurisdiction. For the two Covenants, in non-autonomous Territories under their jurisdiction. For the two Covenants, in their article 1, clearly state an important right: the right of peoples to their article 1, clearly state an important right: the right of peoples to self-determination and to dispose of their natural wealth and resources. self-determination and to dispose of their natural wealth and resources. When the United Nations adopted the two International Covenants, in 1966, it When the United Nations adopted the two International Covenants, in 1966, it had already embarked on a broad programme of working out standard rules based on had already embarked on a broad programme of working out standard rules based on the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of 1948, whose influence the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of 1948, whose influence on the evolution of contemporary international law was considerable. on the evolution of contemporary international law was considerable. Among these iwles and norms are the Declaration on the Granting of Among these iwles and norms are the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, a~opted in December 1960 in Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, a~optec1 in December 1960 in resolution 1514 (XV). This historic Declaration states, among other things, that resolution 1514 (XV). This historic Declaration states, among other things, that the peoples of the world are resolved the peoples of the world are resolved Wto reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of Wto reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large the human person, in ~he equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small and to promote social progress and better standards of life in and small and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedomw• larger freedomw• CMr 0 Gayama, Congo) (Mr 0 Gayama, Conqo) After 1966, reference to ~bei~t~~~.tlo~lCoVeft~t8 relating to civil and After 1966, reference to ~heI~t~~~atlo~lOoVeft~,'8 relating to civil and polltical rights and ,economic,· ·soc~.~:I. I,)nd C111tul;.'al rig&',t',:s followed natua:ally in polltical rights and -economic,· soc~.a:l. I1lnd cultul:.'al rigu-,ts followed natua:ally in connection with the D~laration on the Elimination of Discrimination ag~~n8t Women, connection with the D~laration on the Elimination of Discrimination ag~~n8t Women, which was adopted by· the ,General Assembly;'in 1967. , "." It was especially in 1974, in resol.utic)ft 3201 ;(S-Vn of the sb:th ·.special which was adopted by· the .General Assembly ~·in 1967. It was especially in 1974, in resolution 3201 -(S-VX~ of the si~th,special session of the General Assembly, eatitled ·Declaratio~on the Establisbment of a session of the General Assembly, eatitled ·Declaratio~on the Establisbment of a Rew International Economic Orderw and resolution 32e.l ;(XXIX) on the Cha~ter of Rew International Economic Order8 and resolution 32e.1 ;(XXIX) on the Cha~ter of Economic Rights and Duties of States, t~t reference' to the two Interna~ional Economic Rights and Duties of states, th,at reference' to the two Interna~ional Covenants on BumanRights was most significant. In them we see stated. ·with more Covenants on Ruman Rights was most significant. In them we see stated. ·with more conviction and precision the close, intrinsic link be~ween the concept;of human conviction and precision the close, intrinsic link be~ween the concept;of human rights and·that of the rights of peoples, thus con~irming that the ideal of a free rights and-that of the rights of peoples, thus con~irming that the ideal of a free human being, freed from fear and poverty, ean be ac::hieved only in conqitions that human being, freed from fear and poverty, ean be a<:hieved only in con4itions that enable everyone to enjoy his economic, social and cultural rights as ~ll as his enable everyone to enjoy his economic, social and cultural rights as ~ll as his civil and political rights, as stated in the third preambular paragraph, of the civil and political rights, as stated in the third preambular paragrap~ of the preambles to the two Covenants. preambles to the two Covenants. In Africa, generally speaking, all those interested in promoting and In Africa, generally speaking, all those interested in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms ~re historically convinced of the protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms ~re historically convinced of the close relation between human rights and the righta of peoples. close relation between human rights and the rights of peoples. Thus, in working out and adopting its own Charter of Human Righ,ts, the Thus, in working out and adopting its own Charter of Buman Rig~ts, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) made of it also a charter of the ~ights of Organization of African Unity (OAU) made of it also a charter of the ~ights of peoples, which the cunent president of the OAU recently called wa ,f.undamental peoples, which the CUfI'ent president of the OAU recently called 8a .f.undamental contribution by Africa to the promotion of international laww• contribution by Africa to the promotion of international law·. Thus, the problem of recognition of and respect for these rights and freedoms Thus, the problem of recognition of and respect for these rights and freedoms arises in terms that reflect two simultaneous approaches. arises in terms that reflect two simultaneous approaches. One approach consists in considering all possibilities of extending the rights One approach consists in considering all possibilities of extending the rights inherited from classical liberalism. All constitutions and most national laws are inherited from classical liberalism. All constitutions and most national laws are (Mr. Gayama, Congo) (Hr. Gayama, Congo) inspired by :ft, since progress and develc.tpftetlt presuppose a genuine realization of inspired by :ft, since progress and develc.tpftent presuppose a genuine realization of individual rights and freedoms: the right to wOrk, freedom of 'expression, freedom individual rights and freedo~: the right to wOrk, freedom of 'expression, freedom of consciendf!'~ of consciencf!'~ Often, unfortunately, we have to admit the evident dichotomy 'between formal, Often, unfortunately, we have to admit the evident dichotomy 'between formal, and abstract>£reedoms and economic, social,and political structures characterized and abstract>£reedoms and economic, social,and political structures characterized by latent un6e~developmentor chronic crises, which are not eliminated by an ' by latent un6e~developmentor chronic crises, which are not eliminated by an ' internationaI,'environment hardly favourable to development. The human rights· internationa~'environment hardly favourable to development. The human rights policy, therefore, will essentially be seen in a constant effort to'harmonize the policy, therefore, will essentially be seen in a constant effort to'harmonize the relationship'existing between structural oonstraints and the legitimate aspirations relationship'existing between structural oonstraints and the legitimate aspirations of the individual, social well~being and treaty or legislative provisions. of the individual, social well~being and treaty or legislative provisions. The other approach is illustrated in the obligation for African peoples to The other approach is illustrated in the obligation for African peoples to free themselves of the colonial and' racist yoke which still holds sway over Namibia free themselves of the colonial and' racist yoke which stUl holds sway over Namibia and South AfriCa -in its grip. and South AfrICa -in its grip. The s~tuatlon that has existed in southern Africa practically since the The s~tuatlon that has existed in southern Africa practically since the foundation of the united Nations is not only a violation of the norms and foundation of the united Nations is not only a violation of the norms and principles of the Charter but a clear sign of absolute contempt for international principles of the Charter but a clear sign of absolute contempt for international conventions, especially -the International Covenants on Human Rights and the conventions, especially -the International Covenants on Human Rights and the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, on the'part of the Sout~African regime. In south Africa there is Apartheid, on the'part of the Sout~ African regime. In South Africa there is neither eaucslity 'i)efore the law nor protection of the law for the majority of the neither eaucslity'before the law nor protection of the law for the majority of the peop1e~ and the'w'Ul of the peoplels not the foundation of the authority of the people~ and the'W'i!l of the people Is not the foundation of the authority of the pUblic powers. The apartheid policy Which is applied in South Africs is expressed pUblic powers. The apartheid policy ~hich is applied in South Africs is expressed in the infamous laws which rule the life of the individual from the cradle to the in the infamous laws which rule the life of the individual from the cradle to the g['ave and by a fascist violence Which caused that system 1:'1' be described as'a crime g[,ave and by a fascist violence which caused that system 1:'1' be described as'a crime ~yair~~t humanity... · ~yair~~t humanity.~· , ;' i (~r. Gayama, Congo) ("'I:. Gayama, Congo) Twenty years ~ftsr the adoption of the International Covenants on civil and Twenty years ~ftsr the adoption of the International Covenants on civil and political rights and on economic, soaial and cultural rights, one is entitled to political rigbts and on economic, soCial and cultural rights, one is entitled to wonder about t~e meaning of the challenge this represents. The international wonder about the meaning of the challenge this represents. The international co.aunity must take a stand when confronted with such a situation. We venture to ~unity must take a stand when confronted with such a situation. We venture to hOpe that in this state of affairs those who boast of being the great champions of hope that in this state of affairs those who boast of being the great champions of human rights in the world will not forever continue to act as the de facto allies human rights in the world will not forever continue to act as the de facto allies of the outlawed apart~eid regime. The massive and .persistent denial of human . of the outlawed apart~eid regime. The massive and.persistent denial of human rights represented by the colonial and racist system in southern Africa rights represented by the colonial and racist system in southern Africa unfortunately compels the people concerned to fight by every means possible to unfortunately compels the people concerned to fight by every means possible to abolish the discriminatory and oppressive system imposed on them. In their just abolish the discriminatory and oppressive system imposed on them. In their just struggle to ensure the triumph of the stand~rds and principles of freedom and human struggle to ensure the triumph of the stand~rds and principles of freedom and human dignity the national liberation movements enjOf our sympathy and support. dignity the national liberation movements enjOf our sympathy and support. Thus today, as yesterday, the international charter of human rights, with the Thus today, as yesterday, the international charter of human rights, with the essential components I have spoken of, inclUding the International Covenants on essential components I have spoken of, including the International Covenants on human rights, remains bOth a source of inspiration and an indispensable guide for human rights, remains bOth a source of inspiration and an indispensable guide for building a world of brotherhood based on the principles of peace, harmonious building a world of brotherhood based on the principles of peace, harmonious co-operation, justice and eauity. co-operation, justice and eauity. The advent of a legal system for all with the participation of all, is an aim The advent of a legal system for all with the participation of all, is an aim we must spare no effort to achieve, because as long as there is oppression, poverty we must spare no effort tQ achieve, because as long as there is oppression, poverty and discrimination anywhere in the world there is no doubt that the establishment and discrimination anywhere in the world there is no doubt that the establishment of the reign of tbe fundamental human rights and freedom will remain only an of the reign of tbe fundamental human rights ana freedom will remain only an ideal. ideal. I 'hope that on this twentieth anniversary of the International Covena~·~t., on I 'hope that on this twentieth anniversary of the International CovenaF~t., on Ruman Rights we can work ~or the full realization of this ideal. Ruman Rights we can work ~or the full realization of this ideal. ~he PRESIDENT: Spain has announced its intention of becoming a sponsor !.he PRESIDENT: Spain has announced its intention of becoming a sponsor of draft resolution A/41/L.21. of draft resolution A/4l/L.2l. (The President) (The 'president) We have heard the last speaker at this speclal~morativ~meetin9. We have heard the last speaker at this special commemorative meeting. The Assembly will now take a decision on· the draft resolution contained in The Assembly will now take a decision on· the draft resolution contained in document A/4l/L.215 document A/41/L.2l5 May I take it that the General A~sembly wishes to adopt this draft resolution? May I take it that the General A~sembly wishes to adopt this draft resolution? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 41/32). The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 41/32). !he.PRESlDE~: I declare concluded this meeting devoted to the The. PRESIDENT: I declare concluded this meeting devoted to the _ A commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the InternatiQnal commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the InternatiQnal Covenants on Human Rights. Covenants on Human Rights. The meeting rose at 7.05 e.m• The meeting rose at 7.05 p.m•