A/48/PV.75 General Assembly

Friday, Dec. 10, 1993 — Session 48, Meeting 75 — New York — UN Document ↗ — OCR ✓ — ⓘ 63 unattributed speechs — ⚠ 12 duplicate speechs
▶ This meeting at a glance
78
Speeches
14
Countries
25
Resolutions
Resolutions: 57/60, 57/61, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, A/48/649, 31/37, 32/132, A/RES/48/40A, A/RES/48/40D, A/RES/48/40E, A/RES/48/40F, A/RES/48/40G, A/RES/48/40H, A/RES/48/40I, A/RES/48/40J, A/RES/48/41A, A/RES/48/41B, A/RES/48/41C, A/RES/48/41D, A/RES/48/45, A/RES/48/46, A/RES/48/47, A/RES/48/52, A/RES/48/53
Topics
UN resolutions and decisions Human rights and rule of law Global economic relations Arab political groupings Israeli–Palestinian conflict Security Council deliberations

In the absence of the President, Mr. Kabir (Bangladesh), Vice-President, took the Chair.
Vote: A/RES/48/40A Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/48/41A Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/48/52 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/48/53 Recorded Vote
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The meeting was called to order at 3.35 p.m.

20.  Forty-Fifth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (A) Report of the Secretary-General (A/48/506); (B) Draft Decision (A/48/L.49).

Mr. LaviÑA PHL Philippines #17127
As the United Nations nears the half-century mark of its existence, we have a compulsive urge to take stock of the intervening years. We wonder what we have accomplished and what we have failed to do. We wonder how we have held together as a community of nations, despite the diversity of our cultures, our levels of economic development and our political beliefs. We are reminded of a common thread running through all of us: our abiding commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, which reaffirms faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sanctifies these rights. This record is subject to correction. Corrections should be sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned within one week of the date of publication to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Section, Room C-178, and incorporated in a copy of the record. When the result of a recorded and/or roll-call vote is followed by an asterisk, see the annex to the record. NEW YORK Today we celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary of its adoption and proclamation by this Assembly. The Philippine delegation feels particularly privileged and gratified to join in commemorating this event. As one of the founding members of the United Nations, my country played a modest role in the framing of this most historic document. The Philippines is a democratic republican State with a firm commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Its fundamental law is the Constitution of 1987, which affirms that the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights. This principle is articulated in several of the provisions of the Constitution, the most significant of which is an expanded Bill of Rights, which contains specific provisions prohibiting torture, force, violence, threats, intimidation or any other means that vitiate the free will of an accused person. It expressly prohibits the use of physical, psychological or degrading punishment against any prisoner or detainee, or the use of substandard or inadequate penal facilities under subhuman conditions. It prohibits secret detention places, solitary confinement or other similar forms of detention. It guarantees due process and equal protection under the law. The death penalty has been abolished, except by order of the Congress in the case of heinous crimes. It gives the highest priority to social justice and human rights by mandating the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all people to human dignity, reduce social, economic and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good. Distr. GENERAL A/48/PV.75 19 January 1994 ENGLISH The Philippine Commission on Human Rights is the first such body established in Asia. To strengthen local autonomy, and in recognition of the rights of cultural minorities and indigenous populations, the Constitution provides for the establishment of two autonomous regions: the Cordilleras in Northern Philippines and Muslim Mindanao in the south. It recognizes, as well, the sanctity of family life and the vital role of women and youth in nation-building. It ensures the fundamental equality of men and women before the law. In the final analysis, however, the effective promotion and protection of human rights depends upon the commitment of Governments, the vigilance of their peoples and the dedication of their leaders. A year ago today, during the celebration in the Philippines of Human Rights Day, President Fidel V. Ramos led a mass pledge of commitment to human rights, a symbolic reaffirmation of our determined struggle against the conditions that have caused human rights violation among Filipinos: poverty, injustice and inequitable distribution of wealth, overcrowding in our urban centres, among others. The two imperatives in the human rights advocacy of the Government are: first, the empowerment of the people, the necessity for every citizen to share in the decisions that affect his or her life and future - organizing and working together to ensure the basic rights to life, liberty, food, shelter, jobs and security; and, secondly, the development of a strong economy that will meet the needs of the people and bring the nation to the path of sustainable development. On the regional level, the Philippines has actively pursued its human rights concerns in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). We have advocated in various forums the desirability of establishing regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights. On the international level, the Philippines has signed or ratified 20 out of a total of 24 binding international human rights instruments covering the entire range of the human rights spectrum. On l5 November last, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines signed the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. We strongly urge other States Members to sign this Convention. During the forty-seventh session of the General Assembly, the Philippines introduced a resolution on the protection of women migrant workers against violence. That resolution was updated during this session in the Third Committee, with 24 countries as sponsors. The Philippines has made a commitment to participate actively in various human rights forums. Last June, it was one of 171 States Members of the United Nations that gathered in Vienna, together with a total of 841 non-governmental organizations and thousands of other participants, in pursuance of the common effort to promote and protect human rights. The World Conference on Human Rights was an occasion to reaffirm commitment to human rights and democracy. It was also a time to articulate national perceptions and positions relative to various human rights questions. After long and intensive consultations and negotiations, the various delegations adopted by consensus a Declaration, including a Programme of Action, which has become a guide and a reference in the area of human rights. The Philippine delegation is happy with the consensus reached in Vienna, for it was essentially an elaboration of our own position on human rights. Briefly stated that position is as follows: individual rights, such as the right to life and liberty and the rights of women and of children, are inherent in human beings and therefore universal in character, and cannot be alienated for any reason or under any pretext; Governments must govern with the consent of the governed, which is expressed through the political In line with the Vienna Declaration, the Philippine delegation is supportive of measures for the strengthening of existing mechanisms, principally the Centre for Human Rights, and perhaps the establishment of new ones that strengthen our promotion and protection efforts but do not duplicate the functions of existing infrastructure. The appointment of a high commissioner for human rights, which is currently under consideration by the Third Committee, offers possibilities for the coordination of disparate human rights mechanisms for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the promotion and protection of human rights. Indeed, the Secretary-General’s report indicates a great reliance on the services of a host of rapporteurs and experts, even in areas where existing bodies or mechanisms could very well perform the functions. We are at a point in time when an era has ended and another is just beginning. The cold war has indeed ended, but its demise has spawned new tensions and economic difficulties in many countries. There are new human rights violations of appalling proportions. There is great loss of human life and unthinkable violence against women and children. More than ever, there is a great need for international cooperation to protect the basic rights and fundamental freedoms of people in areas of conflict. The time for rhetoric is past. The United Nations must now act with dispatch. Ideological differences and political power play must not be allowed to hamper sincere efforts to help those in dire need of assistance and protection. Together, there is much that we can do. Together, we can transform the Declaration of Human Rights into concrete action for the promotion and protection of the basic rights and fundamental freedoms of man.
Friday, 10 December 1993 at 3 p.m.
Mrs. JAGAN GUY Guyana #17129
We are today commemorating the proclamation on 10 December 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which remains a beacon for the international community, lighting the path towards human rights and dignity for all. That Declaration was born out of the devastation and slaughter resulting from the systematic violation of human rights, and from other factors, during the Second World War. It chronicled the concern for man’s inhumanity to man and was intended in large measure to enshrine respect for and the protection of the rights of individuals, including organized groups, within the context of inter-State relations. Yet four decades and five years later, violations of human rights continue to weigh upon the conscience of humanity and the United Nations. Day after day, without a moment of respite, in many parts of the world, flagrant abuses are committed. The record of human rights in our time is besmirched by summary executions, arbitrary arrests, disappearances and torture, the killing of defenceless demonstrators and detentions for reasons of belief or conscience. Guyana cannot remain indifferent to such outrages against the most fundamental concepts of justice and human dignity. These are attacks against each and every one of us. We cannot waver in our solidarity nor give way in our struggle to ensure the freedom and dignity of our fellow man. Human rights can be guaranteed only when they help shape, and are interwoven into, the legal fabric and political practices of our society. Guyana is proud that since the election of its new Government in October 1992 it has affirmed by its quick action its unswerving commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. We have unhesitatingly acceded to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and we have also made the relevant declaration under article 41. Of signal importance is that these steps enable the Human Rights Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals and States in relation to violations of any rights set forth in the Covenant. This is significant for my delegation, since over the past 28 years we in Guyana have had our own share of bitter experiences, with the denial of the fundamental right to free and fair elections and a free press. We were subjected to racial and political discrimination, assassinations, loss of property and the mass exodus of Guyanese to foreign lands. Fortunately, those experiences are now a thing of the past. Looking to the needs of the future, we have established an inter-agency committee, including non-governmental organizations, to compile information for the preparation of human rights reports under the various United Nations Conventions. Guyana has acted to protect the human rights In our hour of need to strengthen human rights worldwide, non-governmental organizations also played a critical role, creating awareness and providing information. They continue to be our true allies in the universal struggle for human rights. The dignity and well-being of mankind are the very essence of this progress to peaceful coexistence among the peoples of the world. We have read the Secretary-General’s report on the forty-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and wish to commend him for it. Guyana is especially concerned that the human rights of officials of the United Nations Secretariat and accompanying representatives should be afforded special security protection in the field for the effective and proper performance of their responsibilities. Of equal importance is the need to safeguard and uphold the human rights of the people in those countries that are being visited. The work done by the United Nations for the past 48 years in its constant vigilance has been vital for the protection of the human rights of the peoples of the world. We commend the United Nations for its achievements so far. By its action, the Organization has saved the lives and enhanced the well-being of countless numbers of people who, for no fault of their own, were denied the basic rights due to all who live on this planet. For us, the Vienna Conference on Human Rights, which was held in June this year, charted a commendable new course. In seeking to strengthen the old mechanisms and institute new ones for the protection of human rights, it addressed the censorship of the transgressor of such rights. Its activities can provide immediate guidance in coming years as well as new vision for global action for the next century. The most significant outcome of the Vienna Conference is the clear signal the United Nations has sent. The issue of human rights has now been moved to the forefront of its agenda. Denial of human rights distracts from harmonious nation-building, as evidenced in fresh upsurges of post-coldwar conflicts. It affords proof that human rights must be the overarching linkage between democracy and development. Guyana therefore welcomes the decision to establish a High Commissioner for Human Rights. The rights of many continue to be trampled by relentless genocide, while the rape of innocent women and "ethnic cleansing" haunt Bosnia and Herzegovina. Angolans bleed from a civil war perpetrated by those who never learned to respect the democratic will as expressed through Yet it is in their domestic human rights standards that some reveal their truest colours. Every platitude, every resolution, every noble sentiment is used to camouflage home-grown tyrannies. The former President of the Philippines, Mrs. Corazon Aquino, summed up the double standard best when she said: "It has become convenient for some to invoke their sovereignty when their human rights records are criticized, but we are members of the human race first, and individual sovereignty is by definition without geographical boundaries. For a nation to invoke its sovereignty while depriving its citizens of theirs is the worst kind of tyranny." International vigilance on these issues can still prove to be the most appropriate method for assuring the fulfilment of obligations which the State should assume for the protection of the individual. When human rights are denied to anyone, anywhere in the world, it should become United Nations business. When it is so close to us, it assumes special significance. Because of Guyana’s geographical proximity, denials of human rights in the Caribbean are of much importance to us. Since the coup d’état by the military forces against the democratically elected Government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in Haiti, Guyana and other Caribbean countries have been outspoken in addressing the issue of the rape of democracy and the denial of fundamental human rights in our sister Caribbean country. Guyana is committed to the return of the democratically elected Government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. We remain concerned at the suffering of the Haitian people at the hands of the Haitian military. These actions of the Haitian military run counter to the spirit of democracy sweeping the region, and they should cease. Universal adherence to the highest ideals of human rights cannot have its moorings in resolutions and conventions alone. We are convinced that noble sentiments will find fertile ground when effective action is taken to eradicate meanness of spirit, racial bigotry, ethnic intolerance and the scourge of poverty. We know that if, in the final analysis, the United Nations is to mean anything it is in its dedication to the simple idea that among the teeming millions of the world each man, each woman and each child has a unique value It is in the hearts of men that human rights must have their genesis. Its starting point must be an internalization of the virtues of accommodation and tolerance, an acceptance of the rights of others to their chosen way of life and a recognition that accommodation, not insularity, is the best guarantee of our survival as nations and human communities. Guyana knows that the forty-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is occurring at an important time, especially as the President of Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, recently promulgated at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Cyprus, his vision of the new humanitarian international order. The particular issue of human rights formed the cornerstone of the subject, and featured prominently as an important matter that was discussed. Today, more than ever, we must reaffirm the truths enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for the dignity and freedom of humanity. As we prepare to meet its challenges, we shall give genuine attention and unceasing devotion to human rights in order to attain our objectives of a better world. Our warmest congratulations go to the recipients of the United Nations human rights prizes.

91.  Development and International Economic Cooperation (A) Trade and Development: Report of the Second Committee (A/48/717/Add.1)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
Mr. Ordzhonikidze RUS Russian Federation [Russian] #17132
Representatives of all the Member States of the United Nations have met in this hall today solemnly to celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary of a truly historic event: the adoption by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration, together with the international covenants on human rights, laid the foundation for a universal system of values to protect human rights, which has become one of the most obvious achievements of the international community in the past decades. On the basis of the Universal Declaration, over 50 multilateral agreements on human rights have been worked out and adopted. Its clauses are reflected in the Constitutions of many countries, including the draft of the new constitution of Russia. The Tehran Proclamation, adopted by the first Universal Conference on Human Rights in 1968, declared that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reflected the general agreement of the peoples of the world concerning the inalienable and inviolate rights of every man. The Vienna Declaration, adopted in June this year by the second World Conference on Human Rights, calls the Universal Therefore, we cannot agree with those who sometimes try to explain away departures from generally accepted norms in the field of human rights by citing historic, political, religious or other factors. Such arguments are all too familiar to those of us who spent long years living under a totalitarian system, which is incompatible with respect for the rights and dignity of man. A country with vast resources and huge material and intellectual potential, Russia has paid the price of social backwardness for its "Soviet democracy" and "socialist human rights". Therefore, we have the moral right to issue a very clear warning against particular concepts of human rights for any regions or groups of States. Questions of human rights are now paramount in our mutual relations with other States, including "the near abroad", where our primary concerns are the fate of our compatriots in the Russian-speaking population and respect for the rights of national minorities. The new democratic Russia has opened itself up to international scrutiny in the field of human rights because, without concealing its inner shortcomings, it has been striving to see its own norms reach the level of those of the rest of the world as quickly as possible. We believe that in the draft of Russia’s new constitution which will be subject to a referendum by the people on 12 December this year, we have succeeded. The section of the draft devoted to human rights encompasses all the achievements of world civilization in the field of human rights protection. Moreover, the rights are not just stated, as was previously the case; respect for them is guaranteed, and the guarantees include protection under the law of the rights of citizens. Another important feature of the draft constitution is the fact that it recognizes the priority of international norms over strictly national norms in the field of human rights. Together with the referendum on the draft of the constitution in Russia, we shall have elections for a new Parliament the day after tomorrow. For the first time in our history, these elections will be held on a truly democratic basis. The people will really have a broad choice, since 13 different electoral blocs and groupings representing the whole spectrum of the political life of Russia have become candidates. There will be international monitoring of the elections. Hundreds of international observers including observers from the United Nations, have come to Russia. Our openness, our desire to make use of all that is best in the world’s
Mr. Sucharipa AUT Austria #17134
Forty-five years ago - on 10 December 1948 - the first pillar of twentieth-century human rights law was adopted by the General Assembly. Intended as a "common standard of achievement for all peoples", the Universal Declaration of Human Rights spelled out basic civil and political rights, as well as fundamental economic, social and cultural rights, that human beings everywhere were entitled to enjoy. As a statement of goals and principles, the Universal Declaration was a giant step. The Universal Declaration has acquired universal acceptance. Many countries have cited it or included its provisions in their basic laws or Constitutions, and many human rights covenants, conventions and treaties concluded since 1948 have restated its principles. The Universal Declaration has been complemented by the two Covenants - the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - both of which were adopted in 1966 and entered into force in 1976. These three documents represent the International Bill of Rights containing the basic principles and provisions for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The year 1993 is not just that of the forty-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; it is also a year marked by one of the most significant international events aimed at the promotion and protection of all human rights. Only a few months ago, at the World Conference on Human Rights, which my country - Austria - had the honour to host, the international community reaffirmed the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms as "a priority objective of the United Nations". In this first global review of human rights since the 1968 International Conference on Human Rights in Teheran, the World Conference provided an opportunity to assess the progress made since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to explore, in the face of persistent violations of human rights, ways and means of improving the promotion and protection of human rights everywhere and for everybody. Earlier this week, the Third Committee of the General Assembly adopted by consensus a draft resolution, prepared by Austria, which endorses the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. After its endorsement by the General Assembly, the Vienna Declaration and Programme Action will be the guiding document for the strengthening of future human rights work to be undertaken both by States and by the United Nations. Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants and the Proclamation of Teheran, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action set the international community’s human rights agenda for the next century. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action is a forwardlooking, action-oriented document. It not only spells out the basic principles in the field of human rights but also defines a comprehensive Programme of Action containing numerous important recommendations to be implemented by States, the United Nations and other international, national and non-governmental bodies. In the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, we all agreed to the principle that raising the issue of human rights violations cannot be interpreted as interference in internal affairs - that the promotion and protection of all human rights constitutes a legitimate concern of the international community. Thus, the international community has not only a right but an obligation to redouble its efforts to implement the inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms of every individual, in the interests of freedom, justice and peace in the world. The forty-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides a special occasion to remind us all of this duty.
Mr. Sacirbey BIH Bosnia and Herzegovina #17138
I should like to take this opportunity to convey the deepest and most sincere thanks of the delegation of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Centre for Human Rights for its important contributions in the field of human rights. At a time when this building and other international forums have been visited by so many Heads of State, Foreign Ministers, mediators and other dignitaries to attend meetings, make statements, put forward proposals and consider agreements, Throughout the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are hundreds of thousands of people who, by simply living and holding on to the ideas of tolerance and respect for human rights, stand as symbols against those who try, by shelling, sniping and blocking humanitarian aid, to destroy those ideals and the people who uphold them. In Kosovo Hospital in Sarajevo, there are the men and women who treat the maimed and wounded symbols of tolerance and humanity and, in the most primitive of conditions, try to keep those symbols alive. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, human rights abuses are perpetrated on such a massive and systematic scale that the American Jewish Committee, Helsinki Watch and the International Court of Justice have labelled as "genocide" what some call "ethnic cleansing". These abuses are carried out, at various levels, by Serbian forces and, to a lesser extent, by extremist Bosnian Croat forces. Physically, aggressor forces exterminate Bosnians in concentration camps and in massacres in small, sleepy towns and villages. Psychologically threatened and actual atrocities, coupled with the hardships of siege, terrorize hundreds of thousands of Bosnians into fleeing their homes. Men flee from the fear of concentration camps and of castration; women flee from the fear of rape and humiliation; children flee from the fear of cold and starvation; and, of course, everybody flees from the fear of murder. Sociologically, Bosnians of academic, business, communal, political or religious import are targets of a campaign that some people call "élitocide". Economically, Bosnians are forced, at gunpoint, to relinquish their property and material goods before they begin their perilous trek to forests and refugee camps. Culturally, mosques, churches, synagogues, archives, cemeteries, hospitals, museums and theatres are razed in an effort to sever all ties between the Bosnian people and the occupied lands. These are the tools of genocide, which, according to the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Abuses in the Former Yugoslavia, are carried out as policy by Serbian forces. That being the case, the Special Rapporteur has concluded Despite this evidence, the evidence found in the media and the conclusions of international rapporteurs and organizations, those responsible for protecting and preserving human rights shirk their responsibility with myths and excuses. Some have called this a tragedy when we know it is a criminally inflicted disaster. Others call it the product of age-old ethnic hatreds. May I remind everyone that Bosnia and Herzegovina has stood for more than half a millennium as a place of tolerance, pluralism and respect. It was for these reasons that Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition bypassed Paris, Geneva and Vienna to come to Sarajevo in search of tolerance and respect not long after the French and British had finished the Hundred Years’ War. In this regard, may I note that any generalization that condemns ethnic groups as historically bent on murdering one another is inherently bigoted. Human rights abuses cannot be checked by conferences, by resolutions that fail to be respected or upheld or by humanitarian assistance alone. Yet this is how the international community has responded to genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To quote the former Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) special envoy to the former Yugoslavia, humanitarian assistance has been "used as a palliative, an alibi, an excuse to cover the lack of political will to confront the reality of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the necessary means, political and perhaps military." Until the Security Council and others face up to this reality, Bosnians will continue to suffer, as they do today, under the reality of genocide. In this respect, the international community is failing not only Bosnians but also itself. The precedents being set today will only sow future failure and encourage criminal minds, like those of the war criminals Slobodan Milosevic and Radovan Karadzic, to continue to slaughter innocent civilians. Allow me to say a few words about the Bosnian recipients of the awards being given out today. In the hills surrounding Sarajevo, the forces carrying out genocide against a sovereign nation and a sovereign people also target the Kosovo Hospital and its staff within. While treating the victims of shelling and sniping, the doctors and nurses often become victims themselves. They remove bullets from women while shells are falling around and through the walls of the hospital. They remove shrapnel from children while Thus far, Kosovo Hospital has been hit by Serbian shells in excess of 200 times. This is no accident, for those that are treated are of all the religions and ethnic groups that have lived in Sarajevo for hundreds of years, and every time a Muslim, Serb, Croat, Hungarian, Jew, Albanian, Gypsy or anybody else is saved in Kosovo Hospital, the idea of democracy and pluralism is preserved within the human body and within the human spirit. Every time this body and spirit is preserved, the forces of Fascism are frustrated, and their philosophy of ethnic superiority and ethnic separation are proven to be the lies that they are. This being the case, the fascist forces in the hills around Sarajevo continue to target Kosovo Hospital in their efforts to replace humanity with hatred. The doctors and nurses know as well as we do that the work they do is of vital importance to the continuation of lives in Sarajevo and Bosnia and the continuation of a pluralistic civilization. But they know, perhaps more than some in the international community, that treating the physical wounds of aggression will not stop the aggression. We know that, until the guns of aggression are silenced, human suffering in Bosnia and Herzegovina will flourish, and until then, the chorus of screams and moans of all the peoples of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina will echo from the hospital wards of Kosovo and other hospitals through our television screens. While words from dignitaries may perhaps be enough to expound on policy, words are not enough to expound on the emotions and the gratitude that Bosnians feel for their life-saving brothers and sisters. Words are not enough to describe the medieval conditions these life-savers labour under, and words are not enough to celebrate the victories these doctors and nurses have achieved. We can only expound on these emotions and victories by reciprocating their action with our own. Further, the medieval conditions can be expounded on only if they are witnessed. In this light, my Government encourages all those with compassion and a determination to uphold human rights to follow the example of His Excellency the Secretary-General and visit Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to witness not just death and carnage but courage and dignity.
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Mrs. CASTRO de BARISH CRI Costa Rica [Spanish] #17141
It is my pleasure to thank the representative The prodigious twentieth century, so full of grand events that have influenced human history, has seen, along with enormously tragic occurrences, two achievements of incomparable benefit for the future of humanity. I am referring to the creation of the United Nations in 1945 and the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, in commemoration of which we are gathered here today. I shall not deal today with the importance of the creation of the United Nations. Suffice it to say that all of us gathered here carry it with us, in some form, in our hearts and minds. I do, however, wish to underscore the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Never before in recorded history had there been such a strong and noble declaration intending to benefit the common man, with no distinction as to race, creed, religion, sex or national origin. And, what is more, it was proclaimed to be universal. Praise and glory to those who proclaimed it. It is only fitting that we commemorate this date with reverence and deep emotion. However, it is at the same time fitting that we recall that most important prior event, the French Revolution, which served as the basis of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Revolution had two aspects: one aspect, that of the historical moment, consisted in the struggle against the monarchy, with all its well-known connotations, while the other aspect was philosophical and spiritual, propelled by the Revolution’s thinkers towards man’s political redemption. Thus was born the Declaration of the Rights of Man, which immortalized the French Revolution and made it the most important revolution in human history. Let us remember it today, along with the great nation in which it unfolded: France, which we all hold in a corner of our hearts with reverence and pride. For good reason it is said that France is everyone’s second homeland. My country, Costa Rica, was one of the founders of the United Nations, and in that capacity participated enthusiastically in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in keeping with a sentiment widely shared by our people and a historical tradition. During the second half of the past century, when a politician had been granted asylum in Costa Rica and the dictator of a neighbouring nation was calling for him to be handed over and threatening to resort to force if the request was not granted, Costa Rica had to mobilize its armed forces - at that point the country’s army still existed and, in addition to being efficient, it was In that spirit, we participated not only in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also - and actively - in everything having generally to do with the improvement of human rights and their ever more just and effective application. In particular, we were present when the International Covenants on human rights, the first Optional Protocol on individual communications, and the second Optional Protocol, on the elimination of the death penalty, were drafted. Today, we have put our best efforts into promoting the creation of the post of a United Nations high commissioner for human rights. We believe that that would be the best way of strengthening respect for human rights, and we are confident that, if properly understood, the establishment of such a post would not be grounds for any nation or State to feel threatened, given the cultural and political diversity that exist around the world - as is made clear in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. We trust that just as it was possible to dispel the fears that initially existed when the post of High Commissioner for Refugees was created, it will once again prove possible to allay the fears that now surround this new post, and that the new post will indeed be established on the basis of the valuable and positive experiences and the effective action of the High Commissioner for Refugees. Today we feel a sense of joy, first, because it is again the anniversary of an event we value very highly; secondly, because some individuals and organizations have been singled out to receive awards in honour of their activities in the field of human rights; and, finally, because one of those awards was granted to a distinguished Costa Rican woman. To all those honoured by the United Nations human rights award, we extend our most heartfelt congratulations; we would say to them that they have received a treasure of great merit because to achieve renown in the field of human rights is to achieve renown in one of the most worthwhile and noble of causes. Regarding our compatriot, Mrs. Sonia Picado, I would like to add to these words of well-deserved congratulations our gratitude to the United Nations and the international community for having honoured her by rewarding her Finally, I would like to state that, in addition to the honour bestowed upon Mrs. Sonia Picado today, it should be noted that several weeks ago the General Assembly honoured Mrs. Elizabeth Odio by appointing her, as a justice, to the Tribunal which will examine the violations of humanitarian law in the former Yugoslavia. Mrs. Odio has been elected a Vice-President of that Tribunal. What more can I say about the recognition thus granted to the work of two distinguished Costa Rican women in the field of human rights? To the international community, I say that we are sincerely and profoundly appreciative of the honour thus indirectly bestowed upon Costa Rica, and to our two compatriots, I say - digressing a bit from the principle of human rights that mandates no distinction between the sexes - that we are very proud indeed of our women.
Mr. Maleski MKD North Macedonia #17143
On 10 December 1948, international standards for the treatment of individuals were adopted by the General Assembly. The document in which these norms were set forth was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Decent treatment of human beings was what the Declaration demanded from the Members of the United Nations. Of course, the Declaration was but one document in a long line of similar documents, from the Magna Carta to the Bill of Rights to the French Declaration of the Rights of Man - to mention but a few. But, for the first time in history, this Declaration brought together in one universal document two categories of rights, and underscored their interdependence: civil and political rights and economic and social rights. This first international consensus on human rights has helped the world in the succeeding years to move towards a new cosmopolitan ethic. Today, the human rights issue has lost its national exclusiveness and has attained a supra-national dimension. By accepting the norms of the Declaration as a definition of the condition of human dignity and justice, the Governments of the world have acknowledged international responsibility for the behaviour of their States in the domain of human relations. It can be said that the advancement of human rights has produced a global sense of community throughout the world. As several cases have shown, we cannot turn away from violations of human rights wherever they occur without paying a serious moral price, because once our conscience has nailed our Now that the human rights question is free from coldwar ideology, the game of political football over the issue can stop. We are now united in a common effort to climb the mountain of human freedom, and in the process we must help each other. But how do we go about promoting human rights in the world? The fact that in part of the world there is a high level of respect for human rights and the rule of law is a contribution in itself to the cause to which I have referred. I cannot imagine what the world would look like if those countries had the same problems as, for example, Eastern Europe has today. I think that we have been more or less cured of the view that the destruction of the stable and prosperous parts of the world would lead to a stable and prosperous planet. Their stability must be preserved - but also expanded. First of all, countries should ensure the observance and the promotion of all human rights, without distinction of any kind. But even when we agree that there are different cultures with different values, the fact is that there is one elementary level of human rights and no State should be allowed to fall below that level. The physical integrity of a human being is this elementary level. This means that man should be protected from torture, from arbitrary deprivation of life, from famine and from disease. Pressure should be exerted on Governments that do not observe these norms to change their ways of governing. On the other hand, those who do not have the means to ensure such material rights as work, housing, social security or primary education should be helped. Protection of the elementary level of human rights is the basis for the construction of constitutional political systems. This is very important because the character of the basic unit of international relations - the State - determines the character of the world order. Only democratic States produce a democratic world order. In the past decade there has been a huge democratic ferment in the world. Human society has tried different forms of political organization. The rule of the vanguard party, the rule of the military, the rule of bureaucracy, the charismatic leader, the intellectuals have all failed in defining the collective goals of society. The only political system that has succeeded is the open democratic system which rests on the will of common man and his wisdom to choose the government and to change his mind. And at the basis of the democratic government is the individual. That is why the fight for human rights is seen as Back in 1945 the representatives of these United Nations voted in favour of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 1 of which states: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" (resolution 217 A (III), article 1). Today, we know that societies cannot be democratic, or responsible, or productive, if they do not uphold the dignity of each citizen. Neither can the world. I would like to express my Government’s warmest congratulations to the nine winners of the Human Rights Award of the United Nations.
Mr. Marker PAK Pakistan #17146
On this solemn occasion of the forty-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Pakistan joins the international community in a reaffirmation of its commitment to the noble ideals enshrined in this historic document. The newly elected Government of Pakistan is fully committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is vigorous and meticulous in their implementation. At the same time, Pakistan has remained active in its support of human rights all over the world, and my delegation is therefore particularly pleased to extend its sincere congratulations to the distinguished Human Rights Award winners whom we have jointly honoured today. The wide diversity of their representation truly reflects the universal nature of human rights and freedoms so eloquently described in the Vienna Declaration. As the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, has stated, and I quote "The Declaration is an important landmark in the historic movement to enlarge human liberties, freedoms and well-being. The standards of human rights presented in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are rapidly acquiring the status of universal values. "The values of democracy and human rights have gained almost universal adherence in the past few years. It is unfortunate that some States continue to commit gross and consistent violations of fundamental freedoms. Pakistan is particularly distressed at the cruel repression of the right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The genocide and ’ethnic cleansing’ perpetrated against the Muslims of "On this solemn occasion, the Government of Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the lofty principles and objectives of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and pledges its full cooperation in the global endeavour to realize the ideals and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."
Mr. Bhandare IND India on behalf of Government and people of India #17148
My delegation would like to join others on this auspicious day to celebrate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in affirming unreservedly, on behalf of the Government and people of India, our faith in fundamental human rights and our commitment to the promotion and encouragement of respect for human riqhts and human dignity. We congratulate the distinguished recipients of the Human Rights Awards. India has always been of the view that there is an organic linkage between democracy, development, peace and human rights, and it has been the endeavour of the Indian society and of its well-rooted democratic traditions to sustain and nurture this linkage in every aspect of our life. We regret to note that the distinguished representative of Pakistan has thought it fit to introduce in his statement extraneous matters and country-specific references. My delegation too could have succumbed to the temptation of dilating upon Pakistan’s role in the violation of human rights in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir through its promotion and abetment of terrorism there. This, however, is not the occasion for it. Permit me to conclude by reaffirming my country’s commitment to all human rights and to the Declaration and Plan of Action outlined in the Vienna Declaration.
The President unattributed #17151
We have heard the last speaker on this commemorative occasion. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft decision A/48/L.49, relating to the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft decision A/48/L.49? I therefore declare concluded the observance of the forty-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was so decided. STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Before turning to the next item, I should like to make an announcement concerning credentials. Members of the General Assembly will recall that on 29 October 1993 the Assembly adopted resolution 48/13, by which the Assembly approved the first report of the Credentials Committee, document A/48/512. That report indicated that the Committee had approved the credentials of representatives of 118 Member States participating in the forty-eighth session. I am informed that the second meeting of the Credentials Committee is scheduled to take place next Wednesday, 15 December 1993, and yet the formal credentials of the representatives of 27 - I repeat: 27 - Member States participating in this session of the General Assembly have not yet been submitted. These States have already been informed, and are being reminded today, that they should submit the original, formal credentials of their representatives to the Secretariat as soon as possible, in accordance with rule 27 of the rules of procedure, so that the Credentials Committee may examine them at its second meeting. In the interest of maintaining good order in our rules and practices concerning credentials, I appeal to the representatives of the 27 States concerned to submit their credentials as speedily as possible. I thank them in advance for their attention to this important matter.
The draft decision was adopted.
Mr. Pursoo (Grenada), Vice-President, took the Chair.

83.  , 116, 117 and 18 , 118 and 12, 119 and 18 , and 18 Effects of Atomic Radiation: Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/644) International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space: Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/645) United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East: Report of the Special Political and Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories: Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/647) Comprehensive Review of the Whole Question of Peace-Keeping Operations in All Their Aspects: Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/648) Questions Relating to Information: Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/649) Science and Peace: Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/650) Question of the Composition of the Relevant Organs of the United Nations: Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/651) Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories Transmitted Under Article 73 E of the Charter of the United Nations: Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/652) Activities of Those Foreign Economic and Other Interests Which Impede the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in Territories Under Colonial Domination and Efforts to Eliminate Colonialism, Apartheid and Racial Discrimination in Southern Africa; Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/653) Offers by Member States of Study and Training Facilities for Inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories: Report O F T H E S P E C I a L P O L I T I C a L a N D Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/655) Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: Report O F T H E S P E C I a L P O L I T I C a L a N D Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/48/656)

The President unattributed #17156
I request the Rapporteur of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), Mr. Anuson Chinvanno of Thailand, to introduce the reports of the Committee in one intervention. Mr. CHINVANNO (Thailand), Rapporteur of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee): I have the honour to introduce the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda items 83 to 90, 116, 117 and 18, 118 and 12, 119 and 18, and 18. The first report (A/48/644) relates to agenda item 83, "Effects of atomic radiation". The Fourth Committee considered the report of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the effects of atomic radiation and, after hearing 13 speakers in the general debate, adopted without a vote the draft resolution sponsored by 35 delegations. The draft resolution is contained in paragraph 6 of the report, and the Fourth Committee recommends to the General Assembly its adoption. The second report (A/48/645) is on agenda item 84 and relates to international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. The Fourth Committee devoted three meetings to and heard 28 speakers on this item. The Committee, among other things, endorsed the report of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The draft resolution, which was adopted without a vote, appears in paragraph 11 of the report and is recommended for adoption by the General Assembly. The fourth report (A/A/48/647) relates to agenda item 86, entitled "Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories". Fifteen speakers participated in the general debate on the item, and the Committee adopted four draft resolutions, which are contained in paragraph 16 of the report. The Fourth Committee recommends these four draft resolutions - A, B, C and D - to the General Assembly for adoption. The fifth report (A/48/648) relates to agenda item 87, "Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects". The Fourth Committee devoted five meetings to and heard 59 speakers on this item. The Committee adopted, without a vote, two draft resolutions, one relating to various aspects of the peace-keeping operations and the other to strengthening the United Nations command and control capabilities. The draft resolutions are contained in paragraph 15 of the report, and I recommend them to the General Assembly for adoption. The sixth report (A/48/649) is on item 88, entitled "Questions relating to information". After hearing 47 speakers on the item, the Fourth Committee decided, by general agreement, to consider and take a decision at one and the same time on the five draft proposals before it relating to the item. The Committee adopted without a vote draft resolutions A and B, contained in paragraph 13, and three draft decisions, which appear in paragraph 14. The Fourth Committee recommends to the General Assembly their adoption. The seventh report (A/48/650) relates to item 89, entitled "Science and peace". The draft decision which appears in paragraph 6 was adopted without a vote and is recommended to the General Assembly for adoption. The eighth report, contained in document A/48/651, relates to item 90, "Question of the composition of the relevant organs of the United Nations". The Committee decided to defer consideration of the item to the forty-ninth session. Its recommendation to the Assembly is contained in paragraph 3. The ninth report, contained in document A/48/652, relates to agenda item 116, on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations. The related draft resolution, contained in paragraph 7, is recommended to the General Assembly for adoption. The tenth report, contained in document A/48/653, relates to agenda item 117, on the activities of those foreign economic and other interests which impede the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The report contains a separate decision on military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their administration. The related draft resolution on economic activities and the draft decision on military activities are contained in paragraphs 11 and 12, respectively. The Committee recommends those proposals to the General Assembly for adoption. The eleventh report, contained in document A/48/654, relates to agenda item 118, on implementation of the Declaration by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations, and item 12. The related draft resolution, which appears in paragraph 11 of the report, is recommended to the General Assembly for adoption. The twelfth report, in document A/48/655, relates to offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories, under agenda item 119. The related draft resolution, contained in paragraph 7, is recommended to the General Assembly for adoption. The thirteenth and last report of the Fourth Committee, contained in document A/48/656, relates to those Territories which were not covered by other agenda items, which the Committee took up under agenda item 18, "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples". Set out in the report are three draft resolutions. The first two concern Western Sahara and New Caledonia, and the third is a consolidated draft resolution on American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Tokelau, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands. There are also two draft By adopting these proposals, the General Assembly would, among other things, reaffirm the inalienable right of the people of those Territories to self-determination and independence and reaffirm that it is ultimately for the people of those Territories themselves to determine freely their future political status in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The Fourth Committee recommends to the General Assembly for adoption the related draft proposals contained in paragraphs 28, 29 and 30. On behalf of the Fourth Committee, I should like to commend these reports to the attention of the General Assembly. Before concluding, I should like to express my deep appreciation to the Chairman of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), Ambassador Stanley Kalpagé of Sri Lanka, and the two Vice-Chairmen, Mr. Gheorghe Chirila of Romania and Mr. Ngoni Francis Sengwe of Zimbabwe, for their guidance and the cooperation they extended to me during the session. I should also like to express my gratitude to the other members of the Fourth Committee for the cooperation they extended to me during the session. I also wish to thank the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Wilfrid De Souza, and all the secretariat members of the Committee for their cooperation and assistance, which facilitated my tasks as Rapporteur of the Fourth Committee, for which I am grateful.
The President unattributed #17157
If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee which are before the Assembly today.
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17158
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Committee. This means that where recorded votes were taken, we shall do the same. I should also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/644) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 83, entitled "Effects of atomic radiation". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 57/60 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/38).
The President unattributed #17161
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 83?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17164
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/645) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 84, "International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space". The Assembly will first take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 11 of that report.
Vote: 57/61 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/39).
The President unattributed duplicate #17166
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 84?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17168
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/646) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 85, "United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East". The Assembly will now take a decision on the 10 draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 43 of that report. After all the votes have been taken, representatives will again have an opportunity to explain their vote. I first put to the Assembly draft resolution A, "Assistance to Palestine refugees". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution A was adopted by 159 votes to none, with 2 abstentions (resolution 48/40 A).*
The President unattributed #17171
We now turn to draft resolution B, "Working Group on the Financing of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution B without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution B was adopted (resolution 48/40 B).
The President unattributed #17173
Draft resolution C is entitled "Assistance to persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution C without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution C was adopted (resolution 48/40 C).
The President unattributed #17176
We turn next to draft resolution D, "Offers by Member States of grants and scholarships for higher education, including vocational training, for Palestine refugees". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution D was adopted by 161 votes to none, with 1 abstention (resolution 48/40 D).*
The President unattributed #17179
Draft resolution E is entitled "Palestine refugees in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution E was adopted by 157 votes to 2 (resolution 48/40 E).*
Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 156   ✗ 2   2 abs.
Show country votes
✓ Yes (156)
The President unattributed #17180
Draft resolution F is entitled "Return of population and refugees displaced since 1967". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution F was adopted by 152 votes to 2, with 5 abstentions (resolution 48/40 F).*
The President unattributed #17182
We come now to draft resolution G, entitled "Revenues derived from Palestine refugees’ properties". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution G was adopted by 114 votes to 2, with 44 abstentions (resolution 48/40 G).*
The President unattributed #17185
We turn next to draft resolution H, entitled "Protection of Palestine refugees". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution H was adopted by 153 votes to 2, with 6 abstentions (resolution 48/40 H).*
The President unattributed #17186
We now turn to draft resolution I, entitled "University of Jerusalem ‘Al-Quds’ for Palestine refugees". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 156 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions (resolution 48/40 I).*
The President unattributed #17188
Finally, we come to draft resolution J, entitled "Protection of Palestinian students and educational institutions and safeguarding of the security of the facilities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in the occupied Palestinian territories". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution J was adopted by 159 votes to 2 (resolution 48/40 J).*
The President unattributed #17190
I call on the representative of Nigeria, who wishes to make a statement in explanation of vote for an explanation of vote.
Mr. Ayewah NGA Nigeria #17192
In explanation of its votes on draft resolutions F and G, my delegation would like to state that Nigeria is encouraged by the historic signing, on 13 September 1993, of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. We see this as the beginning of a process that will provide the people of the region with a strong basis for living in peace, mutual respect, dignity and security. This positive development makes it imperative that we take another look at the nature of the resolutions we adopt. Nigeria firmly believes that our attention should now be focused on consolidation of the gains of this significant landmark through the adoption of resolutions that would enhance, and not impede, the prospects for the achievement of a negotiated peaceful settlement of the conflict in question. Nigeria abstained on resolutions F and G, which have just been adopted, in the firm belief that the ongoing momentum of the peace process should not be allowed to dissipate. We should encourage all the parties to the conflict to show flexibility and cooperation and negotiate in good faith so as to reach a comprehensive settlement in the interest of peace in the region.
The President unattributed #17193
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude this stage of its consideration of agenda item 85?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17194
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/647) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee on agenda item 86, entitled "Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories". The Assembly will now take a decision on the four draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 16 of its report. After the voting on all four, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their votes. We shall vote first on draft resolution A.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 93 votes to 2, with 65 abstentions (resolution 48/41 A).*
The President unattributed #17195
The Assembly will now vote on draft resolution B. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 152 votes to 1, with 6 abstentions (resolution 48/41 B).*
The President unattributed #17196
The Assembly will now vote on draft resolution C. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 106 votes to 2, with 48 abstentions (resolution 48/41 C).*
The President unattributed #17198
Lastly, the Assembly will vote on draft resolution D. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 85 votes to 1, with 68 abstentions (resolution 48/41 D).*
The President unattributed duplicate #17201
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 86?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17203
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/648) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee on agenda item 87, entitled "Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects". The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 15 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled "Comprehensive review of the whole question of peace-keeping operations in all their aspects. The Special Political and Decolonization
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/42).
The President unattributed #17205
Draft resolution II is entitled "Strengthening United Nations command and control capabilities". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/43).
The President unattributed duplicate #17208
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 87?
It was so decided.
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
The President unattributed #17211
The Assembly will now consider the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 88, entitled "Questions relating to information" (A/48/649). The Assembly will take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 13 of that report and the three draft decisions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 14 of the same document. The Assembly will first take a decision on the two draft resolutions contained in paragraph 13 of the report. Draft resolution A is entitled "Information in the service of humanity". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution A without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution A was adopted (resolution 48/44A).
The President unattributed #17214
Draft resolution B is entitled "United Nations public information policies and activities". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution B without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution B was adopted (resolution 48/44B).
Vote: A/48/649 Consensus
The President unattributed #17216
We turn now to the three draft decisions contained in paragraph 14 of the report (A/48/649). Draft decision I, concerning an increase in the membership of the Committee on Information, was adopted by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft decision?
Draft decision I was adopted.
The PRESIDENT: Draft decision II, which also concerns an increase in the membership of the Committee on Information, was adopted by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes also to adopt the draft decision?
Draft decision II was adopted.
The President unattributed #17218
We turn now to draft decision III, entitled "Questions relating to information". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft decision III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft decision III was adopted.
The President unattributed #17220
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 88?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17223
The General Assembly will now consider the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 89, entitled "Science and peace" (A/48/650). The Assembly will take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 6 of that report. The draft decision was adopted by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee unanimously. May I consider that the General Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed duplicate #17225
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 89?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17228
We turn now to the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 90, entitled "Question of the composition of the relevant organs of the United Nations" (A/48/651). In paragraph 3 of that report, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee recommends that the General Assembly should defer consideration of the item to its forty- May I take it that the General Assembly adopts that recommendation.
It was so decided.
The President unattributed duplicate #17231
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 90?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed duplicate #17233
The Assembly will now consider the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 116, entitled "Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations" (A/48/652). The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 7 of that report. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 159 votes to 0, with 3 abstentions (resolution 48/45).*
The President unattributed duplicate #17236
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 116?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17237
Reverting at this time to agenda item 85, "United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East", I call now on the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, Chairman of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee). Mr. KALPAGE (Sri Lanka), Chairman of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee): I wish to inform members of the General Assembly that the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) decided not to take action on draft resolution A/C.4/48/L.31/Rev.1 on the understanding that the General Assembly agrees that the Advisory Commission of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) should establish a working relationship with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). I should like to propose that the General Assembly agree to that understanding of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee.
The President unattributed #17239
Members have heard the statement made by the Chairman of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt the proposal made by the Chairman of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee?
The proposal was adopted.
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17242
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/653) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 117, entitled "Activities of those foreign economic and other interests which impede the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in Territories under colonial domination and efforts to eliminate colonialism, apartheid and racial discrimination in southern Africa"; and agenda item 18, entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 11 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by that Committee in paragraph 12 of the report. The draft resolution is entitled "Activities of those foreign economic and other interests which impede the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples in Territories under colonial domination". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Against: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
The draft resolution was adopted by 111 votes to 43, with 3 abstentions (resolution 48/46).*
The President unattributed #17243
The draft decision is entitled "Military activities and arrangements by colonial Powers in Territories under their administration". It is contained in paragraph 12 of document A/48/653 A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Against: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Argentina, Belize, Paraguay
The draft decision was adopted by 112 votes to 42, with 3 abstentions.*
The President unattributed duplicate #17245
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 117?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17248
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/654) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 118, entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations"; and on agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 11 of its report. The draft resolution is entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Against: France, Netherlands, Russian Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay
The draft resolution was adopted by 113 votes to 5, with 43 abstentions (resolution 48/47).*
The President unattributed duplicate #17249
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 118?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17250
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 12. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/655) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 119, entitled "Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 7 of that report.
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 48/48).
The President unattributed duplicate #17251
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 119?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17254
The Assembly will now consider the report (A/48/656) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda item 18, entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples". I call on the representative of Venezuela for an explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Manrique VEN Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela [Spanish] #17258
As to the report (A/48/656) of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee on agenda item 18, entitled "Implementation of the Declaration of the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples", our delegation would like to have reflected in the record that our intention was to abstain in the voting in the Fourth Committee on the amendment embodied in document A/C.4/48/L.10 on the elimination of operative paragraph 6 in portion B X of the consolidated draft text with regard to the United States Virgin Islands.
The President unattributed #17260
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 28 of its report (A/48/656), two draft consensuses recommended by the Special Committee in paragraph 29 of the same report, and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 30 of the same document. The Assembly will now proceed to take decisions on the various recommendations of the Committee. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote. We turn first to the three draft resolutions contained in paragraph 28 of the report (A/48/656). Draft resolution I is entitled "Question of Western Sahara". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/49).
The President unattributed #17261
We now turn to draft resolution II, entitled "Question of New Caledonia". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution II without objection. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/50).
The President unattributed #17262
Draft resolution III is entitled "Questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Tokelau, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution III without objection. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 48/51).
The President unattributed #17264
We turn now to the two draft consensuses contained in paragraph 29 of the report. Draft consensus I is entitled "Question of Gibraltar". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft consensus I without objection. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft consensus I was adopted.
The President unattributed #17267
Draft consensus II is entitled "Question of Pitcairn". The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft consensus II without objection. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft consensus II was adopted.
The President unattributed #17268
We turn now to the draft decision contained in paragraph 30 of the report. The draft decision is entitled "Question of St. Helena". A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft decision was adopted by 101 votes to 2, with 51 abstentions.*
The President unattributed #17271
The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee.

18.  Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (A) Report of the Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (A/48/23, A/Ac.109/1137-1139, 1141-1158, 1161-1164 and 1170) (B) Report of the Secretary-General (A/48/426) (C) Draft Resolutions (A/48/L.38, A/48/L.39) We Shall Now Proceed to Consider Draft Resolutions A/48/L.38 and A/48/L.39.

The President unattributed #17424
Before calling on representatives for explanations of vote before the voting, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.
Mr. Sidorov RUS Russian Federation [Russian] #17426
The Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples made a signal contribution to the attainment of independence by a large number of colonial Territories. The Russian delegation is pleased that, generally speaking, the question of decolonization has been successfully settled. At the same time, we recognize the need for full implementation of the provisions of the Declaration in respect of the few remaining small colonial and Non-Self-Governing Territories. With regard to the implementation of the Declaration on decolonization, the Russian Federation proceeds from the premise that clear-cut recognition of and support for the right of peoples to self-determination and independence must take into account the objective reality of their political, economic and social development, the different path to and forms of self-determination on the basis of free choice, and an expressed universal assurance concerning human rights. We are glad to note that draft resolution A/48/L.38 is in keeping with these criteria, is well-balanced and does not raise the prospect of unnecessary confrontation. That being the case, our delegation will vote in favour of it. The Russian delegation would like to express its gratitude to the Chairman of the Special Committee on decolonization, Ambassador Lohia of Papua New Guinea, and to the sponsors of the draft resolution for their efforts to make it more balanced.
The President unattributed #17429
Before the Assembly takes action on draft resolutions A/48/L.38 and A/48/L.39, I should like to announce that the following countries have become sponsors of those draft resolutions: India and Swaziland. The Assembly will now take decisions on draft resolutions A/48/L.38 and A/48/L.39. I call on the representative of the Secretariat. Requirements for the dispatch of a mission to Western Sahara for the period of the referendum in the Territory, referred to in paragraph 117 of the Special Committee’s report, is foreseen as one of the Committee’s proposed visiting missions in 1994. As regards the request to the Secretary-General, in paragraph 13 of the draft resolution, to provide economic, social and other assistance to the Non-Self-Governing Territories, it is estimated that no additional resources would be required at this stage. Should the need arise for United Nations assistance to particular States arise in the course of 1994, the plans for those activities would be submitted to the General Assembly or the Economic and Social Council for consideration in due course. The requests in paragraph 14 of the draft resolution, involving substantive servicing of the Special Committee and its subsidiary bodies, have been programmed under subprogramme 3 of programme 4 of the medium-term plan for the period 1992-97, as revised. The related resources are included under section 3C of the 1994-95 proposed programme budget; so no additional appropriations will be required. Requirements in respect of the seminar to be organized by the Special Committee in 1994 at Headquarters, as referred to in paragraph 112 of the Committee’s report, would be absorbed within the provisions proposed under section 3A of the proposed programme budget for 1994-95. It is anticipated that the seminar would be held for three days and would be serviced with two meetings daily, 50 pages of pre-session, 75 pages of in-session and 50 pages of post-session documentation. Provisions for conference services under section 25 provide not only for meetings programmed at the time of budget preparation but also for meetings that may be authorized subsequently. The level of the resources is based on past experience and assumes that the number and distribution of meetings and conferences in 1994-95 will be consistent with the pattern of meetings in past years. The activities required for the implementation of the requests contained in draft resolution A/48/L.39 relating to the dissemination of information on decolonization and publicity for the work of the United Nations in the field of decolonization are referred to by the Special Committee in chapter III of its report (A/48/23 (Part II)) to the General Assembly. They have been programmed in the proposed programme budget for 1994-95 under section 24, subprogrammes 1 and 2. Furthermore, the information activities proposed in draft resolution A/48/L.39 would relate to programme 38, Public information, of the medium-term plan, as revised.
The President unattributed #17431
The Assembly will first take a decision on draft resolution A/48/L.38 entitled "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples". A recorded vote has been requested. The Assembly will next take a decision on draft resolution A/48/L.39, entitled "Dissemination of information on decolonization". We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 139 votes to 2, with 19 abstentions (resolution 48/52).
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 141 votes to 2, with 18 abstentions (resolution 48/53).
The President unattributed #17433
I shall now call on representatives who wish to make statements in explanation of vote. May I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.
Mr. Richardson GBR United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland #17434
Once again, I regret that my delegation found it necessary to vote against the draft resolutions on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and on dissemination of information on decolonization. In my delegation’s statement to the Fourth Committee and in various explanations of vote and position in that forum, we acknowledged that, in the face of undeniable changes, the Special Committee had made an effort to face up to reality. We welcome these efforts and hope they continue so that next year my delegation can vote in favour of these resolutions. But we strongly object to the implication that self-determination automatically equates with independence, ignoring the existence of other options, and to the references to issues irrelevant to decolonization, such as military activities. We find it inconceivable that the presence of military bases in our remaining dependent Territories could in any way constitute an obstacle to the granting of independence. The two draft resolutions submitted to the General Assembly do nothing to advance the wishes of the indigenous people of remaining dependent Territories; this remains the foundation of my Government’s policies. These are not new points, and it is tiresome to have to repeat them year after year.
Mr. Wallace USA United States of America #17438
The majority of delegations here today supported the resolutions on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and on dissemination of information on decolonization. My We were encouraged by the removal of a number of paragraphs and phrases from the corresponding resolutions adopted last year, but too much evidence of old thinking remains for my delegation to support the resolutions. We would have been even more encouraged if the deleted paragraphs had been replaced with forward-looking proposals for the Territories. Instead, the resolutions reiterate an outdated notion that equates the process of selfdetermination with independence. Other options are also provided for in General Assembly resolution 1541 (XV) and should not be ignored, especially since several of the original Territories freely chose those other options, and some others may well do so in the future. In addition, the blanket condemnation of foreign economic interests and military activities does a disservice to those Territories that seek foreign investment and choose to maintain military bases. We think it is time to recognize these facts. The resolutions do not recognize the benefits that Non-Self-Governing Territories derive from administering Powers that conscientiously fulfil their obligations in partnership with the peoples of the Territories. The link between the efforts of the administering Powers and racism and economic exploitation made in one of these resolutions is just not sustainable. The political, economic and social development of the Non-Self-Governing Territories remain key responsibilities for both the administering Powers and the United Nations system. The United States remains conscious of its role with regard to its three Territories and will continue to meet its responsibilities to those Territories under the Charter of the United Nations.
Mr. Griffin AUS Australia #17442
My delegation has just voted in favour of the draft resolutions contained in documents A/48/L.38 and A/48/L.39, "Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples" and "Dissemination of information on decolonization". These affirmative votes are a reflection of our strong support for a meaningful United Nations role in the decolonization process, particularly as a number of the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories are our near neighbours, small islands in the South Pacific. My delegation is encouraged by the fact that outdated and inappropriate references from the resolutions of previous years, whose revision or deletion we had called for, do not appear in the resolutions just adopted. In preparation for the next session of the Assembly, we encourage the Special
The President unattributed duplicate #17445
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 18 as a whole?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed duplicate #17447
If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the report of the Second Committee which is before the General Assembly today.
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #17449
Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the report (A/48/717/Add.1) of the Second Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Second Committee. The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled "Strengthening international organizations in the area of multilateral trade". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 48/54).
The President unattributed #17451
Draft resolution II is entitled "International trade and development". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? ANNEX Subsequent to the voting, the delegations of Ghana and Zambia advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegations of Ghana and Zambia advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegations of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Zambia advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegations of Canada, New Zealand and Zambia advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Cape Verde had intended to abstain. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Cape Verde had intended to abstain. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour. Subsequent to the voting, the delegation of Zambia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 48/55).
The meeting rose at 6.35 p.m.
Changes in recorded and/or roll-call votes
Resolution 48/40 A
Resolution 48/40 D
Resolution 48/40 E
Resolution 48/40 F
Resolution 48/40 G
Resolution 48/40 H
Resolution 48/40 I
Resolution 48/40 J
Resolution 48/41 A
Resolution 48/47
Resolution 48/41 B
Resolution 48/41 C
Resolution 48/41 D
Resolution 48/45
Resolution 48/46
Decision on military activities by colonial Powers
Decision on Question of St. Helena
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