A/48/PV.89 General Assembly

Before turning to the items on our agenda for this meeting, I should like to draw the Assembly’s attention to document A/48/853/Add.1. In a letter contained in that document, the Secretary-General informs me that, since the issuance of his communication dated 21 January 1994, Costa Rica and Paraguay have made the necessary payments to reduce their arrears below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter. May I take it that the General Assembly duly takes note of that information?

As indicated in document A/48/109, as a result of consultations in accordance with article 3, paragraph 2 of the statute of the Joint Inspection Unit, including consultations with the President of the Economic and Social Council and with the Secretary-General in his capacity as Chairman of the Administrative Committee on Coordination, I now submit to the Assembly the candidature of Mr. Sumihiro Kuyama of Japan for appointment as a member of the Joint Inspection Unit for a term of office commencing on 1 January 1995 and expiring on 31 December 1999. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to appoint that candidate?

On behalf of the Assembly, I offer Mr. Kuyama our warmest good wishes on his appointment. The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 17 (h). Distr. GENERAL A/48/PV.89 25 February 1994 ENGLISH HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS (b) HUMAN RIGHTS QUESTIONS, INCLUDING A L T E R N A T I V E A P P R O A C H E S F O R IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS: NOTE BY THE SECRETARY- GENERAL (A/48/859)

The Assembly will now consider, under this sub-item, the matter of the appointment of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In this connection, the Assembly has before it a note by the Secretary-General issued as document A/48/859. Members will recall that the Assembly, in its resolution 48/141 of 20 December 1993, decided to create the post of High Commissioner for Human Rights. By this resolution, the Assembly also decided that the High Commissioner for Human Rights shall: "(a) Be a person of high moral standing and personal integrity and shall possess expertise, including in the field of human rights, and the general knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures necessary for impartial, objective, non-selective and effective performance of the duties of the High Commissioner; "(b) Be appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and approved by the General Assembly, with due regard to geographical rotation, and have a fixed term of four years with a possibility of one renewal for another fixed term of four years; "(c) Be of the rank of Under-Secretary-General". In the light of the provisions of resolution 48/141, the Secretary-General proposes to appoint His Excellency Mr. José Ayala Lasso of Ecuador as High Commissioner for Human Rights for a term of office of four years, effective 28 February 1994. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to approve this appointment?

On behalf of the Assembly and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate the Permanent Representative of Ecuador, Ambassador José Ayala Lasso, on his unanimous election to be the first holder of the post of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Assembly established the post last December, after much deliberation, with an exacting job description. It now has the pleasure and satisfaction of appointing, on the

Allow me to begin, Sir, by expressing my appreciation for your kind words regarding my appointment as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. I am honoured by the confidence which the Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and the States Members of the United Nations have placed in me by appointing me the first United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This is indeed a great honour for my country and for me personally. I accept this honour with humility and a solemn pledge to dedicate myself to carrying out my new functions with the utmost devotion and in the conviction that the cause I am working for is without a doubt the most noble of causes, since, as the Secretary-General stated at the Vienna Conference: "Human rights permeate all activities of our Organization, of which they are, simultaneously, the very foundation and the supreme goal". The idea of establishing a post of High Commissioner for Human Rights has a long history, in which Uruguay and Costa Rica played a valiant part. And yet for many reasons it proved impossible to reach an agreement that would make this dream a reality. The Vienna Conference of June 1993 marked a turning-point in this elusive history. For the first time a consensus was reached on approaching the sensitive issue of human rights from a global perspective and on seeking global solutions to human rights problems. The spirit of Vienna flourished in the Declaration and Programme of Action, whose contents offer both vision and guidance. It was this spirit of Vienna, which reflects the ongoing maturing of the conscience of humanity, that made it possible for the General Assembly to agree to create the post of High Commissioner for Human Rights and to give the Commissioner a clear-cut mandate. I intend to preserve and constantly strengthen this spirit of international cooperation and human solidarity so that I can effectively tackle the sensitive tasks entrusted to me. The broad-ranging debate and the frank exchange of views which took place in the Third Committee Working Group, which I chaired, provided me with firsthand A consensus thus emerged among all representatives, culminating in the adoption of resolution 48/141. Under that resolution, I shall have principal responsibility for United Nations human rights activities, under the direction and authority of the Secretary-General. I shall promote and protect the effective enjoyment by all of all civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights, including the right to development. To this end, I shall act within the framework specified in resolution 48/141, in accordance with the decisions of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Commission on Human Rights. I shall carry out all tasks assigned to me by the competent bodies of the United Nations system and make recommendations to them with a view to improving the promotion and protection of all human rights. In the exercise of my functions I shall adhere strictly to this framework in order to help build the spirit of trust that led to the creation of my post, and I shall enhance the moral authority of the office. I shall maintain an attitude of vigilance, openness and initiative. To ensure that my actions are effective, I shall need the support and cooperation of all. The General Assembly has determined that one of my functions shall be to engage in a dialogue with all Governments with a view to securing respect for all human rights. Let me say that it is my intention to carry out this mandate at once. To that end, I now invite all Governments, without exception, to open wide their doors to me in friendship so that we may begin a frank dialogue, without conditions or prejudices, whose sole purpose is that called for by all the members of this Assembly - the promotion, protection and effective enjoyment of all human rights by all. The conscience of mankind has recognized that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and that it is the duty of all States to promote and protect them. I shall guide my work accordingly, paying due attention to national and regional characteristics, and to historical, cultural and religious traditions. Solidarity and interdependence are realities which we all - States, nations and human beings - experience daily and which must increasingly mark our values and priorities. We must endeavour to forge a universal culture of human rights. Accordingly, I shall place special emphasis on human rights information and education programmes. In this way, each of us can become a high commissioner to promote and protect our own human rights and those of others. History has shown irrefutably that only those countries which promote and protect human rights are in a position to ensure peace, progress and well-being for their peoples. I firmly believe that democratic forms of government permit overall development and the attainment of satisfactory standards of respect for human rights. Nevertheless, advances in this area must be backed by a policy of constant support for human rights. Even in the best democracies, there are regrettable lapses, but the proof that a nation is determined to follow the right path lies in its ability bravely to face up to its own mistakes, to correct them and to prevent their recurrence. The main responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights lies with each State, but the promotion and protection of human rights are a priority for the international community. I believe that each State should be severely self-critical of its own conduct in order to fulfil its essential responsibility in this area and that the international community should not remain indifferent to situations which it has itself defined as being of high priority. The creation of the post of High Commissioner is the response which all States wished to make to this universal concern. Hence, the High Commissioner should be the voice of the moral conscience of humanity. That is the deep significance of the consensus behind this initiative. In the performance of my duties, I shall proceed with objectivity and impartiality in dealing with all situations and with all States, but, as an overwhelming expression of love for my people, whom I shall shortly cease to represent in the United Nations, I shall be especially strict within my mandate in ensuring that Ecuador displays a blameless approach to respect for human rights. The Centre for Human Rights has a crucial role, which I shall endeavour to strengthen, particularly as regards the provision of advisory services and technical assistance to States at their request, and the preparation of studies and transmission of information on all questions relating to human rights. From today I am at the disposal of any State which wishes in any way to study the possibility of cooperation in these aspects. I am embarking on a voyage on as yet uncharted seas, but I have a clear view of the new world which we all wish to discover. Its attractions are so many and its promises so numerous that I shall not be dismayed by any obstacle of any kind. At all times I shall follow the route outlined by the Secretary-General, whose political concepts and clear vision of the future we all admire. I am sure that the General Assembly, under your faultless leadership, Mr. President, the Economic and Social Council and the Commission on Human Rights will also give me timely and valuable guidance. Nevertheless, my basic pole star and guide will be my own unshakeable convictions, my faith in the transcendence of the human person, my conviction that mankind, in its constant quest for perfection, has now reached the threshold of the temple where we shall consecrate for ever the timeless and irreplaceable value of the human race and, consequently, the respect for all its rights, everywhere, in all circumstances and without any preconditions. My training, my own country and my philosophical and religious convictions lead me to espouse the concept of transcendental humanism. I believe profoundly in the cause whose banner has been entrusted to me by the General Assembly. I shall devote myself to it without reservation and without fear. Let me conclude by recalling the brilliant words with which our Secretary-General refers to the inescapable link between peace, development and democracy. I firmly believe in these concepts and in their interdependence. And what is more, I think that a peace without human rights is not a true peace, that a democracy without human rights is not a true democracy, and that development without human rights is not development. This is because the human race is the centre of the universe, the measure of things and the whole point of the creation. What a noble and important task I am now receiving from the hands of the community of nations! In order to succeed in it, I invoke the blessing of God and appeal for the cooperation of all States, governmental and non-governmental organizations and people of good will.

Part II of the report concerns the question of financing for the expansion of the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa. If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the Assembly decides not to discuss the report of the Fifth Committee which is before it.

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendation of the Fifth 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 Assembly agreed that "When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., either in the Committee or in plenary meeting unless that delegation’s vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee." May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the report of the Fifth 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 Fifth Committee. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 5 of part II of its report (A/48/811/Add.1). The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "Financing for the expansion of the United Nations

I now call on the representative of Greece, who will speak on behalf of the European Union, for an explanation of position on the resolution just adopted.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union to explain our position following the adoption of the resolution concerning the financing of the expansion of the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa (UNOMSA). The European Union has always considered the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa an activity of primary importance for the United Nations, and the Twelve have shown a very active interest in promoting the process of national reconciliation in South Africa. They participate in it with a mission of 332 observers who are now in place. Furthermore, we are aware of the need to facilitate the proper functioning of the Mission in order to make it possible, as decided by resolution 48/159 A, for it to respond immediately and effectively to the appeal for electoral assistance made by the provisional authorities in South Africa. The resolution, which has just been adopted without a vote, thanks to the flexibility of all delegations, can guarantee that the expansion of the Mission is well financed. It represents a continuation of the financing method proposed by the Secretary-General in paragraph 18 of his report (A/C.5/48/28) and adopted by the General Assembly in resolution 48/231 of 23 December 1993, on the budget for the biennium 1994-1995. We must bear in mind that since UNOMSA, having no military units, is not a peace-keeping operation but simply an electoral observer Mission, and because it is one of the Organization’s most important activities, it has always been financed through the regular budget. We are therefore pleased at the adoption of this resolution, which, with the necessary cooperation between the participants in the Mission and with the presentation of an effective plan of operationals, will make possible the establishment of a united and democratic South Africa founded on a basis of no racial discrimination. We also hope that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the promotion of the full participation of the entire South African population in the electoral process.

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 123.

The ninth report of the General Committee concerns a request for the inclusion in the agenda of an additional item submitted by the Russian Federation and a request for the inclusion of an additional item submitted by Madagascar. In paragraph 1 (a) of the report, the Committee recommends the inclusion in the agenda of the current session of an additional item entitled "Observer status for the Commonwealth of Independent States in the General Assembly". May I take it that the Assembly decides to include in the agenda of the forty-eighth session this additional item?

In paragraph 1 (b) the Committee recommends to the Assembly that the item should be considered directly in plenary meeting. May I take it that the Assembly adopts that recommendation?

Next I should like to draw the attention of representatives to paragraph 2 (a) of the report, where the Committee recommends the inclusion in the agenda of the current session of an additional item entitled "Emergency assistance to Madagascar". May I take it that the General Assembly decides to include this additional item in its agenda?

May I also take it that, as requested by several Member States, this item should be given priority for immediate consideration by the Assembly because of its urgent character?

I should like to inform members that the new item becomes item 177 of the agenda of the forty-eighth regular session of the Assembly. The Assembly will proceed immediately to consider agenda item 177, entitled "Emergency assistance to Madagascar".

In view of the desire of several Member States to dispose of this item expeditiously, I should like to consult the Assembly with a view to proceeding immediately to consider the draft resolution contained in document A/48/L.53. In this connection, since the draft resolution has just been circulated, it will be necessary to waive the relevant provision of rule 78 of the rules of procedure. I should like to remind members that the text of the draft resolution appeared in document A/48/247. Rule 78 reads as follows: "As a general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any meeting of the General Assembly unless copies of it have been circulated to all delegations not later than the day preceding the meeting." Unless I hear any objections, I shall take it that the Assembly agrees to waive the relevant provision of rule 78 of the rules of procedure.

I now call upon the representative of Botswana to introduce draft resolution A/48/L.53. As you know, Sir, Madagascar has recently been stricken by two very powerful tropical cyclones, causing extensive damage and devastation in four provinces out of six. Data are still incomplete, but as of now it is known that at least 200 people have been killed. Out of 5,423,199 inhabitants directly affected, several hundred thousand have suffered injury or loss. A large number of public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, prisons and barracks, as well as private buildings, have been damaged or destroyed. Key sectors in the economic and social life of the country - transport, communications and energy - have also been seriously affected. The main highways connecting the country’s principal areas of agricultural production have also been damaged or completely destroyed as a result of landslides, floods and the destruction of bridges and roads. The two main lines of the Malagasy railway are damaged. Two important industrial installations - the factory that makes lubricating products and the only oil refinery in the country - have been seriously damaged. Losses in the agriculture and livestock sectors have affected 75 per cent of socio-economic life; 70 per cent of paddy-fields have been flooded, probably irretrievably. Cash crops for processing and export have been sorely affected. Harvests of coffee, vanilla beans, cloves, lychees and so on on the east coast are likely to be severely affected for the next several years. The first two preambular paragraphs of the draft resolution express the concern of the international community regarding the calamity that has occurred in Madagascar. In the last preambular paragraph the Assembly notes the negative impact of this type of periodic natural disaster on the economic development process undertaken by the Malagasy Government. In paragraph 1 the General Assembly declares its solidarity with the Malagasy Government and the people of Madagascar in their affliction. The second operative paragraph takes note of the efforts being exerted by the Malagasy Government, as described in paragraph 14 of the explanatory memorandum contained in document A/48/247. Paragraph 3 commends the international community, including the bodies and organizations of the United Nations Paragraph 4 requests the Secretary-General to act; this is in accordance with the pertinent resolutions of the General Assembly concerning humanitarian emergency assistance of the United Nations, and in particular, with chapters V and VI of the annex to resolution 46/182 of 19 December 1991. In our view, the main objective of the draft resolution lies in paragraph 5, which appeals to all States and the international organizations to provide, urgently, additional assistance to Madagascar. The last operative paragraph requests the Secretary-General to report to the Economic and Social Council on the implementation of the resolution. Finally, in the spirit of solidarity which the international community has always shown in similar circumstances, I very much hope - and plead - that the members of the Assembly will adopt the draft resolution by consensus.

Madagascar has just been seriously hit by two tropical cyclones. The material damage and the other consequences of all kinds for the lives of the population are very serious. The memorandum submitted by the representative of Madagascar (A/48/247) gives an idea of how serious the situation is, as does the statement just made by the representative of Botswana on behalf of the African Group. In the face of these natural disasters, a special effort by the international community is absolutely crucial to show our solidarity with the Republic of Madagascar and its seriously afflicted population. The draft resolution requests all States and international organizations to provide urgently additional support in order to mitigate the economic and financial burden which the Malagasy people will have to bear during the period of emergency and, in the longer term, to rebuild the country’s economy and infrastructure, which were seriously damaged by the disaster. France, both bilaterally and with its partners in the European Union, will make a significant contribution to both of these undertakings. In fact, it has already begun to do so. My country did its best to react swiftly to the expressions of need of the Government of Madagascar by making available water-purification materials, equipment to shelter its people and electrical and telecommunications equipment, as well as other technical equipment, all sent very quickly both by air and by sea. Seven Transall aircraft landed in Antananarivo between 3 and 12 February. There will be other flights, and other It is in this spirit that we recommend that the Assembly adopt draft resolution A/48/L.53, put forward on the initiative of the representative of Madagascar.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/48/L.53. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft resolution?

The adoption by consensus of draft resolution A/48/L.53 shows that the whole international community remains deeply concerned over the critical situation of developing countries which are the victims of natural disasters. This decision reflects once again the expression of international solidarity enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The Government of my country is particularly grateful to the members of the Assembly for this demonstration of sympathy and solidarity. My delegation wishes to thank Madame Pholile Legwaila, chargé d’affaires of the Botswana delegation, who, as Chairperson of the African Group for this month, was kind enough to introduce the draft resolution. My delegation is also grateful for the gestures of sister delegations of this Group, which, by co-sponsoring the draft resolution, have expressed their renewed concern for us. Our gratitude also goes to the delegations, which have expressed their support and sympathy for the people and Government of Madagascar. I should also like to take this opportunity to express once again our sincerest thanks and the deepest gratitude of the Government of the Republic of Madagascar to the States, the international and non-governmental organizations and the associations which did not hesitate, from the onset of the disaster, to assist Madagascar in these difficult times. In addition, we cannot fail to mention the diligent and effective We are confident that, following the appeal contained in this resolution, international actors will participate in large numbers or will continue to participate significantly in the aid and emergency assistance operations. We must recognize that the importance of emergency assistance in all cases of natural disasters should not obscure the inherent limitations of such of action, which aims to alleviate some of the difficulties of the population, who, once they are over the shock, still face the whole problem of recovery. That is why the Government of the Republic of Madagascar wishes to draw the attention of the international community to the economic and financial difficulties my country faces in undertaking its reconstruction at a particularly difficult and challenging time. First, the rebuilding of equipment and infrastructures will entail an intolerable increase in public expenditures and the allocation of a significant percentage of our resources to financing development projects that are already scheduled. Secondly, the growth prospects of the national economy will be seriously damaged as a result of a drop in production due to damage suffered by the agriculture, transport, communications and energy sectors, while the loss of export products will result in a worsening of our balance of payments. Faced with these problems, we hope that the international community will be understanding and helpful in considering the extent to which it can participate in the reconstruction and recovery programme. The wishes we have just expressed are justified by the same conviction as assures us that the present and future initiatives of my Government will be considered sympathetically by the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 177?