A/50/PV.99 General Assembly

Friday, Dec. 22, 1995 — Session 50, Meeting 99 — New York — UN Document ↗ — OCR ✓ — ⓘ 72 unattributed speechs
▶ This meeting at a glance
86
Speeches
12
Countries
42
Resolutions
Resolutions: 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 32/97, 32/98, A/C.3/50/L.24, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 32/97, 32/98, 32/99, 32/100, 32/101, 32/127, 32/128, 34/131, 40/229, 40/230, 39/192, A/50/635/Add.3, 31/37, 32/132, 32/132, 31/125, A/RES/50/172, A/RES/50/175, A/RES/50/185, A/RES/50/188, A/RES/50/190, A/RES/50/191, A/RES/50/193, A/RES/50/197, A/RES/50/198, A/RES/50/199
Topics
UN resolutions and decisions Human rights and rule of law General statements and positions Arab political groupings UN procedural rules Security Council deliberations

The meeting was called to order at 4.35 p.m.
Vote: A/RES/50/172 Recorded Vote
✓ 91   ✗ 57   21 abs.
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✓ Yes (91)
Vote: A/RES/50/175 Recorded Vote
✓ 86   ✗ 4   80 abs.
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— Abstain (80)
✓ Yes (86)
Vote: A/RES/50/185 Recorded Vote
✓ 156   ✗ 0   15 abs.
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✓ Yes (156)
Vote: A/RES/50/188 Recorded Vote
✓ 78   ✗ 27   58 abs.
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✓ Yes (78)
Vote: A/RES/50/190 Recorded Vote
✓ 115   ✗ 2   43 abs.
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✓ Yes (115)
Vote: A/RES/50/191 Recorded Vote
✓ 111   ✗ 3   53 abs.
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✗ No (3)
✓ Yes (111)
Vote: A/RES/50/193 Recorded Vote
✓ 144   ✗ 1   20 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (144)
Vote: A/RES/50/197 Recorded Vote
✓ 94   ✗ 15   54 abs.
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✓ Yes (94)
Vote: A/RES/50/198 Recorded Vote
✓ 66   ✗ 22   78 abs.
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— Abstain (78)
Vote: A/RES/50/199 Recorded Vote
✓ 101   ✗ 14   47 abs.
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✓ Yes (101)

Reports of the Third Committee

The President unattributed #24270
The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 107, 112 (a) to (e), 165 and 12. I request the Rapporteur of the Third Committee to introduce the reports of the Third Committee in one intervention. Mr. Mohamed (Sudan), Rapporteur of the Third Committee: I have the honour to present the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 107, 112 (a) through (e), 165 and 12. Under agenda item 107, “Advancement of women”, the Third Committee recommends in paragraph 34 of document A/50/630 the adoption of seven draft resolutions and in paragraph 35 the adoption of one draft decision. The report on agenda item 112 (a) through (e) has been issued in six parts, contained in documents A/50/635 and Add.1 to Add.5, respectively. Under agenda item 112, “Human rights questions”, the Third Committee lists in document A/50/635 the documents before the Committee at its fiftieth session. Under sub-item (a), “Implementation of human rights instruments”, the Third Committee recommends in paragraph 14 of document A/50/635/Add.1 the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under sub-item (b), “Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”, the Third Committee recommends in paragraph 57 of document A/50/635/Add.2 the adoption of 16 draft resolutions. Under sub-item (c), “Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives”, the Third Committee recommends in paragraph 76 of document A.50/635/Add.3 the adoption of 13 draft resolutions and in paragraph 77 the adoption of one draft decision. Under sub-item (d), “Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action”, the Third Committee recommends in paragraph 8 of document A/50/635/Add.4 the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (e), “Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights”, document A/50/635/Add.5 contains an account of the Third Committee’s consideration; it does not contain any recommendation to the General Assembly. Under agenda item 165, “Implementation of the Outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace”, the Third Under agenda item 12, “Report of the Economic and Social Council”, the Third Committee recommends in paragraph 10 of document A/50/625 the adoption of three draft decisions. There are some corrections arising from typographical errors to which I would like to refer. Document A/50/635/Add.3 should list the Russian Federation as abstaining in the vote on draft resolution A/C.3/50/L.43, not draft resolution A/C.3/50/L.44. The document will be corrected to reflect this. Other corrections, by the delegation of Canada and the delegation of Japan, have also been duly noted and will be made in the reports. I should like, in conclusion, to thank the Chairman of the Third Committee for his wisdom, guidance and diplomatic skill, which enabled the Committee’s work to reach a successful conclusion. I should also like to thank the two Vice-Chairmen with whom I have had the pleasure to work, Patrick John Rata of New Zealand and Julia Tavares de Alvarez of the Dominican Republic, and all the other colleagues in the Third Committee. This was my first year in the Third Committee, and it was a pleasure for me to work with all my colleagues there. I liked it very much, and I have decided to continue to work in the Third Committee while I am here in New York. Allow me also to thank the Secretary of the Third Committee, Kate Starr Newell, an her very able staff, particularly Vivien Pliner-Josephs and Alexandre De Barros, who worked with dedication and without complain to make these reports available to the Assembly. I should also like to thank you, Mr. President, for allowing us to introduce the reports at two meetings, despite the problems of documentation we are now facing. I should also like, through you, to thank the secretariat of the General Assembly for their support and for the work they have done for me. It has been a pleasure for me personally to work as Rapporteur of the Third Committee, and it has been an honour for my delegation, the delegation of the Sudan, to work in that Committee. We commit ourselves to the further improvement of the work of the General Assembly.

107.  Advancement of women Report of the Third Committee (A/50/630) I shall put the seven draft resolutions and the draft decision to the Assembly one by one. We turn first to draft resolution I, “Proposed merger of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women and the United Nations Development Fund for Women”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.21/Rev.1. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President unattributed #24271
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 Third Committee that are before the Assembly today.

165.  Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace Report of the Third Committee (A/50/816)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
It was so decided.

112.  Human rights questions Report of the Third Committee (Part I) (A/50/635)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

(b) Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms Report of the Third Committee (Part III) (A/50/635/Add.2)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 91   ✗ 57   21 abs.
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✓ Yes (91)
The President unattributed #24273
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Third 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 “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 reports of the Third Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we shall take decisions in the same manner as in the Third Committee, unless notified otherwise in advance. This means that where recorded or separate votes were taken, we will do the same. I would also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Third Committee.
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 50/162).
The President unattributed #24275
Draft resolution II is entitled “International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.22. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution III is entitled “Improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.23. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 50/163).
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 50/164).

12.  Report of the Economic and Social Council Report of the Third Committee (A/50/625)

Vote: 32/132 Consensus
The President unattributed #24277
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Improvement of the situation of women in rural areas”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.24. I call on the representative of Spain on a point of order.
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
The President unattributed #24279
I call on the representative of Sudan as Rapporteur of the Third Committee. Mr. Mohamed (Sudan), Rapporteur of the Third Committee: The representative of Spain is quite right. I am sorry that we missed this correction. I shall now read out the correct text of operative paragraph 2 (d) of draft resolution IV: “Undertaking necessary measures to give rural women full and equal access to productive resources, including the right to inheritance and to ownership of land and other property, credit, capital, natural resources, appropriate technologies, markets and information, and meeting their basic requirements in water and sanitation;”.
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
The President unattributed #24280
I repeat that draft resolution IV, “Improvement of the situation of women in rural areas”, corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.24 The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 50/165).
The President unattributed #24282
Draft resolution V is entitled “The role of the United Nations Development Fund for Women in eliminating violence against women”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.25/Rev.1. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 86   ✗ 4   80 abs.
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— Abstain (79)
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 50/166).
Vote: 31/127 Consensus
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 50/167).
The President unattributed #24284
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Violence against women migrant workers”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.27. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
Vote: 31/127 Consensus
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 50/168).
The President unattributed #24286
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision, entitled “Documents considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of the advancement of women”, contained in paragraph 35 of document A/50/630. The draft decision was adopted by the Third Committee. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted.
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
The President unattributed #24287
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 107? It was so decided.
The President unattributed #24299
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of Part I of the report of the Third Committee? (a) Implementation of human rights instruments Report of the Third Committee (Part II) (A/50/635/Add.1)
Vote: A/C.3/50/L.24 Consensus
The President unattributed #24300
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 14 of Part II of its report. We turn first to draft resolution I, “International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.39. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 50/169).
The President unattributed #24302
Draft resolution II is entitled “Effective implementation of international instruments on human rights, including reporting obligations under international instruments on human rights”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.47/Rev.1. I call on the representative of China on a point of order.
Ms. Feng Cui CHN China [Chinese] #24306
During the discussion of draft resolution A/C.3/50/L.47/Rev.1 in the Third Committee, we pointed out that the Chinese translation of operative paragraph 20 was not correct. We provided corrections in writing to the Secretariat. We have just discovered that the Chinese translation of this paragraph — as it now appears in draft resolution II in document A/50/635/Add.1 — is still not consistent with the English version. The English version does not make any reference to the Secretary-General, while the Chinese version does. We request the Secretariat to make the necessary correction to the Chinese translation. We have no problem with the English version. If we are adopting the English version, our delegation would have no difficulty whatsoever. We shall now proceed to take a decision on draft resolution II, “Effective implementation of international instruments on human rights, including reporting obligations under international instruments on human rights”. I repeat that it corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.47/Rev.1. Draft resolution II was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/99 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 50/170).
The President unattributed #24308
Draft resolution III is entitled “International Covenants on Human Rights”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.53. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/100 Consensus
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 50/171).
The President unattributed #24310
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 112?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #24312
The Assembly has before it 16 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 57 of Part III of its report. I shall put the 16 draft resolutions to the Assembly one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will have the opportunity to explain their vote or position. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 32/101 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 91 votes to 57, with 21 abstentions (resolution 50/172).
The President unattributed #24314
We now turn to draft resolution II, “United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education: culture of peace”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.33. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/127 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 50/173).
The President unattributed #24315
Draft resolution III is entitled “Strengthening of United Nations action in the human rights field through the promotion of international cooperation and the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.34. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 50/174).
Vote: 32/128 Consensus
The President unattributed #24317
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Respect for the right to universal freedom of travel and the vital importance of family reunification”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.36. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 86 votes to 4, with 80 abstentions (resolution 50/175).
The President unattributed #24318
Draft resolution V is entitled “National institutions for the promotion and protection of The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 50/176).
Vote: 34/131 Consensus
The President unattributed #24320
Draft resolution VI is entitled “United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.38. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 50/177).
Vote: 40/229 Consensus
The President unattributed #24323
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Situation of human rights in Cambodia”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.40. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 50/178).
The President unattributed #24325
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Strengthening of the rule of law”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.42. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VIII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 50/179).
Vote: 40/230 Consensus
The President unattributed #24326
Draft resolution IX is entitled “Effective promotion of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.48. Draft resolution IX was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote.
Draft resolution IX was adopted (resolution 50/180).
The President unattributed #24328
Draft resolution X is entitled “Human rights in the administration of justice”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.49. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution X without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 50/181).
The President unattributed #24329
Draft resolution XI is entitled “Human rights and mass exoduses”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.51/Rev.1. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XI without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XI was adopted (resolution 50/182).
The President unattributed #24331
Draft resolution XII is entitled “Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.55. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XII was adopted (resolution 50/183).
The President unattributed #24334
Draft resolution XIII is entitled “Right to development”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.57. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XIII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President unattributed #24335
Draft resolution XIV is entitled “Strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections and the promotion of democratization”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.59. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XIV was adopted by 156 votes to none, with 15 abstentions (resolution 50/185).
The President unattributed #24338
Draft resolution XV is entitled “Human rights and terrorism”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.61/Rev.1. Draft resolution XV was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution?
Draft resolution XV was adopted (resolution 50/186).
The President unattributed #24339
Draft resolution XVI is entitled “Strengthening of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights/Centre for Human Rights”. It corresponds to Third Committee document A/C.3/50/L.62/Rev.1. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XVI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XVI was adopted (resolution 50/187).
The President unattributed #24341
I call now on the representative of Mexico, who has asked to speak in explanation of vote.
Mrs. Espinosa MEX Mexico [Spanish] #24345
The Government of Mexico supports respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes, and therefore voted in favour of draft resolution I, on that subject, contained in the report of the Third Committee (A/50/635/Add.2). We wish, however, to state that
The President unattributed #24346
We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 112. (c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives Report of the Third Committee (Part IV) (A/50/635/Add.3)
The President unattributed #24347
The Assembly has before it 13 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 76 of Part IV of its report and a draft decision recommended in paragraph 77. I shall call first on those delegations wishing to speak in explanation of vote or position before action is taken on these recommendations.
Mr. Alaideroos YEM Yemen [Arabic] #24349
I wish to put on record the position of my delegation on the draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee under agenda item 112 (c), which relate to the human rights situation in various States. Since its founding, the Republic of Yemen has consistently pursued a policy of respect for and of upholding human rights. It has opted for democracy and political pluralism; it has laid down laws and legislative rules that enable its citizens to exercise their intellectual, social, economic and political rights and freedoms in accordance with prevailing laws and the Constitution. It conducted the first free parliamentary elections in 1993, and it is now preparing for local government elections under the law on local government. In addition, it paved the way for freedom of the press and for the political pluralism that has given rise to the emergence of more than 20 political organizations and parties. At the international level, Yemen acceded to and ratified most human-rights conventions and other instruments, thus demonstrating its absolute commitment to respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy When we examine the draft resolutions that are before the Assembly we notice that some of them embody a process of politicization of human rights, and that such politicization serves the interests of certain States at the expense of others, and thus flouts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 10 December 1948 and its annexes, the two international Covenants, the Vienna Declaration and other international human-rights instruments. This is the result of selectivity — failure to abide by norms and standards. The methods used are devoid of impartiality and objectivity. In some cases, there is interference in the internal affairs of States, and national sovereignty is infringed. This weakens credibility and endangers the concepts of human rights. Consequently, my delegation emphasizes the need to respect national sovereignty, to avoid interfering in the internal affairs of States and to respect the beliefs, traditions and religious creeds of peoples. The extent of respect for human rights should always be measured with the same yardstick. There should be no selectivity or double standards or politicization in the case of any State. This assertion stems from our belief that commitment by States to such an approach would enhance and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and would lead to the establishment of equitable international relations based on mutual respect and belief in the common good, in a world where justice, democracy, progress and peace prevail. Consequently, the Republic of Yemen, which believes in and cherishes the basic principles of human rights and tries to promote and protect them and, thus, to remain impartial when faced with selective, two-faced, politicized positions, will contribute to the application of standard norms and concepts in all cases, without selectivity or politicization, by not participating in the vote on draft resolutions or proposals concerning human rights in States, with the exception of those adopted by consensus.
Mr. Lamamra (Algeria), Vice-President, took the Chair.
Mr. Borda COL Colombia [Spanish] #24351
My delegation would like to state, for the record, that with regard to draft resolution XI, entitled “Situation of human rights in Cuba”, on which the Colombia cannot but welcome the agreements on migration reached by Cuba and the United States of America. These meet the need that has been felt to provide a sensible framework for migration flows. In addition, Colombia welcomes the economic reforms recently undertaken by the Cuban Government, as these will promote the well-being of Cuban society and of the Cuban people. All of this is proof that it is possible, through dialogue and international cooperation, to make progress in the area of human rights. Given these facts, and convinced that the promotion, protection and full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms must be governed by the principles of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity and that they should never be used for political purposes, Colombia will abstain in the vote on draft resolution XI.
Mr. Fernández Palacias CUB Cuba [Spanish] #24354
I should like to explain the vote that Cuba will cast on draft resolution XI, entitled “Situation of human rights in Cuba”. The General Assembly is about to enter a new stage in an exercise that has been one of the worst injustices in the recent history of this Organization, thought up and imposed by the super-Power which does not conceal its efforts to crush the ideals of freedom and social justice that have inspired our country. The Government of the United States is utterly devoid of the necessary political and moral authority to proclaim itself the arbiter of human rights in Cuba. In fact, despite mammoth efforts and diplomatic pressures, it has not been able to universalize its anti-Cuba concoction. How can those who have financed, organized and promoted all kinds of aggression against our people talk about human rights in Cuba? How can those who continue Cuba will continue to move forward along its historic road of independence and social justice; it will continue the sovereign process of changes now under way, on the basis of the consensus of the people; and it will faithfully cooperate with the United Nations, guided by the principles of objectivity, impartiality and nonselectivity in respect of all human rights, everywhere in the world. The international community should put a stop to this exercise, which contributes nothing to the protection and enjoyment of human rights in Cuba. Why should such waste of so much material and human effort continue to be allowed? Why should procedures that are so necessary to the promotion and protection of human rights be allowed to be so discredited? Cuba will never accept this crude draft, however much it may be dolled up. Cuba will never accept a special rapporteur, however much he may be disguised as a neutral and independent person. For all these reasons, Cuba will vote against draft resolution XI.
Mr. Gambari NGA Nigeria #24355
I wish to speak in explanation of vote on draft resolution XII, “Situation of human rights in Nigeria”. My delegation would like to state how unhappy it is to observe that the General Assembly has been asked to take action on a draft resolution which seeks to address a domestic issue in a Member State. The issue in question is the execution of nine Nigerians who were found guilty of murder after due process and in line with the laws of the land and the Constitution of my country. The General Assembly has just celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, and during that celebration it affirmed the commitment of Member States to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It is now being asked, through immense diplomatic pressure on several Member States of our Organization, to act contrary to the spirit and the letter of Article 2, paragraph 7, of that Charter. The sovereign right of a Member State to enact its own laws within acceptable international standards is The principal sponsors of this draft resolution have not only launched a campaign of disinformation but have also demonstrated an unusual arrogance of power, seeking to prescribe who governs Nigeria, when and how. With all due respect, we submit that the change from one form of government to another is the business of the people of Nigeria. In this connection, my delegation would like to reaffirm that the democratic principle is not alien to Nigeria, and much has been done already by Nigerians themselves about the promotion of that system of governance on a sustainable basis. It would be unfortunate if the General Assembly — which under Article 13 of the Charter of the United Nations should make recommendations for promoting international cooperation and for assisting in the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction — were to agree to take selective actions to deny Nigeria the right to development and to deprive Nigerians of their right to free movement in and out of some Member States of this Organization. My delegation would like to state that the highly emotive reaction to the rejection of the plea of clemency for the convicted Nigerians cannot justify the manipulation of the procedures of the General Assembly by some relatively more powerful Members of our Organization. By acting on the present draft resolution, the Assembly will be acting contrary to Article 62 of the Charter, which gives the Economic and Social Council the responsibility to “make recommendations for the purpose of promoting respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all”. What Nigeria needs is international understanding, international accommodation and international cooperation so as to facilitate the faithful implementation of its political programme within its established time frame for a return to civil rule and the promotion of human rights for all in Nigeria. In this connection, we very much welcome any genuine assistance from friendly Member States towards the achievement of this goal. Based on the foregoing observations, my delegation rejects the draft resolution, and in particular its fourth and
Mr. Dlamini SWZ Eswatini #24358
Our statement in explanation of vote relates to the human rights in Kosovo in the Balkans. We should like simply to state that we are going to change our position after due consultation with our Government.
Mr. Afonso MOZ Mozambique #24360
We have been following with keen interest the consideration of the issue before us concerning the situation of human rights in Nigeria. Since our independence, we in Mozambique have consistently fought for and abided by strict observance of and respect for internationally accepted principles and norms governing human rights — not only in political spheres but also in social, economic and cultural spheres. Under the 1990 Constitution, the death penalty in Mozambique was abolished. At the same time, we are taking measures aimed at further strengthening peace, unity and national reconciliation, while preserving our independence. Our stand in the international arena is in conformity with our internal political and moral values. We therefore join all those who work for the promotion and respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We deplore the events which have occurred in Nigeria, especially the sentencing to death of the nine defendants on 10 November 1995. In this context, our aim is to promote dialogue, with a view to encouraging our brothers and sisters in Nigeria to find political solutions to their problems. Any action we might undertake should take into account the need to prevent the worsening of the situation in that country. We should encourage the Nigerian forces to continue working for democracy and human rights. It is within this framework that we welcome the communiqué of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on the Harare Declaration, issued in London on 20 December 1995. Conscious of the fact that a culture of democracy and of respect for human rights is a process that cannot be imposed from the outside, we believe that time and patience will be needed to fully settle an issue of the magnitude and complexity of that of Nigeria. This is our understanding of the time-frame agreed upon by the Commonwealth Summit in Auckland. It is also our understanding that the solution lies on the path of principles and traditions which our continent — the African continent — has followed for so many years. This has preserved our sovereignty and reaffirmed our commitment to democracy, respect for human rights and non-interference in internal affairs. For the foregoing reasons, my delegation will abstain on this draft resolution concerning the situation of human rights in Nigeria.
Ms. Wahbi SDN Sudan [Arabic] #24365
The delegation of the Sudan wishes to clarify its position on all draft resolutions on human rights in certain States which have been selectively targeted for political reasons that have nothing at all to do with human rights as such. Sudan refers to draft resolution X on human rights in the Sudan. We reaffirm our position of rejection of this unjust draft resolution, which ignores all positive and political developments in Sudan. We have asked for a separate vote on operative paragraphs 2, 4 and 12, regardless of our position on the draft resolution as a whole, because those paragraphs sow the seeds of discord in Sudan with the aim of fragmenting the country and represent blatant interference in the internal affairs of Sudan, in complete contravention of the United Nations Charter, which applies to every Member here today. Moreover, these paragraphs completely ignore the Sudan’s continued official and other clarifications concerning the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan. Consequently, we shall vote against that draft resolution and we call upon all countries that uphold the principle of the sovereignty of nations to follow suit. Had we had the right to vote, we would vote against the draft resolutions on the human rights situations in Iraq, Cuba, Nigeria and Sudan. These draft resolutions are of a political character and in no way serve human rights. On the contrary, they do harm to human rights as human rights are used in this context as a ploy to cover up illegal political activities, including interference in the internal affairs of States and imposing outside choices upon them. As to the draft resolution on Iraq, I hope to remind the champions of human rights who shed tears over the situation of human rights in Iraq that it is they who are depriving Iraqi civilians of their basic human rights by imposing a comprehensive sanctions regime that has led to deaths of tens of thousands of women and children. These sanctions have denied Iraqis their basic human rights to food, medication, education and other necessities.
Mr. Nsanze Terence BDI Burundi #24367
My delegation would like briefly to explain the reasons that have led it to oppose the draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Nigeria. Given that we have already set forth those reasons in the Third Committee, I will be very brief. We would like to emphasize one specific aspect of the issue: our vote is not directed against any State whatsoever but is in strict accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, which in our view has a kind of supremacy over all the other international conventions on human rights. As far as basic principles are concerned, the position of the delegation of Burundi is in full conformity with the need to safeguard and respect human rights. However, since we believe that the situation in Nigeria could have been dealt with differently as far as procedure is concerned, we feel that our Government should adhere to the principles for which it stands. It should be understood — and we would appeal to all our friends who are in favour of this draft resolution and to its sponsors to understand — that we are not voting against In conclusion, I repeat that we are hostile to nobody but are adhering to a principle which we regard as sacrosanct: the sovereignty of a Member State. Therefore, respecting the right of the sponsors and of those who will vote in favour of the draft resolution, I repeat those sacred principles already enunciated by a historical political figure, Abraham Lincoln: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right”. (Second inaugural address)
The Acting President unattributed #24370
May I remind all delegations that those that have explained their vote in the Committee should, as much as possible, refrain from repeating the explanation in the plenary Assembly. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the vote. We turn first to draft resolution I, “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Against: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Gambia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkmenistan, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam Abstaining: Albania, Angola, Bahrain, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Zaire, Zimbabwe [Subsequently, the delegation of Chile informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Tunisia had intended to abstain.]
Draft resolution I was adopted by 78 votes to 27, with 58 abstentions (resolution 50/188).
The Acting President unattributed #24372
Draft resolution II is entitled “Situation of human rights in Afghanistan”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 50/189).
The Acting President unattributed #24374
We turn now to draft resolution III, entitled “Situation of human rights in Kosovo”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu Against: India, Russian Federation Abstaining: Angola, Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Ukraine, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Zaire, Zimbabwe
The Acting President unattributed #24376
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Situation of human rights in Iraq”. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Zambia Against: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Nigeria, Sudan Abstaining: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indonesia, Jordan,
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 111 votes to 3, with 53 abstentions (resolution 50/191).
The Acting President unattributed #24380
Draft resolution V is entitled “Rape and abuse of women in the areas of armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia”. A separate vote has been requested on the sixth preambular paragraph. Is there any objection to that request? There is no objection. I shall therefore put to the vote first the sixth preambular paragraph. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The sixth preambular paragraph was adopted by 146 votes to 1, with 10 abstentions.
The Acting President unattributed #24382
We turn now to draft resolution V as a whole, which was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution V as a whole was adopted (resolution 50/192).
The Acting President unattributed #24383
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)”. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 144 votes to 1, with 20 abstentions (resolution 50/193).
The Acting President unattributed #24385
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII.
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 50/194).
The Acting President unattributed #24387
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VIII. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 50/195).
The Acting President unattributed #24388
Draft resolution IX is entitled “Human rights in Haiti”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IX. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? We turn now to draft resolution X, “Situation of human rights in the Sudan”. Separate votes have been requested on operative paragraphs 2, 4 and 12. Is there any objection to that request? There is no objection. I shall therefore first put to the vote operative paragraph 2. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested.
Draft resolution IX was adopted (resolution 50/196).
Vote: 39/192 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
The Acting President unattributed #24389
I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 4. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:
The Acting President unattributed #24390
I now put to the vote operative paragraph 12. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested. In favour: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tajikistan, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Afghanistan, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Viet Nam Abstaining: Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Colombia, Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, R w a n d a , S a i n t K i t t s a n d N e v i s , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu Operative paragraph 12 was adopted by 85 votes to 14, with 50 abstentions.
The Acting President unattributed #24392
I now put to the vote draft resolution X as a whole. We shall now begin the voting process.
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: A/50/635/Add.3 Consensus
The Acting President unattributed #24394
We now turn to draft resolution XI, “Situation of human rights in Cuba”. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Rwanda advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XI was adopted by 66 votes to 22, with 78 abstentions (resolution 50/198).
The Acting President unattributed #24396
Draft resolution XII is entitled “Situation of human rights in Nigeria”. We shall now begin the voting process. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Cyprus and the Marshall Islands informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XII was adopted by 101 votes to 14, with 47 abstentions (resolution 50/199).
The Acting President unattributed #24398
Draft resolution XIII is entitled “Situation of human rights in Rwanda”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XIII. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIII was adopted (resolution 50/200).
The Acting President unattributed #24400
We turn now to the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 77 of document A/50/635/Add.3. The draft decision is entitled “Documents considered by the General Assembly in connection with human rights questions: human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives”. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
Ms. Feng Cui CHN China [Chinese] #24401
We wish to explain our vote on draft resolution III, ”Situation of human rights in Kosovo”, which the Assembly has just adopted. The Chinese delegation maintains that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Kosovo is a part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In view of those considerations, the Chinese Government could not support the draft resolution on human rights in Kosovo, and my delegation therefore abstained in the voting on draft resolution III.
Ms. Murugesan IND India #24402
India wishes to explain its vote on draft resolution III, “Situation of human rights in Kosovo”. India remains committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights in all States. India is also committed to the preservation and protection of the territorial integrity, national sovereignty and independence of Member States of the United Nations. Further, India firmly adheres to the Charter principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of United Nations Member States. While firmly in favour of promoting and protecting all human rights in all States, we are equally firmly opposed to the increasing tendency to adopt United Nations resolutions on a part of a territory of a Member State, which we believe is a challenge to the territorial integrity of a State and introduces an unwelcome dimension to the debate on human rights. Such resolutions may also be in violation of Article 2, paragraph 7, of the United Nations Charter. They open the way to selectivity and further politicization of the human rights agenda at the United Nations and in international affairs. We are deeply concerned by the growing tendency of some States not only to encourage or support such selectivity, but also to condone the human rights violations of one of the parties to a conflict in resolutions such as the one under discussion. This is not a healthy approach. It was for those reasons that we could not support the draft resolution entitled “Situation of human rights in Kosovo”. In our view, the situation in Kosovo should have been addressed in the omnibus draft resolution, under the same agenda item, that dealt with the situation of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and the former Republic of Yugoslavia.
The Acting President unattributed #24403
We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 112? (d) Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Report of the Third Committee (Part V) (A/50/635/Add.4)
The Acting President unattributed #24404
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of Part V of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 50/201).
The Acting President unattributed #24405
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 112? It was so decided. (e) Human rights questions: report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Report of the Third Committee (Part VI) (A/50/635/Add.5)
The Acting President unattributed #24407
In paragraph 5 of its report, the Third Committee informs the General Assembly that no action was taken by the Committee under sub-item (e) of agenda item 112. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to take note of Part VI of the report of the Third Committee and to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 112? It was so decided.
The Acting President unattributed #24809
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 14 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 15. We turn first to the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 14 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled “Amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/50/838. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 50/202).
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 50/203).
The Acting President unattributed #24812
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 15 of its report. The draft decision, entitled “Documents considered by the General Assembly in connection with the item Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace'”, was adopted by the Third Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted.
The Acting President unattributed #24815
May I take that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 165? It was so decided.
The Acting President unattributed #24821
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft decisions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We turn first to draft decision I, “Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision I?
The Acting President unattributed #24824
We now turn to draft decision II, “Organization of work of the Third Committee and biennial programme of work of the Committee for 1996-1997”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II?
The Acting President unattributed #24826
I call on the representative of the Russian Federation on a point of order.
Mr. Sepelev RUS Russian Federation [Russian] #24829
Before our delegation can agree to the adoption of this draft decision, we would like to hear some explanation from the Secretariat as to why the paragraph proposed by the Russian Federation at the meeting of the Third Committee has not been included in the draft document. The relevant decision was taken on 14 December this year. Specifically, I would recall the proposal we made then: resolution 48/155 stated that the Secretary-General should submit a report on the situation of human rights in Latvia and Estonia at a future session, and we insisted that that report be submitted. Our Rapporteur assured us yesterday from this rostrum that our proposal and, if I am not mistaken, the proposal made by India, which for technical reasons had not been included in yesterday’s version of the document, would be included today. Unfortunately, however, despite all such previous statements, we have not seen this today, and we would like an explanation from the Secretariat.
The Acting President unattributed [French] #24830
I would like to answer the representative of the Russian Federation by saying that in the absence of a decision by the Third Committee on the question he raised, the General Assembly will take due note of his comments.
Mr. Sepelev RUS Russian Federation [Russian] #24832
Am I to understand that our specific proposal on the implementation of one of the decisions in resolution 48/155 will be included in the programme of work of the Third Committee for the two-year period?
The Acting President unattributed #24834
The answer is: Yes. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II? May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision III?
Draft decision II was adopted.
Draft decision III was adopted.
The Acting President unattributed #24835
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of the chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council allocated to the Third Committee?
It was so decided.
The Acting President unattributed #24839
The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Third Committee.

12.  Report of the Economic and Social Council (A/50/3 and Add.1)

The Acting President unattributed #24844
Members will recall that chapters I, II, V (section A), VI (section N), XIII and XIV of the report of the Council were assigned to the plenary Assembly. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of those chapters of the report? It was so decided.
The Acting President unattributed #24847
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration
It was so decided.
The Acting President unattributed #24850
We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 12.

52.  Launching of global negotiations on international economic cooperation for development

The Acting President unattributed #24853
Representatives will recall that on 22 September 1995 the Assembly decided to include this item in the agenda of the fiftieth session of the General Assembly. May I take it that it is the Assembly’s wish to defer consideration of this item and to include it in the provisional agenda of the fifty-first session?
It was so decided.
The Acting President unattributed #24855
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 52? It was so decided. Programme of work
The Acting President unattributed #24858
I should like to inform members that, in view of the fact that the Fifth Committee has not yet concluded its work, the General Assembly will consider the reports of the Fifth Committee that were scheduled for this afternoon tomorrow, Saturday, 23 December 1995, at 11 a.m.
The meeting rose at 6.35 p.m.
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