A/55/PV.81 General Assembly

Monday, Dec. 4, 2000 — Session 55, Meeting 81 — New York — UN Document ↗

Reports of the Third Committee

The President #32203
The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 103 to 114 and 12. I request the Rapporteur of the Third Committee, Ms. Anzhela Korneliouk of Belarus, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Third Committee.
Vote: A/RES/55/66 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/55/110 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/55/114 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/55/117 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (102)
Ms. Korneliouk BLR Belarus #32204
I have the honour to present for consideration the following reports of the Third Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the General Assembly. Under agenda item 103, entitled “Social development, including questions relating to the world social situation and to youth, ageing, disabled persons and the family”, the Third Committee recommends in document A/55/591, paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 104, entitled “Follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons”, the Third Committee recommends in document A/55/592, paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 105, entitled “Crime prevention and criminal justice”, the Committee recommends in document A/55/593, paragraph 20, the adoption of six draft resolutions. I would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to paragraph 14 of the report, which falls under the discussion of draft resolution A/C.3/55/L.8/Rev.1, entitled “Combating the criminal misuse of information technologies”. In that paragraph, the names of Norway and Venezuela should be added to the list of sponsors. In addition, I would also like to draw the attention of the Assembly to a correction in draft resolution V, on page 15 of A/55/593, last preambular paragraph, beginning “Noting the work”. The title of the Committee should read “Committee of Experts on Crime in” — not “and” — “Cyberspace of the Council of Europe”. In the same paragraph, after “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”, “in May 1998” should read “on 17 May 1998”. Under agenda item 106, entitled “International drug control”, the Third Committee recommends in document A/55/594, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 107, entitled “Advancement of women”, the Third Committee recommends in document A/55/595 and corrigenda 1 and 2, paragraph 35, the adoption of six draft resolutions and, in paragraph 36, the adoption of one draft decision. I would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to part III of the report. In draft resolution I, entitled “Working towards the elimination of crimes against women committed in the name of honour”, the following corrections should be made to the text to bring it into line with the text of A/C.3/55/L.11/Rev.1, as it was before the Third Committee at the time of its adoption. In the third preambular paragraph, the phrase “a common feature of which is premeditation,” should be deleted, and the phrase “and that the failure to do so constitutes a human rights violation” should be added to the end of the same paragraph. The following paragraph should be inserted after the fourth preambular paragraph: “Noting general recommendation 19 concerning violence against women adopted by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women”. In the seventh preambular paragraph, the words “awareness campaigns through print and electronic media, as well as educational programmes, are required to underline” should be deleted and replaced by “fundamental changes in societal attitudes are required, and underlining”. In operative paragraph 1, the word “crimes” before “that are identified in the outcome document” should be deleted and replaced by the word “those”. The phrase “a common feature of which is premeditation”, which appears after “including crimes against women committed in the name of honour”, should be deleted. In operative paragraph 7, after the phrase “elimination of the crimes in question”, the phrase “and on the issue of crimes of passion” should be deleted. Under agenda item 108, entitled “Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women and of the special session of the General Assembly entitled ‘Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century’”, the Third Committee recommends in document A/55/596, paragraph 10, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 109, entitled “Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions”, the Committee recommends in document A/55/597*, paragraph 25, the adoption of six draft resolutions and, in paragraph 26, the adoption of one draft decision. I would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to paragraph 21 of the report, which falls under the discussion of draft decision A/C.3/55/L.70, entitled “Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa”. In that paragraph, the name of Japan should be added to the list of sponsors. Under agenda item 110, entitled “Promotion and protection of the rights of children”, the Third Committee recommends in document A/55/598, paragraph 14, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 15, the adoption of one draft decision. I would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to paragraph 8 of the report, which falls under the discussion of draft resolution A/C.3/55/L.18/Rev.2, entitled “The rights of the child”. In that paragraph, the name of Morocco should be added to the list of sponsors. Under agenda item 111, entitled “Programme of activities of the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People”, the Committee recommends in document A/55/599, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 112, entitled “Elimination of racism and racial discrimination”, the Committee recommends in document A/55/600, paragraph 26, the adoption of four draft resolutions and, in paragraph 27, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 113, entitled “The right of peoples to self-determination”, the Committee recommends in document A/55/601, paragraph 17, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under agenda item 114, entitled “Human rights questions”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 4 of document A/55/602, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 114 (a), entitled “Human rights questions: implementation of human rights instruments”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/55/602/Add.1, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under agenda item 114 (b), entitled “Human rights questions: human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 94 of its report contained in documents A/55/602/Add.2 and A/55/602/Add.2/Corr.1, the adoption of 21 draft resolutions. I would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to revisions in draft resolution V, entitled “Situation of human rights in Cambodia”. The word “Mr.” should be inserted before the name Thomas Hammarberg in paragraph 4 and before the name Peter Leuprecht in paragraph 5. In paragraph 8, the initial letters of the words “Governance Action Plan” should be capitalized. In paragraph 17, a comma should appear after the second appearance of the words “Khmer Rouge”. In paragraph 27, the words “to take all steps” should be inserted before the words “to prevent such violence”, and the final words of the paragraph should read “through seeking technical assistance”. Finally, in paragraph 29, the word “requests” before the words “the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees” should be replaced by the word “asks”. Under agenda item 114 (c), entitled “Human rights questions: human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 49 of document A/55/602/Add.3, the adoption of eight draft resolutions. In connection with that report, I would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to a correction to draft resolution VI, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”. In the sixth preambular paragraph, the word “all” before the word “parties” should be deleted. Under agenda item 114 (d), entitled “Human rights questions: comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action”, the Committee indicates in its report contained in document A/55/602/Add.4 that no draft proposals were submitted and no action taken under that sub-item. Under agenda item 114 (e), entitled “Human rights questions: report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights”, the Committee indicates in its report contained in document A/55/602/Add.5 that no draft proposals were submitted and no action taken under that sub-item. Under agenda item 12, entitled “Report of the Economic and Social Council”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/55/603, the adoption of two draft decisions. In conclusion, I should like to thank the members of the Group of Eastern European States for having given me the honour of representing them as a member of the Bureau of the Third Committee. I should like also to thank the Chairperson of the Committee and her deputies, the Secretariat staff and the interpreters for their efforts to ensure the success of our work.
The President #32205
I should like to inform members that the representative of the Dominican Republic has expressed the desire to make a statement in connection with the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 107, “Advancement of women”, contained in documents A/55/595 and corrigenda 1 and 2. May I take it that the General Assembly, bearing in mind rule 66 of the rules of procedure, agrees to discuss that report?

105.  Crime prevention and criminal justice Report of the Third Committee (A/55/593)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

113.  The right of peoples to self-determination Report of the Third Committee (A/55/601)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

12.  Report of the Economic and Social Council Report of the Third Committee (A/55/603)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
It was so decided.
The President #32206
I shall call on the representative of the Dominican Republic when we come to agenda item 107. Other 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 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 too 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 are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Third Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. That means that, where a recorded vote or separate vote was 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.

109.  Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions Report of the Third Committee (A/55/597)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

110.  Promotion and protection of the rights of children Report of the Third Committee (A/55/598)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

112.  Elimination of racism and racial discrimination Report of the Third Committee (A/55/600)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

103.  Social development, including questions relating to the world social situation and to youth, ageing, disabled persons and the family Report of the Third Committee (A/55/591)

The President #32207
The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The draft resolution, entitled “International Year of Volunteers”, was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly likewise wishes to adopt the draft resolution?
Vote: 32/413 Consensus

114.  Human rights questions Report of the Third Committee (A/55/602)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

(c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives Report of the Third Committee (A/55/602/Add.3)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 55/57).
Vote: 32/413 Recorded Vote
✓ 119   ✗ 19   35 abs.
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✓ Yes (119)
The President #32208
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 103?
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
It was so decided.
Vote: 31/100 Consensus

107.  Advancement of women Report of the Third Committee (A/55/595 and Corr.1 and 2)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 146   ✗ 1   26 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (146)
Vote: 32/413 Consensus

(b) Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms Report of the Third Committee (A/55/602/Add.2 and Corr.1)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus

104.  Follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons Report of the Third Committee (A/55/592)

The President #32209
The General Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The draft resolution, entitled “Follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons: Second World Assembly on Ageing”, was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 55/58).
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 170   ✗ 2   5 abs.
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✓ Yes (170)
The President #32210
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 104?
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 67   ✗ 54   46 abs.
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The President #32211
The Assembly has before it six draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 20 of its report. The Assembly will take a decision on the six draft resolutions one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote or position. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice: Meeting the Challenges of the Twenty-first Century”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 55/59).
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
The President #32212
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled “Follow-up to the Tenth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 55/60).
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 102   ✗ 3   60 abs.
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✗ No (3)
✓ Yes (102)
The President #32213
Draft resolution III is entitled “An effective international legal instrument against corruption”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 55/61).
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
The President #32214
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV, entitled “United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 55/62).
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
Vote: 31/169 Recorded Vote
✓ 85   ✗ 32   49 abs.
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✓ Yes (85)
The President #32215
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V, entitled “Combating the criminal misuse of information technologies”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 55/63).
The President #32216
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI, entitled “Strengthening of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 55/64).
Vote: 32/97 Recorded Vote
✓ 102   ✗ 2   63 abs.
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✗ No (2)
✓ Yes (102)
The President #32217
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 105.
Vote: 32/97 Consensus

106.  International drug control Report of the Third Committee (A/55/594)

The President #32218
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled “International cooperation against the world drug problem”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 55/65).
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
The President #32219
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 106? It was so decided.
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
The President #32220
The Assembly has before it six draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 35 of its report and in corrigenda l and 2, as well as on a draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 36 of its report. In this connection, I would like to inform members that action on draft resolution VI will be postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of the programme budget implications by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions and the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on the draft resolution as soon as possible, before the recess in December. In accordance with the decision taken by the General Assembly at the beginning of this meeting, I now give the floor to the representative of the Dominican Republic.
Ms. Álvarez DOM Dominican Republic [Spanish] #32221
The delegation of the Dominican Republic profoundly regrets that it has been necessary to postpone the adoption of draft resolution VI in document A/55/595, on the critical situation of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), to a later stage of the fifty-fifth session. My delegation has joined the consensus regarding the report in document A/55/595, on the advancement of women, only because you, Mr. President, have assured us that the draft text on INSTRAW, together with the recommendations of the Fifth Committee on the financial implications, will be presented at a later date before the General Assembly recesses in December. It is our delegation’s understanding that, on the basis of paragraph 6 of the draft resolution on INSTRAW, the Institute will be provided with resources so that it can continue its activities throughout 2001. It is also our understanding, on the basis of resolution 54/250, that these resources could come from the contingency fund, which, at the end of the fifty-fourth session, had $16,362,700. Finally, it is to be regretted that the Third Committee presented its report to the General Assembly in plenary meeting without taking into account the provisions of rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. The delegation of the Dominican Republic hopes that an omission of this kind will not be repeated in the future.
Vote: 32/99 Consensus
The President #32222
I now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Vote: 32/99 Consensus
Mr. Carp USA United States of America #32223
We will join the consensus for adopting draft resolution V, but we would like to state for the record that there is only one criterion for judging whether or not a reservation to a treaty is acceptable. That criterion, in our opinion, is that the reservation must be compatible with both the object and the purpose of the treaty. There is no other international treaty law that has a bearing on reservations.
Mr. Al-Mohannadi QAT Qatar [Arabic] #32224
My delegation would like to offer its views on the draft resolution on crimes of passion against women. In Qatar, as in other Islamic countries, we try to protect women’s rights, and we have always recognized full equality between men and women. My country believes that all crimes against men or women are equally reprehensible, and my delegation rejects these constant attacks against Islam, a religion that has more than 1.25 billion adherents. These crimes are not confined to any particular people or region. We believe that crimes called “crimes of honour” are crimes against people. Hence, we have reservations on the draft resolution entitled “Working towards the elimination of crimes against women committed in the name of honour”, and we shall abstain in the voting.
The President #32225
The Assembly will take a decision on draft resolutions I through V and the draft decision, one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote or position. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Working towards the elimination of crimes against women committed in the name of honour”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Lesotho informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Mauritania had intended to abstain.]
Vote: 32/100 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 146 votes to 1, with 26 abstentions (resolution 55/66).
The President #32226
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled “Traffic in women and girls”, without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 55/67).
Vote: 32/101 Recorded Vote
✓ 106   ✗ 1   67 abs.
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✓ Yes (106)
The President #32227
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled “Elimination of all forms of violence against women, including crimes identified in the outcome document of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly entitled ‘Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century’”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 55/68).
The President #32228
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV, entitled “Improvement of the status of women in the United Nations system”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 55/69).
Vote: 35/94 Recorded Vote
✓ 104   ✗ 52   15 abs.
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✓ Yes (104)
The President #32229
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V, entitled “Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women”, without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 55/70).
The President #32230
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision, entitled “Note by the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Development Fund for Women”, recommended by the Third Committee for adoption. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
Vote: 33/173 Recorded Vote
✓ 112   ✗ 46   15 abs.
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✓ Yes (112)
The President #32231
I call on the representative of France on a point of order.
Ms. De Carne FRA France [French] #32232
There are corrections needed for the French version of draft resolution III. I note that the English version is correct, so perhaps it is just the French version where corrections need to be made.
The President #32233
May I take it that the General Assembly decides to take note of the corrections to the French version of the resolution? It was so decided.
Vote: 39/192 Consensus
The President #32234
I call on the representative of Jordan, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote on one of the resolutions just adopted.
Mr. Naber JOR Jordan #32235
My delegation abstained in the voting on resolution 55/66, as, early on in the discussions, my delegation believed it was crucial that we include the term “premeditated” before the word “crimes” in the third preambular paragraph and in operative paragraph 1 of the resolution. Without the inclusion of the term “premeditated” in these paragraphs, the scope can include crimes committed in sudden bursts of rage in reaction to particular circumstances. Or, to put this another way, it would include implicitly not only those crimes that fall within the broad understanding of this resolution, but also those that overlap with crimes of passion. My delegation fervently believes that there should not have been any half measures here. If passion is intended, then passion should be mentioned, and the scope of the resolution be broadened explicitly. If passion is not intended, there should have been no difficulty for the membership to accept “premeditation” in the text, since it is a common feature of the crime anyway. This would have added precision where precision is needed. Without this, the result is, of course, utterly illogical. In the third preambular paragraph States are reminded that they have an obligation to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate, punish, and so forth. How could States possibly exercise due diligence to prevent such crimes if the crime in question is committed in a sudden state of rage? All States in which there are crimes of passion would in due course leave themselves open to potential accusations of human rights violations for not having exercised enough due diligence to prevent the commission of such crimes. I wish to emphasize my delegation’s willingness to work in the future towards bridging the gaps on this issue. We look forward to expressing our views regarding the upcoming Secretary-General’s report.
Mrs. Ahmed SDN Sudan [Arabic] #32236
I asked for the floor not to explain the vote that my country cast, but only to note that my country was one of the sponsors of draft resolution IV, “Improvement of the status of women in the United Nations system”, and this fact was not reflected in the report. We trust that the Secretariat will indicate that my country co-sponsored draft resolution IV.
Vote: 351/97 Consensus
The President #32237
The Assembly takes note of the announcement by the representative of the Sudan regarding its inclusion as one of the sponsors of draft resolution IV. The Assembly is reminded that we are acting on draft resolutions recommended for adoption by the Third Committee, and Member States cannot become additional sponsors in the plenary. Any corrections delegations may have concerning the lists of sponsors of draft resolutions contained in the reports of the Third Committee should be submitted to the Secretariat of the Committee for issuance of corrigenda. However, the floor will be given to any delegations that wish to make corrections to the text of any draft resolution contained in reports of the Third Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly has now concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 107?
It was so decided.

108.  Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women and of the special session of the General Assembly entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century” Report of the Third Committee (A/55/596)

The President #32238
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled “Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 40/143 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 55/71).
The President #32239
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 108?
It was so decided.
Vote: 40/144 Consensus
The President #32240
The Assembly has before it six draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 25 of its report, and one draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 26 of its report. I now give the floor to the representative of Norway, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Leiro NOR Norway #32241
I refer to the draft resolution entitled “Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. To date, such draft resolutions have always been adopted by consensus. The main purpose of the draft resolution is to express the support of all Member countries for the work of the High Commissioner. At a time when the tasks entrusted to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are more challenging than ever, and refugees all over the world depend on the assistance provided by UNHCR, the best way to express solidarity with the plight of refugees and the work of UNHCR would be to adopt the draft resolution on this subject by consensus again this year. A vote on a specific paragraph at this time is particularly regrettable, bearing in mind that this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of UNHCR. Furthermore, it should be recalled that the paragraph on which a vote has been requested contains agreed language from resolution 54/146, which was adopted by consensus at the fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly. Based on these considerations, Norway supports the draft resolution, will vote in favour of the paragraph and hopes other Member countries will express their support for UNHCR by doing the same. We hope the current situation will be an exception and that it will not lead to any precedents with regard to resolutions on this important subject.
The President #32242
The Assembly will now take a decision on the six draft resolutions and one draft decision, one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their votes or positions. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 55/72).
Vote: 37//6/ Recorded Vote
✓ 109   ✗ 52   7 abs.
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✓ Yes (109)
The President #32243
Draft resolution II is entitled “New international humanitarian order”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 55/73).
The President #32244
Draft resolution III is entitled “Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. A separate, recorded vote has been requested on operative paragraph 20 of draft resolution III. Unless I hear any objection, I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 20 of draft resolution III. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 55/108 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
The President #32245
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III as a whole without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III as whole was adopted (resolution 55/74).
Vote: 40/233 Consensus
The President #32246
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Ad hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the announcement of voluntary contributions to the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 55/75).
The President #32247
Draft resolution V is entitled “Fiftieth anniversary of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and World Refugee Day”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 55/76).
Vote: 40/234 Recorded Vote
✓ 117   ✗ 49   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (117)
The President #32248
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa”. 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 55/77).
The President #32249
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 26 of its report. The draft decision is entitled “Documents relating to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
Vote: 56/167 Consensus
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #32250
I now give the floor to the representative of the Dominican Republic, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote after the voting.
Ms. Álvarez DOM Dominican Republic [Spanish] #32251
The delegation of the Dominican Republic abstained in the voting on operative paragraph 20 of draft resolution III, entitled “Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”, contained in the Third Committee’s report. We would like to state explicitly that operative paragraph 10 of the resolution, which condemns the refoulement of persons seeking asylum, should not be understood to mean that the Dominican Republic renounces its sovereign right to apply its migration policy within the terms of international and human rights laws.
The President #32252
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 109?
It was so decided.
The President #32253
I give the floor to the representative of the United States, who wishes to speak in explanation of position before action is taken.
Mr. Carp USA United States of America #32254
The Government of the United States will join the consensus on draft resolution II, entitled “The rights of the child”, because we want to reaffirm our commitment to protecting those who are most vulnerable, our children. Overall, we believe that this draft resolution contributes to that process. We note with regret, however, that we disagree with the sponsors on certain paragraphs; most notably with paragraph 8 of section V. We are deeply disappointed that we were unable to arrive at a compromise on the language in that paragraph. In January this year, the United States, along with many Member States, had the honour to participate at Geneva in the Working Group on a draft optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. The result was a major step in the protection of children, of which we can all be very proud. The language in paragraph 8 of section V of the draft resolution does not take into account the fact that the questions of the age of military recruitment and participation in armed conflict were resolved in Convention No. 182 of the International Labour Organization and in the Optional Protocol. We strongly believe that any language in United Nations resolutions referring to the above-mentioned issue should accurately reflect not only the most recent but, arguably, the most significant progress in the development of legal instruments to protect children. While the language in paragraph 8 does not alter in any way the legal obligations of these two singular treaties, we maintain that, in the interest of accuracy, any language that refers to these issues should be in line with the language that so many of us negotiated over such a long period of time. That said, our efforts now are best directed towards ensuring compliance by States parties and at persuading non-parties to improve their practices and consider signing and ratifying the Optional Protocol. In that way, we will truly be working towards our common goal of protecting the world’s children.
The President #32255
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 of the same report. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “The girl child”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 55/78).
The President #32256
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled “The rights of the child”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 55/79).
The President #32257
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision entitled “Report of the Secretary-General on the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child”. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #32258
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 110?
It was so decided.

111.  Programme of activities of the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People Report of the Third Committee (A/55/599)

The President #32259
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled “International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People”, without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 55/80).
The President #32260
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 111?
It was so decided.
The President #32261
I give the floor to the representative of the United States, who wishes to speak in explanation of position before action is taken.
Mr. Carp USA United States of America #32262
We truly appreciate the hard work and the real spirit of compromise shown by everyone in order to reach the degree of consensus we have attained with these texts on the elimination of racial discrimination. Such a cooperative spirit bodes well for the upcoming World Conference against Racism. The United States knows the tragedy of racism first-hand. We are committed to combating it in all its manifestations, both at home and abroad. We look forward to the World Conference, and we are working hard to make it a success. However, unfortunately, there are some elements in these draft resolutions that trouble us and keep us from becoming co-sponsors. Specifically, we are concerned about references that are inconsistent with the First Amendment rights set out in our Constitution, concerning freedom of speech. Thus, while we may denounce certain opinions, the right to express them is guaranteed by our Constitution. The United States took a limited reservation to that effect under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Secondly, we do not believe the General Assembly has the power to direct States to ratify treaties or conventions. We would prefer urging States to consider ratification or accession. Furthermore, while we support the use of all appropriate measures to combat racism, “all available measures” are mentioned in the draft resolution. In our view, that is an overly broad formulation that could be subject to misinterpretation.
The President #32263
The Assembly will now take a decision on the four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 26 of its report and the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 27 of the same report. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination”. The Third 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 55/81).
The President #32264
Draft resolution II is entitled “Measures to be taken against political platforms and activities based on doctrines of superiority which are based on racial discrimination or ethnic exclusiveness and xenophobia, including, in particular, neo-Nazism”. The Third 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 55/82).
The President #32265
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled “Measures to combat contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 55/83).
The President #32266
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and the convening of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 55/84).
The President #32267
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision entitled “Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination”. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #32268
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 112.
The President #32269
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled “Universal realization of the right of peoples to self- determination”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 55/85).
The President #32270
Draft resolution II is entitled “Use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Tajikistan informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 119 votes to 19, with 35 abstentions (resolution 55/86).
The President #32271
Draft resolution III is entitled “The right of the Palestinian people to self- determination”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 170 votes to 2, with 5 abstentions (resolution 55/87).
The President #32272
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 113?
It was so decided.
The President #32273
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 4 of its report. The draft decision is entitled “Documents considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of human rights”. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #32274
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 114. (a) Implementation of human rights instruments Report of the Third Committee (A/55/602/Add.1)
The President #32275
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 16 of its report. I turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families”. The Third 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 55/88).
The President #32276
Draft resolution II is entitled “Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”. The Third 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 55/89).
The President #32277
Draft resolution III is entitled “Effective implementation of international instruments on human rights, including reporting obligations under international instruments on human rights”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 55/90).
The President #32278
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 114?
It was so decided.
The President #32279
The Assembly has before it 21 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 94 of its report. I call on the representative of Qatar to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Al-Mohannadi QAT Qatar [Arabic] #32280
My delegation asked for the floor to explain our vote before the vote on draft resolution VI, on promoting and consolidating democracy. The State of Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh bin Hamad Al-Thani, took a great stride forward to build a democratic State enjoying individual and juridical freedom, and this has been expressed clearly in the freedom of expression and freedom of information and the press. Women have been given wide opportunities in all walks of life, and the State of Qatar is truly committed to democracy, to human rights and to support for human rights. We are not against this draft resolution, yet we are concerned about some paragraphs contained in it. Therefore we will abstain in the vote.
The President #32281
The representative of Cuba has asked to speak on a point of order.
Mrs. de Armas Garcia CUB Cuba [Spanish] #32282
It is not actually a point of order. I would like to seek clarification concerning draft resolution X. When this draft resolution was considered in the Committee, we had clarified that Ghana mistakenly was included in the list. We had corrected that. We do not know why, but this error has been repeated. So in the records, could that please be corrected? Ghana is not a sponsor of draft resolution X concerning the right to universal freedom of travel and the vital importance of family reunification.
The President #32283
The Assembly takes note of the statement of the representative of Cuba. I give the floor to the representative of Japan.
Ms. Ito JPN Japan #32284
My statement is concerning the corrections announced by the Rapporteur of the Third Committee for draft resolution V, entitled “Situation of human rights in Cambodia”. The last correction announced, for paragraph 29, was not quite what was intended in the draft resolution in the Third Committee. The word “asks” will replace “requests” in front of the words “the Government of Cambodia”, which appear in the third line of the English version, and not the “requests” in front of “the office of the United Nations High Commissioner”.
The President #32285
The Assembly will take a decision on the 21 draft resolutions, one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote. We turn first to draft resolution I, “Human rights and cultural diversity”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 55/91).
The President #32286
Draft resolution II is entitled “Protection of migrants”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Lesotho informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 165 votes to none, with 8 abstentions (resolution 55/92).
The President #32287
Draft resolution III is entitled “Proclamation of 18 December as International Migrants Day”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 55/93).
The President #32288
We now turn to draft resolution IV, entitled “United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education, 1995-2004, and public information activities in the field of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 55/94).
The President #32289
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V, entitled “Situation of human rights in Cambodia”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 55/95).
The President #32290
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Promoting and consolidating democracy”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently the delegation of Honduras informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 157 votes to none, with 16 abstentions (resolution 55/96).
The President #32291
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 55/97).
The President #32292
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VIII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 55/98).
The President #32293
Draft resolution IX is entitled “Strengthening of the rule of law”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IX without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IX was adopted (resolution 55/99).
The President #32294
Draft resolution X is entitled “Respect for the right to universal freedom of travel and the vital importance of family reunification”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Colombia and Tajikistan advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution X was adopted by 106 votes to 1, with 67 abstentions (resolution A/55/100).
The President #32295
Draft resolution XI is entitled “Respect for the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations to achieve international cooperation in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms and in solving international problems of a humanitarian character”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XI was adopted by 104 votes to 52, with 15 abstentions (resolution 55/101).
The President #32296
Draft resolution XII is entitled “Globalization and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Tajikistan informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour, and the delegations of Chile and Cuba, that they had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XII was adopted by 112 votes to 46, with 15 abstentions (resolution A/55/102).
The President #32297
Draft resolution XIII is entitled “Question of enforced or involuntary disappearances”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XIII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIII was adopted (resolution 55/103).
The President #32298
Draft resolution XIV is entitled “Strengthening United Nations action in the field of human rights through the promotion of international cooperation and the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XIV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIV was adopted (resolution 55/104).
The President #32299
Draft resolution XV is entitled “Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XV was adopted (resolution 55/105).
The President #32300
Draft resolution XVI is entitled “Human rights and extreme poverty”. 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 55/106).
The President #32301
Draft resolution XVII is entitled “Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XVII was adopted by 109 votes to 52, with 7 abstentions (resolution 55/107).
The President #32302
Draft resolution XVIII is entitled “The right to development”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XVIII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XVIII was adopted (resolution 55/108).
The President #32303
Draft resolution XIX is entitled “Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XIX without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XIX was adopted (resolution 55/109).
The President #32304
Draft resolution XX is entitled “Human rights and unilateral coercive measures.” A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently the delegations of Kuwait and Tajikistan informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XX was adopted by 117 votes to 49, with 6 abstentions (resolution 55/110).
The President #32305
Draft resolution XXI is entitled “Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XXI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? [Subsequently, the delegation of Kuwait informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
Draft resolution XXI was adopted without a vote (resolution 55/111).
The President #32306
I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote after the vote.
Mr. Francis JAM Jamaica #32307
My delegation voted in favour of draft resolution II, on the protection of migrants, and supports its general thrust. However, we wish to express some concern over operative paragraph 4, which has several implications for national immigration policy and by extension, for social and economic development. Jamaica supports the welfare and protection of migrants. However, economic circumstances often do not allow for the accommodation of an influx of migrant workers. The revision and review of immigration policy is a matter within the domestic jurisdiction of each State. National immigration policy is also conditioned by the availability of resources and the economic and social conditions which prevail.
Mr. Tapia CHL Chile [Spanish] #32308
My delegation wishes to explain its vote on draft resolution I, on human rights and cultural diversity, in document A/55/602/Add.2. The Chilean delegation has joined in the consensus on the adoption of the draft resolution on human rights and cultural diversity. Nevertheless, it has serious reservations about the relevance of including the theme of cultural diversity in the context of human rights. My country firmly respects the coexistence of various cultural systems in the international arena; it could not be otherwise regarding a country like Chile, where cultures of such diverse origins coexist. Nevertheless, we feel that the question of cultural diversity pertains to other areas of United Nations efforts, not to human rights. The great legacy of the twentieth century is the recognition and validation of the principle of the universality of human rights. For Chile, the universality of human rights means incorporating the inherent dignity of all inhabitants of the planet, independent of their culture, religion, social status, ethnic origin, gender or traditions. Neither lack of development nor cultural differences can be invoked to justify limits on human rights recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as the rest of the conventions which comprise the universal system for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Opening a debate on the question of human rights and cultural diversity could mean, in our delegation’s view, a step backward in the universality and implementation of these rights.
The President #32309
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 114?
It was so decided.
The President #32310
The Assembly has before it eight draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 49 of its report. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote before the vote.
Mr. Al-Ethary YEM Yemen [Arabic] #32311
Democracy has now become a characteristic feature of modern Yemen. This has led us to take a strong and clear position on several political issues regarding strengthening of human rights at the national and international levels. We would like to confirm our full respect for international instruments, including the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international humanitarian law in general. We believe that human rights are an indivisible whole and should not be selective. Hence we condemn any violations of human rights wherever they occur, without any exception. Any politicization of human rights issues means using them as a tool against individual countries and for purposes unrelated to noble human rights issues. We reject selectivity and double standards and do not believe in targeting any individual religions or other related issues. Accordingly, my delegation will not vote on all the draft resolutions on human rights in all countries, without exception, as set out in document A/55/602/Add.3.
Mr. Donigi PNG Papua New Guinea #32312
I was going to speak after the vote, but since you have given me the floor before the vote, I would like to explain that Papua New Guinea has traditionally abstained on all the draft resolutions contained in document A/55/602/Add.3. The Government of Papua New Guinea considers that the rule of law is fundamental to the protection and promotion of human rights. In this regard, democratic institutions cannot flourish where political expediency may appear to legitimize arbitrary administrative actions contrary to the principle of the rule of law. In other words, Papua New Guinea considers arbitrary administrative actions as inimical to democratic values, norms and institutions and threatens the very basis and fundamentals of the rule of law. Papua New Guinea will accordingly vote in favour of these draft resolutions.
The President #32313
The Assembly will now take a decision on the eight draft resolutions, one by one. After all decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote. We turn first to draft resolution I entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”. The Third 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 55/112).
The President #32314
Draft resolution II entitled “Situation of human rights in parts of South-eastern Europe”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 55/113).
The President #32315
Draft resolution III is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 67 votes to 54, with 46 abstentions (resolution 55/114).
The President #32316
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Human rights situation in Iraq”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 102 votes to 3, with 60 abstentions (resolution 55/115).
The President #32317
Draft resolution V is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Sudan”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 85 votes to 32, with 49 abstentions (resolution 55/116).
The President #32318
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 102 votes to 2, with 63 abstentions (resolution 55/117).
The President #32319
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Situation of human rights in Haiti”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 55/118).
The President #32320
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Question of human rights in Afghanistan”. 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 55/119).
The President #32321
I call on the representative of Bolivia, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote after the voting.
Mr. Salamanca BOL Plurinational State of Bolivia [Spanish] #32322
The delegation of Bolivia voted in favour of draft resolution III, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. My delegation is aware of positive elements that indicate greater progress in the efforts of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to implement human rights in that country. But the Government of Bolivia notes with concern that since 1996, no invitation has yet been extended by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights to visit the country. Such a visit would make it possible to obtain more official information on the situation on human rights in Iran, which of course is the subject of the draft resolution and of the recommendations it contains.
The President #32323
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 114. (d) Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Report of the Third Committee (A/55/602/Add.4)
The President #32324
May I take it that the Assembly takes note of the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 114 (d)?
It was so decided.
The President #32325
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 114?
It was so decided.

(e) Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Report of the Third Committee (A/55/602/Add.5)

The President #32326
May I take it that the Assembly takes note of the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 114 (e)?
It was so decided.
The President #32327
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 114?
It was so decided.
The President #32328
The Assembly will take a decision on the two draft decisions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We turn first to draft decision I, entitled “Organization of work of the Third Committee and biennial programme of work of the Committee for 2001-2002”. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision I?
Draft decision I was adopted.
The President #32329
We turn now to draft decision II, entitled “Report of the Economic and Social Council”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II?
Draft decision II was adopted.
The President #32330
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of all the chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council allocated to the Third Committee?
It was so decided.

Programme of work

The President #32331
I would like to inform members of the following additions to the programme of work of the General Assembly. On Wednesday morning, 6 December 2000, the General Assembly will take up the second report of the Credentials Committee, followed by agenda item 47, “Assistance in mine action”, to consider a revised draft resolution contained in document A/55/L.51/Rev.2 and Corr.1. The General Assembly will also take up the reports of the Fifth Committee under sub-items (a) to (e) and (g) of agenda item 17, “Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments”.
The meeting rose at 5.15 p.m.