A/56/PV.88 General Assembly

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001 — Session 56, Meeting 88 — New York — UN Document ↗

The meeting was called to order at 10.10 a.m.
Vote: A/RES/56/142 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (113)
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (114)
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✓ Yes (123)
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✓ Yes (109)
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✓ Yes (100)
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✓ Yes (99)
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (169)
Vote: A/RES/56/159 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (162)
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✓ Yes (102)
Vote: A/RES/56/165 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (116)
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✓ Yes (90)
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✗ No (2)
✓ Yes (100)
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✓ Yes (79)

Reports of the Third Committee

The President #35365
The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 108 to 116, 118, 119, 12 and 27. I request the Rapporteur of the Third Committee, Mr. Juraj Priputen of Slovakia, to introduce the reports of the Third Committee in one intervention. Mr. Priputen (Slovakia), Rapporteur of the Third Committee: I have the great honour to present for consideration the following reports of the Third Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the General Assembly. Under item 27 of the agenda, entitled “Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/56/585, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under item 108 of the agenda, 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 paragraph 24 of document A/56/572, the adoption of five draft resolutions. Under item 109 of the agenda, entitled “Follow- up to the International Year of Older Persons: Second World Assembly on Ageing”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 17 of document A/56/573, the adoption of two draft resolutions, and, in paragraph 18, the adoption of two draft decisions. Under item 110 of the agenda, entitled “Crime prevention and criminal justice”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 21 of document A/56/574, the adoption of five draft resolutions. I should like to draw the attention of the Assembly to a correction in the English version of draft resolution III, entitled “Combating the criminal misuse of information technologies”. The fifth preambular paragraph should be identical to the text contained in document A/C.3/56/L.15/Rev.1, as follows: “Noting that reliance on information technologies, while it may vary from State to State, has resulted in a substantial increase in global cooperation and coordination, with the result that the criminal misuse of information technologies may have a grave impact on all States”. Under agenda item 111, “International drug control”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/56/575, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 112, “Advancement of women”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 36 of document A/56/576, the adoption of eight draft resolutions. I should like to draw the attention of the Assembly to a correction to draft resolution III, entitled “Improvement of the status of women in the United Nations system”. In the second line of the ninth preambular paragraph, the words “in regard to” should be replaced by the words “in the category of”. The beginning of the paragraph should read as follows: “Welcoming the progress made in maintaining and improving the representation of women at some levels of the Secretariat, particularly in the category of geographical appointments”. Under agenda item 113, “Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women and of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, entitled ‘Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century’, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/56/577, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 114, “Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 18 of document A/56/578, the adoption of five draft resolutions and, in paragraph 19, one draft decision. Under agenda item 115, “Promotion and protection of the rights of children”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/56/579, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under agenda item 116, “Programme of activities of the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/56/580, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 118, “Right of peoples to self- determination”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 17 of document A/56/582, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under agenda item 119, “Human rights questions”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 4 of document A/56/583, the adoption of one draft decision. Under sub-item (a) of agenda item 119, “Implementation of human rights instruments”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 24 of document A/56/583/Add.1, the adoption of four draft resolutions. Under sub-item (b) of agenda item 119, “Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 109 of document A/56/583/Add.2, the adoption of 25 draft resolutions. Under sub-item (c) of agenda item 119, “Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 48 of document A/56/583/Add.3, the adoption of seven draft resolutions. Under sub-item (d) of agenda item 119, “Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action”, the Third Committee indicates in its report contained in document A/56/583/Add.4 that no draft proposals were submitted or action taken under this sub-item. Under sub-item (e) of agenda item 119, “Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights”, the Third Committee indicates in its report contained in document A/56/583/Add.5 that no draft proposals were submitted or action taken under this sub-item. Under agenda item 12, “Report of the Economic and Social Council”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/56/584, the adoption of three draft decisions. In connection with draft decision I contained in this report, I should like to inform the Assembly that the Third Committee is recommending that it be authorized to hold meetings in 2002, during the resumed fifty-sixth session, in order to consider agenda item 117, entitled “Elimination of racism and racial discrimination”. I would like to take this opportunity to pay a tribute to our Chairman, Ambassador Fuad Mubarak Al-Hinai of Oman, for the outstanding manner in which conducted the work of our Committee. I should also like to thank my dear colleagues on the Bureau of the Committee — Vice-Chairpersons Ms. Carina Mårtensson of Sweden, Mr. Yehia Oda of Egypt and Mr. Carlos Enrique García González of El Salvador — with whom I had the pleasure to work. I should also like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Secretariat staff who helped us in our work, especially Ms. Kate Starr Newell, the Secretary of the Committee, and her competent and experienced team, in particular Ms. Vivian Pliner- Josephs and Mr. Otto Gustafik, as well as their colleagues. I also wish to thank them for the assistance they gave me in carrying out my duties as Rapporteur of the Third Committee. In conclusion, I should like to thank the members of the Group of Eastern European States, whom I had the honour to represent on the Bureau of the Third Committee during this session of the General Assembly.

114.  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/56/578)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President #35366
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 which are before the Assembly today. It was so decided.

108.  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/56/572)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

109.  Follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons: Second World Assembly on Ageing Report of the Third Committee (A/56/573)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

110.  Crime prevention and criminal justice Report of the Third Committee (A/56/574)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

112.  Advancement of women Report of the Third Committee (A/56/576)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

115.  Promotion and protection of the rights of children Report of the Third Committee (A/56/579)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

118.  Right of peoples to self-determination Report of the Third Committee (A/56/582)

Vote: 32/413 Consensus

12.  Report of the Economic and Social Council Report of the Third Committee (A/56/584)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President #35367
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. 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 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 a 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.
The President #35368
The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 24 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the five draft resolutions 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 “Preparations for and observance of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of the Family”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 56/113).
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 161   ✗ 3   1 abs.
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✓ Yes (113)

119.  Human rights questions Report of the Third Committee (A/56/583)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
The President #35369
Draft resolution II is entitled “Cooperatives in social development”. 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 56/114).
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
The President #35370
Draft resolution III is entitled “Implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons: towards a society for all in the twenty-first century”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 56/115).
The President #35371
Draft resolution IV is entitled “United Nations Literacy Decade: education for all”. 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 56/116).
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
The President #35372
Draft resolution V is entitled “Policies and programmes involving youth”. 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 56/117).
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
The President #35373
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: 31/169 Consensus
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 113   ✗ 47   5 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (114)
The President #35374
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report and two draft decisions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 18 of the same report. I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution II will be postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on draft resolution II as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution I, entitled “United Nations Trust Fund for Ageing”. 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 56/118).
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
The President #35375
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft decisions recommended by the Third Committee for adoption. Draft decision I is entitled “Arrangements regarding participation of non-governmental organizations in the Second World Assembly on Ageing”. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt draft decision I?
Draft decision I was adopted.
The President #35376
Draft decision II is entitled “Provisional rules of procedure for the Second World Assembly on Ageing”. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt draft decision II?
Vote: 32/99 Consensus
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #35377
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 109.
The President #35378
The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 21 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the five draft resolutions. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Role, function, periodicity and duration of the United Nations congresses on the prevention of crime and the treatment of offenders”. 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 56/119).
The President #35379
Draft resolution II is entitled “Action against transnational organized crime: assistance to States in capacity-building with a view to facilitating the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the protocols thereto”. 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 56/120).
The President #35380
Draft resolution III is entitled “Combating the criminal misuse of information technologies”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution III, as orally corrected by the Rapporteur?
Draft resolution III, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 56/121).
Vote: 31/169 Recorded Vote
✓ 109   ✗ 53   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (100)
The President #35381
Draft resolution IV is entitled “United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders”. 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 56/122).
The President #35382
Draft resolution V is entitled “Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/97 Recorded Vote
✓ 100   ✗ 54   15 abs.
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✓ Yes (99)
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 56/123).
The President #35383
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 110.

111.  International drug control Report of the Third Committee (A/56/575)

The President #35384
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The draft resolution is entitled “International cooperation against the world drug problem”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 56/124).
The President #35385
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 #35386
The Assembly has before it eight draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 36 of its report. I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution VII will be postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on draft resolution VII as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to VI and VIII. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Critical situation of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/99 Recorded Vote
✓ 99   ✗ 10   59 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (169)
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 56/125).
The President #35387
Draft resolution II is entitled “Situation of older women in society”. 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 56/126).
Vote: 32/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 2   2 abs.
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✓ Yes (162)
The President #35388
Draft resolution III is entitled “Improvement of the status of women in the United Nations system”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution III, as orally corrected by the Rapporteur?
Draft resolution III, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 56/127).
The President #35389
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Traditional or customary practices affecting the health of women and girls”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/101 Consensus
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 56/128).
The President #35390
Draft resolution V is entitled “Improvement of the situation of women in rural areas”. 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 56/129).
Vote: 35/94 Consensus
The President #35391
Draft resolution VI is entitled “United Nations Development Fund for Women”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 56/130).
The President #35392
As announced earlier, action on draft resolution VII will be taken at a later date. Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Violence against women migrant workers”. 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 56/131).
Vote: 33/173 Consensus
The President #35393
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 112.

113.  Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women and of the twenty-third 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/56/577)

The President #35394
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The draft resolution is 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”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 56/132).
Vote: 39/192 Consensus
The President #35395
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 #35396
The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 18 of its report, and one draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 19 of the same report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the five draft resolutions and the draft decision. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Enlargement or 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 56/133).
The President #35397
Draft resolution II is entitled “Follow-up to the Regional Conference to Address the Problems of Refugees, Displaced Persons, Other Forms of Involuntary Displacement and Returnees in the Countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and Relevant Neighbouring States”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 351/97 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 56/134).
The President #35398
Draft resolution III is entitled “Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa”. 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 56/135).
Vote: 40/143 Consensus
The President #35399
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Assistance to unaccompanied refugee minors”. 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 56/136).
The President #35400
Draft resolution V is entitled “Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 40/144 Consensus
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 56/137).
The President #35401
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 19 of its report. The draft decision is entitled “Audit of the operations of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Albania”. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?
The draft decision was adopted.
Vote: 37//6/ Consensus
The President #35402
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 114? It was so decided.
The President #35403
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 16 of its report. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “The rights of the 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 56/138).
Vote: 55/108 Consensus
The President #35404
Draft resolution II is entitled “The girl child”. A separate, recorded vote has been requested on operative paragraph 1 of draft resolution II. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia Against: United States of America Abstaining: India Operative paragraph 1 was retained by 162 votes to 1, with 1 abstention.
The President #35405
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, as a whole, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II, as a whole, was adopted (resolution 56/139).
Vote: 40/233 Recorded Vote
✓ 116   ✗ 46   9 abs.
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The President #35406
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 115? It was so decided.

116.  Programme of activities of the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People Report of the Third Committee (A/56/580)

The President #35407
The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The draft resolution is entitled “International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 56/140).
Vote: 40/234 Consensus
The President #35408
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 116? It was so decided.
The President #35409
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution I will be postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on draft resolution I as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolutions II and III. We turn first to draft resolution II, entitled “Universal realization of the right of peoples to self- determination”. 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 56/141).
Vote: 56/167 Consensus
The President #35410
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. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia Against: Israel, Marshall Islands, United States of America Abstaining: Micronesia (Federated States of)
Draft resolution III was adopted by 161 votes to 3, with 1 abstention (resolution 56/142).
The President #35411
I call on the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.
Vote: 39/201 Consensus
Mr. Alaei IRN Islamic Republic of Iran #35412
We have just now adopted draft resolution III, entitled “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination”. In that regard, I would like to explain my delegation’s vote. My delegation would like to express its reservations on those parts of the resolution that may be construed as recognition of Israel.
The President #35413
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 118.
The President #35414
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?
Vote: 56/169 Consensus
The draft decision was adopted.
The President #35415
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 119. (a) Implementation of human rights instruments Report of the Third Committee (A/56/583/Add.1)
The President #35416
The Assembly will now take a decision on the four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 24 of its report. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”. 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 56/143).
The President #35417
Draft resolution II is entitled “International Covenants on Human Rights”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 56/170 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 56/144).
The President #35418
Draft resolution III is entitled “International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families”. 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 56/145).
The President #35419
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Equitable geographical distribution of the membership of the human rights treaty bodies”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia Against: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Yugoslavia Abstaining: Argentina, Brazil, Gambia, Slovakia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 113 votes to 47, with 5 abstentions (resolution 56/146).
The President #35420
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 119? It was so decided. (b) Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms Report of the Third Committee (A/56/583/Add.2)
The President #35421
The Assembly has before it 25 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 109 of its report. I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution XXIV will be postponed to a later date, to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on draft resolution XXIV as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budged implications is available. The Assembly will take a decision on draft resolutions I through XXIII and XXV 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 “Human rights education”. 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 56/147).
The President #35422
Draft resolution II is entitled “Human rights and unilateral coercive measures.” A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia Against: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Yugoslavia Abstaining: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan
Draft resolution II was adopted by 114 votes to 51, with 2 abstentions (resolution 56/148).
The President #35423
Draft resolution III is entitled “Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 56/149).
The President #35424
Draft resolution IV is entitled “The right to development”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 123 votes to 4, with 44 abstentions (resolution 56/150).
The President #35425
Draft resolution V is entitled “Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia Against: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Yugoslavia Abstaining: Argentina, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa
Draft resolution V was adopted by 109 votes to 53, with 6 abstentions (resolution 56/151).
The President #35426
Draft resolution VI 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. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia Against: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Yugoslavia Abstaining: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Guinea, Madagascar, Malawi, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Uruguay
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 100 votes to 54, with 15 abstentions (resolution 56/152).
The President #35427
Draft resolution VII 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 VII without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 56/153).
The President #35428
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in electoral processes as an important element for the promotion and protection of human rights”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia Against: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Samoa, Tuvalu, United States of America Abstaining: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Yugoslavia
Draft resolution VIII was adopted by 99 votes to 10, with 59 abstentions (resolution 56/154).
The President #35429
Draft resolution IX is entitled “The right to food”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia Against: Israel, United States of America Abstaining: Australia, New Zealand
Draft resolution IX was adopted by 169 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions (resolution 56/155).
The President #35430
Draft resolution X is entitled “Human rights and cultural diversity”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution X without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 56/156).
The President #35431
Draft resolution XI is entitled “Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XI was adopted (resolution 56/157).
The President #35432
Draft resolution XII is entitled “National institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XII was adopted (resolution 56/158).
The President #35433
Draft resolution XIII 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”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia Against: None Abstaining: Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Myanmar, Syrian Arab Republic, Viet Nam
Draft resolution XIII was adopted by 162 votes to none, with 8 abstentions (resolution 56/159).
The President #35434
Draft resolution XIV is entitled “Human rights and terrorism”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Viet Nam, Yemen Against: None Abstaining: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Eritrea, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zambia
Draft resolution XIV was adopted by 102 votes to none, with 69 abstentions (resolution 56/160).
The President #35435
Draft resolution XV is entitled “Human rights in the administration of justice”. 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 56/161).
The President #35436
Draft resolution XVI is entitled “Effective promotion of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XVI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XVI was adopted (resolution 56/162).
The President #35437
Draft resolution XVII 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 XVII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XVII was adopted (resolution 56/163).
The President #35438
Draft resolution XVIII is entitled “Protection and assistance to internally displaced persons”. 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 56/164).
The President #35439
Draft resolution XIX is entitled “Globalization and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia Against: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Yugoslavia Abstaining: Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Guatemala, Micronesia (Federated States of), Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Draft resolution XIX was adopted by 116 votes to 46, with 9 abstentions (resolution 56/165).
The President #35440
Draft resolution XX is entitled “Human rights and mass exoduses”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XX without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XX was adopted (resolution 56/166).
The President #35441
Draft resolution XXI is entitled “United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XXI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XXI was adopted (resolution 56/167).
The President #35442
Draft resolution XXII is entitled “Comprehensive and integral international convention to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XXII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XXII was adopted (resolution 56/168).
The President #35443
Draft resolution XXIII is entitled “Situation of human rights in Cambodia”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XXIII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XXIII was adopted (resolution 56/169).
The President #35444
As announced earlier, action on draft resolution XXIV will be taken at a later stage. I give the floor to the representative of Mexico, who wishes to speak on a point of order.
Mrs. Monroy MEX Mexico [Spanish] #35445
The delegation of Mexico would like to make a statement in its capacity as one of the chief sponsors of this draft resolution on the protection of migrants in order to rectify some errors that we have noted in the Rapporteur’s presentation as well as in the English- Spanish-language versions of this document. There are also some errors in the Spanish version. The delegation of Mexico would like to state for the record that the following errors appear in the English-language version — the working language — of draft resolution XXV, entitled “Protection of migrants”. In the last preambular paragraph, after the date shown, the words “Advisory Opinion” should be capitalized. In operative paragraph 6, the word “States” should be followed by the word “parties”. Finally, in the third line of operative paragraph 9, before the words “Declaration and Programme of Action”, there should appear the word “Durban”, and the words from “adopted” right on through “intolerance” should be deleted. Those are all the corrections for the English- language version. The delegation of Mexico would ask the Secretariat through you, Sir, to make the necessary relevant corrections in all other official languages, inasmuch as these represent important sections of the draft resolution on which, during the course of negotiations, some effort was required to achieve consensus; hence, the importance of these corrections. To make the Secretariat’s work easier, the delegation of Mexico will ensure that the relevant wording is forwarded.
The President #35446
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XXV without a vote. May I suggest that the General Assembly also adopt draft resolution XXV, as orally corrected by the representative of Mexico, without a vote?
Draft resolution XXV, as orally corrected, was adopted (resolution 56/170).
The President #35447
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 119. (c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives Report of the Third Committee (A/56/583/Add.3)
The President #35448
The Assembly has before it seven draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 48 of its report. I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution III is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on draft resolution III as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mrs. Baldeh GMB Gambia #35449
On 13 November, at a meeting of the Third Committee during the discussion on agenda item 119, entitled “Human rights questions”, Mr. Stéphane De Loecker, Deputy Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations, speaking on behalf of the European Union (EU), made certain allegations regarding some arrests that took place shortly after the Gambia’s presidential elections, which were held this past October. Unfortunately, I was unable to exercise my right of reply at that meeting, as I had to perform other duties. The allegations were exaggerated and made in bad faith because the EU representation in the Gambia was among the first foreign missions to be briefed on the events concerned. In fact, on 12 November, we circulated to all missions in New York a press release issued by the competent Gambian authorities to clarify the matter. The EU should refrain from delivering lectures to others and accord commendation when it is due. No society is perfect. As for Belgium, we are all aware that the Patrice Lumumba case is not the only skeleton in its closet, if I may be permitted the pun. My country, however, has not been shouting allegations from the rooftops about human rights violations. Those in glass houses should therefore not throw stones. As for the EU, it ought to have emphasized the positive aspects of the election period, such as the fact that the elections took place in a peaceful manner and were free, fair and transparent. That has since been confirmed by international observers, such as the Commonwealth Observer Group and our Secretary- General’s Special Envoy, Mr. James Victor Gbeho, whom he had sent to the Gambia to observe the elections.
Mrs. Ahmed SDN Sudan [Arabic] #35450
My delegation would like to explain its vote on draft resolution VI contained in document A/56/583/Add.3, entitled “Human rights situation in Sudan”. My delegation, along with that of the European Union, tried to achieve consensus on this draft resolution. However, it has now become clear that some will insist on grossly politicizing this decision. The positive developments in my country have been ignored. One case in point with respect to the politicization of the draft resolution and to the loss of objectivity concerning developments in the Sudan was the statement made by the delegation of Canada before the Third Committee after the Committee’s adoption of the draft resolution. The draft resolution fails to support the ceasefire that has been repeatedly called for by my Government as a first step towards achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict. Furthermore, the draft resolution ignores our numerous efforts to stem the conflict. For all these reasons, my delegation will vote against the draft resolution and calls on all other delegations to do likewise.
Mr. Al-Ethary YEM Yemen [Arabic] #35451
The democratic attitude that emerged with the birth of the Republic of Yemen has been put into everyday practice in our country. That attitude requires us to adopt clearly defined positions vis-à-vis many political issues, particularly those designed to support and protect human rights on the national and international levels. In this respect, we emphasize our full respect for relevant international instruments, in particular the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and for international humanitarian law in general. Our principled conviction is that human rights are integrated, indivisible and not subject to selectivity and that we must therefore deplore any human rights violations. Politicizing human rights issues, using them as a tool to target specific States and peoples while ignoring others, and exploiting them FOR purely political purposes unrelated to noble human rights values: such selectivity and double standards are rejected by many cultures, civilizations and religions because they contradict the noble human values of justice and equity. Therefore, my delegation will not participate in the voting on any of the draft resolutions contained in document A/56/583/Add.3, on human rights situations.
The President #35452
The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolutions I, II and IV to VII 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 “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Yugoslavia Against: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela, Viet Nam Abstaining: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia [Subsequently, the delegation of Kuwait informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against.]
Draft resolution I was adopted by 72 votes to 49, with 46 abstentions (resolution 56/171).
The President #35453
Draft resolution II is entitled “Situation of human rights in parts of South-Eastern Europe”. 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 56/172).
The President #35454
As announced earlier, action on draft resolution III will be taken at a later date. Draft resolution IV is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, 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, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia Against: Iran (Islamic Republic of), Rwanda, Uganda Abstaining: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Zambia
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 90 votes to 3, with 69 abstentions (resolution 56/173).
The President #35455
Draft resolution V is entitled “Situation of human rights in Iraq”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Albania, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Yugoslavia Against: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Sudan Abstaining: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, China, Congo, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Zambia
Draft resolution V was adopted by 100 votes to 2, with 63 abstentions (resolution 56/174).
The President #35456
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Sudan”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia Against: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam Abstaining: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Vanuatu, Zambia
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 79 votes to 37, with 48 abstentions (resolution 56/175).
The President #35457
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Question of human rights in Afghanistan”. 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 56/176).
The President #35458
I now give the floor to the representative of Côte d’Ivoire, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote.
Mr. Djangoné-Bi CIV Côte d'Ivoire [French] #35459
The delegation of Côte d’Ivoire abstained from the vote on draft resolution I, concerning the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Côte d’Ivoire remains committed to the principle of respect for human rights, both on the national level and throughout the world. This year, our position has evolved in the light of the improvement of the human rights situation in certain spheres, as indicated in the report of the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights, contained in document A/56/278, and as reflected in the resolution just adopted. Our vote should be interpreted as encouragement to the Iranian authorities to pursue their efforts to promote respect for human rights. In that regard, we invite the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to authorize the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights to visit Iran to assess for himself the human rights situation in that country. This would have the advantage of improving the credibility of upcoming reports while allowing friends of Iran — among which Côte d’Ivoire is honoured to be included — to gain greater insight into the actual situation and into the various actions being taken on the ground.
The President #35460
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 119. (d) Comprehensive implementation of and follow- up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Report of the Third Committee (A/56/583/Add.4)
The President #35461
May I take it that the Assembly takes note of the report of the Third Committee? It was so decided.
The President #35462
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 119? It was so decided. (e) Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Report of the Third Committee (A/56/583/Add.5)
The President #35463
May I take it that the Assembly takes note of the report of the Third Committee? It was so decided.
The President #35464
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 119? It was so decided.
The President #35465
The Assembly will take a decision on the three draft decisions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We turn first to draft decision I, entitled “Resumption of the work of the Third Committee”. The Third Committee adopted draft decision I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision I?
Draft decision I was adopted.
The President #35466
Draft decision II is entitled “Organization of work of the Third Committee and biennial programme of work of the Committee for 2002-2003”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II?
Draft decision II was adopted.
The President #35467
Draft decision III is entitled “Report of the Economic and Social Council”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision III?
Draft decision III was adopted.
The President #35468
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.

27.  Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly Report of the Third Committee (A/56/585)

The President #35469
The Assembly will 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 without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 56/177).
The President #35470
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 27? It was so decided. Programme of work
The President #35471
I should like to make it known to representatives that, as distributed, it is my intention to resume the tenth emergency special session on Thursday, 20 December 2001, at 3.p.m. The list of speakers is open now. As a result, agenda item 20, “Multilingualism”, and agenda item 40, “The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, which are scheduled for Thursday, 20 December, at 3 p.m., will be taken up by the Assembly after the Second Committee reports on Friday, 21 December 2001.
The meeting rose at 11.35 p.m.