A/62/PV.75 General Assembly

Monday, Dec. 17, 2007 — Session 62, Meeting 75 — New York — UN Document ↗

The President #52772
If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee that are before the Assembly today.
Vote: A/RES/62/102 Recorded Vote
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✗ No (2)
✓ Yes (171)
Vote: A/RES/62/103 Recorded Vote
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (171)
Vote: A/RES/62/104 Recorded Vote
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— Abstain (3)
✓ Yes (170)
Vote: A/RES/62/105 Recorded Vote
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— Abstain (3)
✓ Yes (170)
Vote: A/RES/62/106 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (93)
Vote: A/RES/62/107 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (169)
Vote: A/RES/62/108 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (165)
Vote: A/RES/62/109 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (156)
Vote: A/RES/62/110 Recorded Vote
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (164)
Vote: A/RES/62/112 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (176)
Vote: A/RES/62/113 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/62/114 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (124)
Vote: A/RES/62/119 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (175)
Vote: A/RES/62/120 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (176)
It was so decided.

31.  International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/403) The President: The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 14 of its report. Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution II, entitled “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space”, 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 II as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. We will now take a decision on draft resolution I, entitled “Recommendations on enhancing the practice of States and international intergovernmental organizations in registering space objects”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President #52773
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that, under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that 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, that is, either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation’s vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee. May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified to the contrary in advance. That means that where recorded votes were taken, we will do the same. I also hope that we will proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee. Before proceeding further, I would like to draw the attention of members to a note by the Secretariat, entitled “Checklist of reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) to the General Assembly on agenda items 29 to 40, 121 and 129”, which has been circulated as document A/C.4/62/INF/3. The note has been distributed desk to desk in the General Assembly Hall as a reference guide for action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in its reports. In that connection, Members will find, in column 2 of the note, the numbers of the draft resolutions or decisions of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), with the corresponding symbols of the reports for action in the plenary in column 5 of the same note.

33.  Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/405) The President: The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 16 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to V, 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, entitled “Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories”. A recorded vote has been requested.

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 93   ✗ 8   74 abs.
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✓ Yes (93)

29.  Assistance in mine action Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/401) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 10 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Special Political and Decolonization 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 62/99).
The President #52774
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 29?

32.  United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/404) The President: The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 15 of its report. I call on the representative of Iceland on a point of order.

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 171   ✗ 2   6 abs.
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✗ No (2)
✓ Yes (171)
It was so decided.

30.  Effects of atomic radiation Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/402) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 62/100).
Vote: 32/413 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 6   3 abs.
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✓ Yes (169)

37.  Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/409) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. 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, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, 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, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: Israel, United States of America. Abstaining: France, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President #52775
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 30?
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/413 Recorded Vote
✓ 171   ✗ 6   2 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (171)
Vote: 32/413 Consensus

7.  and 34 Organization of work, adoption of the agenda and allocation of items Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects Letter from the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Open- ended Working Group on Assistance and Support to Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse addressed to the President of the General Assembly (A/62/581) The Acting President: In his letter to the President of the General Assembly (A/62/581), the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group informed that the Working Group approved, on 7 December 2007, its draft report containing the draft United Nations comprehensive strategy on assistance and support to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations staff and related personnel and made a decision to recommend adoption of the draft strategy by the General Assembly directly under agenda item 116 during the main part of its current session. To enable the adoption of the draft strategy by the General Assembly during the main part of the session in a timely manner, the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Working Group requests that the report of the Ad Hoc Working Group be moved for consideration under agenda item 116, “Follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit”. If I hear no objection, may I take it that the General Assembly decides that the report of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Assistance and Support to Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse be moved for consideration under agenda item 116, “Follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit”? It was so decided. Agenda item 119 Commemoration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade Report of the Secretary General (A/62/270) Draft resolution (A/62/L.32) The Acting President: I now give the floor to the representative of the Bahamas to introduce draft resolution A/62/L.32.

Vote: 62/122 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 62/101).
The President #52776
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 31.
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 165   ✗ 7   5 abs.
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✓ Yes (165)
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Mr. Hreggvidsson ISL Iceland #52777
With respect to the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, Iceland would have wanted to sponsor draft resolution I, on assistance to Palestine refugees, under agenda item 32.
The President #52778
We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to IV, one by one. After all the votes have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their votes. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Assistance to Palestine refugees”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Bolivia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 170   ✗ 6   3 abs.
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— Abstain (3)
✓ Yes (170)
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 175   ✗ 2   2 abs.
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A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 171 votes to 2, with 6 abstentions (resolution 62/102).
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 156   ✗ 7   11 abs.
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✓ Yes (156)
The President #52779
Draft resolution II is entitled “Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Bolivia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 170   ✗ 6   3 abs.
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— Abstain (3)
✓ Yes (170)
Draft resolution II was adopted by 171 votes to 6, with 2 abstentions (resolution 62/103).
Vote: 31/169 Recorded Vote
✓ 164   ✗ 1   10 abs.
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✓ Yes (176)
The President #52780
Draft resolution III is entitled “Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Bolivia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 170 votes to 6, with 3 abstentions (resolution 62/104).
The President #52781
We now turn to draft resolution IV, entitled “Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Bolivia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 170 votes to 6, with 3 abstentions (resolution 62/105).
The President #52782
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 32?
It was so decided.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 93 votes to 8, with 74 abstentions (resolution 62/106).
The President #52783
Draft resolution II is entitled “Applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Bolivia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 169 votes to 6, with 3 abstentions (resolution 62/107).
The President #52784
Draft resolution III is entitled “Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Bolivia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 165 votes to 7, with 5 abstentions (resolution 62/108).
The President #52785
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Bolivia, Burkina Faso and the Sudan advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of the United States of America advised the Secretariat that it intended to vote against.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 156 votes to 7, with 11 abstentions (resolution 62/109).
The President #52786
Draft resolution V is entitled “The occupied Syrian Golan”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, 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, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: Israel. Abstaining: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Tonga, United States of America, Vanuatu. [Subsequently, the delegation of Bolivia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
Draft resolution V was adopted by 164 votes to 1, with 10 abstentions (resolution 62/110).
The President #52787
I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote on the resolutions just adopted.
Mr. Salsabili IRN Islamic Republic of Iran #52788
My delegation voted in favour of resolutions 62/108 and 62/109 under item 33, “Report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories”, in order to reiterate our solidarity and sympathy with the Palestinian people. Our positions with regard to the question of Palestine are well known and, therefore, we wish to place on record our reservations on certain paragraphs of these resolutions that may not be in line with the stated positions and policies of my country. To the knowledge of all, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been unwavering in its full support for the Palestinian people in their endeavours to attain their national rights, dignity and aspirations and has supported the legal and democratic Government of Palestine. In that context, the Islamic Republic of Iran is of the view that the issue of Palestinians’ internal differences is a matter of a purely internal nature and should therefore be addressed by the Palestinians themselves. The references made to certain internal issues of Palestine in some of these resolutions are not helpful, may be construed by many Palestinians as outside interference in their domestic affairs and, as a consequence, may further exacerbate the current dangerous situation. Indeed, the internal issues of Palestine should be dealt with internally, through national dialogue and in the process of national reconciliation. The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to emphasize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, who have been suffering under occupation and brutal oppression for decades, and stresses the importance of support by the international community for the Palestinians struggle against foreign occupation and aggression. The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that the settlement of the Palestinian issue would be achievable only if the inalienable rights of the people of occupied Palestine were fully and unconditionally realized. Regrettably, previous initiatives for the settlement of the issue have not contributed to the solution of this long-standing crisis, due to their lack of attention to the root causes of the crisis. The recent conference seems to have met the same fate. We believe that a durable peace in Palestine will be possible through justice, an end to discrimination, an end to the occupation of all Palestinian territories, the return of all Palestinian refugees, a resort to democratic means to determine the wishes of the people and the establishment of a democratic Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The President #52789
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 33?
It was so decided.

34.  Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/406) The President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) contained in document A/62/406?

It was so decided.
The President #52790
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 34.

35.  Questions relating to information Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/407) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The draft resolution, entitled “Questions relating to information”, is in two parts. Part A is entitled “Information in the service of humanity”; part B is entitled “United Nations public information policies and activities”. The Special Political and Decolonization 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 62/111).
The President #52791
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 35?
It was so decided.

36.  Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/408) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested.

A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 176 votes to none, with 4 abstentions (resolution 62/112).
The President #52792
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 36?
It was so decided.
The draft resolution was adopted by 176 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions (resolution 62/113).
The President #52793
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 37? It was so decided. Agenda item 38 Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/410) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, 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), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: None. Abstaining: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Micronesia (Federated States of), Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America.
The draft resolution was adopted by 124 votes to none, with 54 abstentions (resolution 62/114). [Subsequently, the delegation of Spain advised the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
The President #52794
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 38? It was so decided. Agenda item 39 Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/411) The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? It was so decided. Agenda item 40 Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/412 and Add.1) The President: We will first take action on the recommendations contained in document A/62/412. The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 24 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 25 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to V and on the draft decision, 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, entitled “Question of Western Sahara”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands”. This draft resolution is in two parts. Part A is entitled “General”. Part B is entitled “Individual Territories”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? 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, Central African Republic, 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, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: Israel, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Abstaining: France, United States of America.
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 62/115). The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 39?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 62/116). The President: Draft resolution II is entitled “Question of New Caledonia”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 62/117). The President: Draft resolution III is entitled “Questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, the Turks and
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 62/118). The President: Draft resolution IV is entitled “Dissemination of information on decolonization”. A recorded vote has been requested.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 175 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions (resolution 62/119). [Subsequently, the delegation of the United States of America advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against.]
The President #52795
Draft resolution V is entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.
The President #52796
The representative of the Syrian Arab Republic has submitted an oral amendment to operative paragraph 6 of draft resolution V. In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the Assembly will first take a decision on the amendment submitted by the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the oral amendment submitted by the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic? The oral amendment was adopted. The President: Since the oral amendment submitted by the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic has been adopted, we shall proceed to take a decision on draft resolution V, as orally amended. 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, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, 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, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Against: Israel, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Abstaining: France, United States of America.
Draft resolution V, as orally amended, was adopted by 176 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions (resolution 62/120). [Subsequently, the delegation of the United States of America advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against, and the delegation of Belgium advised the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
The President #52797
We turn now to the draft decision, entitled “Question of Gibraltar”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Political and Decolonization Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted. The President: The Assembly will now take action on the recommendation contained in document A/62/412/Add.1. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, which is entitled “Question of Tokelau”. The Special
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 62/121). The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Spain, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on one of the resolutions just adopted.
Mr. Virella ESP Spain [Spanish] #52798
With regard to resolution 62/118 just adopted, entitled “Questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands”, the delegation of Spain would like to make the following statement. Spain joined the consensus on resolution 62/118. Spain supports the application of the principle of self-determination to the territories included in this omnibus resolution. At the same time, my delegation recalls that the principle of self-determination is not the only relevant principle for achieving the decolonization of non-self- governing territories. There are certain cases in which we must apply the principle of territorial integrity in line with the doctrine established in various General Assembly resolutions. One of those cases is that of Gibraltar, which is the object of a specific decision that has just been adopted by consensus. Mr. Hannesson (Iceland), Vice-President, took the Chair. In that regard, I would like to point out that in the decolonization process for that territory, Spain, in line with the mandates of this Assembly, is prepared to make progress without delay towards a final solution, which can only come about through negotiations with the United Kingdom, which is the administering Power, within the framework of which the interests and aspirations of the people of Gibraltar are taken into account.
The Acting President #52799
I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom, who wishes to make a statement in exercise of the right of reply.
Mr. Johnston GBR United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland #52800
In response to the statement we have just heard, I would like to refer briefly to the right of reply that we gave during the discussion on this item in the Fourth Committee and to underline in particular that the United Kingdom does not accept that the existence of a sovereignty dispute overrides the principle of self-determination. That remains our position on this issue.
The Acting President #52801
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 40? It was so decided. Agenda item 121 (continued) Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/62/413) The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee in paragraph 5 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted. The Acting President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 121.
Ms. Bethel BHS Bahamas on behalf of African Group #52802
The member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the United Nations, along with the sponsors, are pleased to introduce for adoption today the draft resolution contained in document A/62/L.32, entitled “Permanent Memorial to and Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade”. We thank Botswana, which signed on behalf of the African Group, as well as other States Members of the United Nations, for their co-sponsorship in support of this important draft resolution. I would like at this point also to name the other countries that have since signed up as co-sponsors of the draft resolution but are not listed on the text itself. Those countries are Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Singapore, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, the Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand and Turkey. We thank all of them. The draft resolution before us today, which essentially is procedural in nature, is twofold in its focus. First, it highlights an idea first emanating from CARICOM arising from the 26 March plenary meeting of the General Assembly in commemoration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and endorsed by the Council on Foreign and Community Relations of CARICOM for the establishment of a permanent memorial, to be prominently placed in the halls of the United Nations, to the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. The permanent memorial will stand as an acknowledgement of one of the most horrific tragedies of modern history, often forgotten, and as a reminder of the struggle and triumph over the enslavement and dehumanization of a single race over four centuries for economic gain, and the legacy it has left behind. Its placement at the United Nations will be a significant symbol of what the United Nations represents — the promotion and preservation of the dignity and worth of all human beings, which is an integral provision of and central to the United Nations Charter. The establishment of the permanent memorial will significantly serve as a tangible contribution by the international community to partially implement paragraph 101 of the Durban Declaration, which, inter alia, invites the international community to honour the memory of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. The draft resolution recognizes the establishment of a fund — the permanent memorial fund — which has been set up under the custody of the permanent mission of Jamaica towards the realization of the memorial. It acknowledges with appreciation contributions received thus far from Member States, while also inviting other interested parties to contribute as well. The draft resolution also seeks to designate 25 March as an annual international day of remembrance of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, beginning in 2008. The significance of that date is of historic importance, recalling 200 years ago on that date the ultimate concession to the abolition advocates as their untiring efforts finally led to the passage of the act in the British Parliament calling for the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in the British Empire, which served as an important trigger for the end if the heinous act of slavery all over the world. That date was also recognized during the sixty-first session by this Assembly as the International Day for the Commemoration of the Two-hundredth Anniversary of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The proposed annual remembrance day, linked to the accomplishment of the abolitionists, will serve as a valuable complement to the existing UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, whose date of 23 August aptly recognizes the historic important contribution of the slaves themselves, who rose up in resistance to slavery and engineered their own emancipation in our CARICOM sister country, Haiti. Racism, racial discrimination and prejudice continue to cast a destructive stain and shadow on societies across the globe. The roots and linkages with slavery and the transatlantic slave trade are clearly established. The work being pursued in the context of UNESCO through the Slave Route Project will help to address the ignorance and knowledge gap in understanding the impact and consequences of slavery and the slave trade. By adopting the draft resolution, the General Assembly would request the Secretary-General, in collaboration with and building upon the work undertaken by UNESCO, to establish a programme of outreach to mobilize, inter alia, educational institutions and civil society in order to inculcate future generations with the causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade and to inform of the dangers of racism and prejudice. The General Assembly, by its adoption of this important draft resolution, hopefully by consensus, would undertake in a unique, unprecedented and powerful way to memorialize the victims of slavery and the horrific transatlantic slave trade, while recognizing its continuing impact on the descendants of the slave trade and the African diaspora, many of whom are in this Assembly today. It will, in a practical and deliberate way, engage in a programme of educational outreach with a view to addressing the dangers of racism and prejudice that continue to threaten the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms today. The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in his report to the Third Committee just a few weeks ago, confirmed what we already know about new and persistent challenges in the fight against racism. We as Member States must employ all strategies at our disposal to combat that scourge from all ends, seek to correct historical injustices, and bring atonement as a part of the struggle against the ills of the past. Last Friday, CARICOM, in association with the Department of Public Information (DPI) and supporting Member States, brought to the United Nations a rare celebration of the culture and diversity of the African diaspora in a cultural event held in the Trusteeship Council Chamber. We express our deep appreciation to the permanent missions of the Netherlands and Spain for their support, as well as to DPI for its role in facilitating the cultural exposé. That was an important finale to the commemoration of the two-hundredth anniversary, which CARICOM is proud to have initiated. We express our heartfelt thanks to all present for their overwhelming support. The States members of CARICOM once again thank the many sponsors and supporters of the draft resolution and now call upon the General Assembly to give its unequivocal support to its adoption as a successful conclusion to a process begun last year in this very Hall.
Mr. Wolfe JAM Jamaica #52803
Jamaica join its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners in welcoming the General Assembly’s consideration of agenda Item 119, entitled “Commemoration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade”, together with the report of the Secretary- General submitted in accordance with General Assembly resolution 61/19. My delegation is very proud to align itself with the statement made by Ms. Paulette Bethel, Permanent Representative of the Bahamas, in her capacity as chair of the caucus of the CARICOM group of permanent representatives and on behalf of the sponsors of draft resolution A/62/L.32, entitled “Permanent Memorial to and Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade”. My delegation fully supports the draft resolution, which would, inter alia, have the international community give tangible expression, in an appropriately noble, dignified and yet practical manner, to the implementation of paragraph 101 of the Declaration of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, aimed at countering the legacy of slavery and contributing to the restoration of the dignity of the victims of slavery and the slave trade. Accordingly, the draft resolution would have the General Assembly welcome and indeed support and endorse the initiative of the States members of the Caribbean Community, supported by other Member States, to erect in the halls of the United Nations a permanent memorial under the theme “Acknowledging the tragedy, considering the legacy, lest we forget”. Jamaica and its CARICOM partners believe that this would be a tangible, fitting monument to the memory of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and slavery. It also represents a unique opportunity for the international community to honour the memory of the victims in this symbolic United Nations building, which represents the hopes, collective aspirations and ideals of the entire world community, as reflected in the United Nations Charter. It is therefore against that backdrop that we would urge all delegations to consider the profound significance of the draft resolution, which seeks to honour and restore some level of dignity to the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, when taking into account any other attendant considerations relevant to the adoption of the draft resolution. As we review the state of our world today, it appears abundantly evident that the tragic legacy and consequences of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade remain with us, especially the continued political, social and economical impact. In remembrance of the victims, we are also deciding on establishing an international day for the remembrance of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade and, in that regard, the draft resolution seeks to galvanize the firm resolve of the international community that such horrific acts, which so dehumanized the victims and stripped them of their dignity, spirit and self-worth, should never be forgotten or allowed to recur, for the benefit of future generations. It is precisely for that reason that the draft resolution requests the Secretary-General, in collaboration with and building upon the work undertaken by UNESCO, to establish a programme of educational outreach to mobilize, inter alia, educational institutions and civil society on the subject of remembering the transatlantic slave trade and slavery. As indicated in the draft resolution, the main purpose is to inculcate future generations with the causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade and to inform of the dangers of racism and slavery. The programme of educational outreach, as contemplated in the draft resolution, and which is indeed of critical importance to its implementation, should not present any significant budgetary implications beyond that approved by the General Assembly for other similar events and programmes. My delegation would also like to emphasize that, rather than seeking to impose any burden on the regular budget of the United Nations, CARICOM member States have in fact moved to establish a voluntary fund, called the permanent memorial fund, under Jamaica’s custody, for the permanent memorial. In that regard, we join in expressing sincere appreciation to those Member States which have already contributed to the fund and invite other interested representatives to do so, as outlined in paragraph 2 of the draft resolution. Beyond the adoption of the draft resolution, my delegation looks forward with keen anticipation to the establishment of a committee and a board of governors, representative of the membership of the United Nations, to advance the initiative for the construction of the permanent memorial, including discussions on a possible design, as well as the management and oversight of the permanent memorial fund. In conclusion, my delegation joins our sister CARICOM partners and other sponsors in urging the Assembly to support draft resolution A/62/L.32 and to adopt it by consensus.
Mrs. Núñez Mordoche CUB Cuba [Spanish] #52804
The transatlantic trade in African slaves represented one of the most sordid, heartbreaking and bloody chapters in modern history. It is clear that the tragedies of slavery and the slave trade were crimes against humanity. While it is estimated that the slave trade affected 15 million to 28 million Africans between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries, there are even gloomier estimates of up to twice that number. The insatiable lust for profit on the part of European slave traders and the limitless greed of nascent capitalism created a need for slave labour to build the great colonial empires of the sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The slave trade was driven principally by the commercial needs of European countries. The various areas involved in that business were important players in the industrial and commercial revolution. Many of the most important European cities, from Liverpool to Amsterdam and other well-known urban areas, achieved their great economic development as a result of the trade. In Cuba, that reality has left deep physical marks in the form of old sugar mills, coffee plantations, slave quarters and other structures that remain in our countryside, some of them already blended into our natural landscape. As part of the cruel trade, approximately 1.3 million slaves from the African continent arrived on our island. The arrival of Lukumí, Carabalies, Congos, Gangas, Minas, Bibies, Yorubas and other ethnic groups had an immediate impact on the colonial society of the time and, through a complex transcultural process, gave rise to the Cuban nationality, which is essentially an Hispanic-African mixture. However, many of the slaves brought by force did not resign themselves to being exploited. Those who decided to run away from the whips of the foremen and the humiliation of the plantations embodied the principle of the spirit of rebellion and emancipation of the Cuban people. In Cuba today, the runaway slave and the hiding place are symbols of an entire people’s struggle for its independence and sovereignty. Referring to the slave trade histories similar to that of Cuba were repeated virtually throughout the American continent and the Caribbean. The slave route was an intrinsic part of the brutal exploitation and impoverishment of the African continent and the cruel discrimination suffered for many years by the descendants of slaves in the western hemisphere. Nor can there be any doubt that colonialism led to racism and racial discrimination or that the suffering caused by colonialism must be condemned. For all those reasons, at the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held in Durban in 2001 and in which nearly all those present in this Hall participated, we acknowledged that the historical injustices of the slave trade, slavery and colonialism contributed to the poverty, underdevelopment, marginalization, social exclusion and economic disparities suffered throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. Nevertheless, today we see with astonishment that many of those who promoted and benefited from the affront of slavery ignore, justify or, worse yet, try to erase the sad chapter in the history of humanity represented by the slave trade and slavery. These are the same countries that seek to set themselves up as judges of everyone, while remembering little or nothing about the crimes that they themselves committed. Those who built their vast fortunes on the sweat and blood of slaves and mired our nations in the disastrous consequences of monoproduction and monoculture cannot now wash their hands of their dark past through historical amnesia. It is neither moral nor ethical that those who live in opulence thanks in part to slavery now oppose any formula, no matter how simple, aimed at ensuring that the former colonial cities honour their historical debt to those who suffered slavery for centuries. This is occurring in the midst of neoliberal globalization, in which the rich — the same people as those in former times — are increasingly rich and our nations are relegated to exclusion and impoverishment. Cuba supports the demand being made to the States concerned that they take effective measures to halt and reverse the enduring consequences of the horrendous crime of slavery and to fulfil their moral obligation in that regard. Although at the Durban Conference we achieved an initial rapprochement and a critical assessment of slavery and colonialism as crimes against humanity committed throughout history, we consider this an appropriate time to stress that we must still go further in examining those issues. That is why we also fully support draft resolution A/62/L.32, submitted by the Caribbean Community. Cuba, despite the fact that it is being subjected to a tight blockade and defamatory campaigns, will continue its cooperation programmes with African, Caribbean and other third world nations as part of the effort to reverse the consequences of the slave trade and other sad chapters in the history of colonialism and neo-colonialism. Since 1961, Cuba has provided cooperation to 154 countries. In our cooperation programmes, more than 270,000 civilian volunteers have provided services, mainly in the areas of health care and education. We Cubans will continue to study and preserve the legacy of those who, despite hard labour on the sugar and coffee plantations, left us their language, their religious beliefs, their music and temperament and their spirit of struggle for independence and sovereignty, and who changed us forever.
Mr. Edrees EGY Egypt [Arabic] #52805
I should like at the outset to thank the members of the Caribbean Community for introducing the draft resolution adopted in the last session (resolution 61/19) to commemorate 25 March 2007 as the two-hundredth anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. I also wish to thank them for their initiative at the present session to make that date an annual international occasion to honour the memory of the victims of slavery throughout the world and to teach the lessons learned from the transatlantic slave trade and the dangers of racism and discrimination. As history shows, the practices of the era of slavery resulted in the loss of approximately 3 million lives during the journey across the Atlantic — the infamous “middle passage” — in utterly inhumane circumstances, while the 12 million who survived fell captive to servitude and racism. For generations — in the New World indeed, to this very day — the historic injustice visited upon the innocent has caused social and psychological problems for their descendants, not to mention racial prejudices that still hinder the ability of some societies to progress and to attain total integration. Undoubtedly, the African continent has borne the greatest burden, having been deprived throughout long centuries of its finest youth and having suffered from the continuous and illegal exploitation of its natural resources. Moreover, such exploitation is organically linked to the fuelling of armed conflict and the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, thereby contributing to instability, poverty, endemic diseases and marginalization in the global economy that many of the African countries are facing today. These conditions have inhibited the ability of the African countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the year 2015, especially when developed countries’ repeated pledges, action plans and partnerships aimed at helping Africa to realize its economic aspirations — such as the commitment to set aside 0.7 per cent of their gross national income for developmental assistance — remain unfulfilled. Regrettably, because of the scourge of slavery, humanity has suffered a myriad of social ills that were too often related to colour, race, belief or religion. Despite the international community’s sincere efforts to implement the Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, despite the steps taken to follow up on the Durban Declaration of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and despite the progress made towards achieving the universality of the various international covenants on human rights, we still witness the expansion of new forms of slavery and racism. These include forced labour, mandatory recruitment in armed conflicts, human trafficking and sexual exploitation, as well as incitement to xenophobia and religious defamation. Clearly, this situation runs counter to the world’s growing need to rely on the diversity of civilization, culture and religion to heal the wounds that arose from this dreadful era in human history and to promote understanding, tolerance and the achievement of the common interests of different societies, regardless of their background. In order to respond to these serious negative phenomena, the international community must redouble its efforts to eliminate the modern effects of historical racial slavery, namely xenophobia and religious prejudice, as it seeks to consolidate the principles of democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. These objectives should be pursued in a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and commitment to the principle of equal rights and obligations, not to mention the principles of international law and the complementarity of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Accordingly, as we prepare for the upcoming Durban Review Conference in 2009, we must work on strengthening the complementarity of standards contained in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. These steps should be taken in order to restore the faltering trust between the countries of the North and South in the area of racial discrimination. Also required are intensified efforts to develop international machinery for controlling and combating human trafficking and other new forms of slavery, and to encourage States to enact national legal frameworks for curbing the growth of new racist trends. This should be accomplished through enhanced dialogue, mutual understanding and enlightened education, within a framework of partnership and cooperation among non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the wide spectrum of civil society. Moreover, at the same time, we must deal with the issue of migration in a comprehensive and serious manner by, inter alia, placing migrants’ rights on an equal footing with those of other citizens in the receiving countries and by curbing discrimination and racism. Our attempt to encourage freedom of the media should also be matched by prohibiting attacks on the religions, prophets and cultural characteristics of the faithful of other religions. Clear-cut boundaries should be established between freedom of expression as enshrined in international instruments and national legislation, on the one hand, and infringement on the freedom of belief, on the other hand. In this way, we can achieve our goal of eliminating racism and hatred based on religion, origin, ethnicity or culture. It is high time that, through vigorous international action, we confront the proliferation of racism and discrimination of every stripe and from any source. Furthermore, while intensifying its efforts to comprehensively and seriously eliminate the scourge of racism, the international community must strive to maintain the necessary balance between the rights and the duties adopted and proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Acting President #52806
We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. We shall now proceed with the consideration of draft resolution A/62/L.32. In connection with the draft resolution, I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.
Mr. Botnaru Department for General Assembly and Conference Management on behalf of Secretary-General #52807
I would like to inform members that, in connection with draft resolution A/62/L.32, entitled “Permanent Memorial to and Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade”, I wish to put on record the following statement of financial implications on behalf of the Secretary-General, in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of operative paragraphs 3 and 4 of the draft resolution, the General Assembly would decide “to designate 25 March as an annual International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, beginning in 2008, as a complement to the existing United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition”, and would request the Secretary-General, “in collaboration with and building upon the work undertaken by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, including its Slave Route Project, to establish a programme of educational outreach to mobilize, inter alia, educational institutions and civil society on the subject of remembering the transatlantic slave trade and slavery, in order to inculcate future generations with the causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade and to communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice”. Pursuant to operative paragraph 4 of the draft resolution, it is envisaged that various public information activities would be undertaken, including online dissemination of information relating to the current anti-slavery efforts and other materials in the six official languages of the United Nations, and exhibits at the various United Nations information centres. Should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution A/62/L.32, it is estimated that the implementation of operative paragraph 4 would involve additional public information resources in the total amount of $43,800 under section 27, Public Information, of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. Although provisions have not been included under section 27, “Public information”, of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009, to implement the activities as envisaged under paragraph 4 of the draft resolution, it is anticipated that the requirements could be met from within the resources proposed under that section for the biennium 2008-2009. Accordingly, no additional appropriations will be required.
The Acting President #52808
The Assembly will now take action on draft resolution A/62/L.32 entitled “Permanent Memorial to and Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade”. Before proceeding to take action on draft resolution A/62/L.32, I should like to announce that, since its introduction, the following countries have become sponsors: the Dominican Republic, Fiji, France, Greece, Mali, Panama, Paraguay and Ukraine. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt draft resolution A/62/L.32?
Draft resolution A/62/L.32 was adopted (resolution 62/122).
The Acting President #52809
Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I now give the floor to those representatives who wish to explain their position on the resolution just adopted.
Mr. Yamaguchi JPN Japan #52810
The Government of Japan joined in the consensus adoption of resolution 62/122 because of the importance of commemorating the abolition of the slave trade, which was and is a grievous violation of human rights. Japan expects that efforts will be made to ensure that any programmes that are developed or promoted in connection with the new International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade complement and reinforce those of the existing UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition and the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.
Ms. Pierce GBR United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland #52811
With your permission, Sir, I should like to make a general statement. The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of the resolution on the permanent memorial to and remembrance of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. It is fitting that, as we close the year marking the two-hundredth anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, the General Assembly once again acknowledges the horrors of slavery and the slave trade. We have a duty to ensure that those horrors and their victims are never forgotten. For that reason, my Government warmly welcomes the initiative of the Caribbean Community to establish a permanent memorial to the victims of the transatlantic slave trade at the United Nations. The United Kingdom has already pledged to support the memorial, and I should like to take this opportunity today to encourage others to do likewise. The United Kingdom Government Minister Margaret Hodge said last week that “understanding the slave trade and its legacy is vital to broadening our history and recognition of the challenges we still face as a society today”. Through the resolution adopted today, the United Nations gains a dedicated day each year to remember the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. That will provide us all with an opportunity in future years not only to remember those victims, but also to remind ourselves of the lessons of tolerance, respect and human dignity that the victims of slavery throughout the ages have taught us all and the lessons we can also learn from the campaign for the abolition of the slave trade. I should like in that context also to highlight the issue of human trafficking, which so tragically persists today. Those lessons, as the resolution points out, will complement the work done by UNESCO. They are enshrined in the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, which takes place on 23 August each year. As part of the United Kingdom Government’s own commitment to that work in this bicentenary year, we have announced that in future years national activities to remember the valuable lessons of the bicentenary will be held to coincide with the UNESCO Day. We are committed to ensuring that the educational, cultural and historical focus of this bicentenary year is carried forward in the future, just as we are committed to remembering the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and slavery throughout the ages with the international community each year on 25 March.
The Acting President #52812
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 119?
It was so decided.

50.  The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order

The Acting President #52813
I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana to introduce draft resolution A/62/L.35.
Mr. Talbot GUY Guyana #52814
The delegation of Guyana welcomes the consideration of agenda item 50, “The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order”. The new global human order is concerned with a human development dilemma — in an era of unprecedented global prosperity and expanded opportunity, billions of people face poverty and despair, bypassed by the benefits of globalization. It is concerned also with the growing disparities between rich and poor, among and within countries, and about what that means for human development and the fulfilment of the Charter objective of higher standards of life in larger freedom. Those are challenges that we believe must be addressed if we are to create a global environment in which people everywhere are better placed to develop their potential and to contribute to their societies and to the achievement of progress worldwide. Those considerations inspired Guyana’s formal submission of the proposal for a new global human order in the General Assembly seven years ago. The submission coincided, interestingly, with the adoption of the Millennium Declaration. The latter event signalled a renewed global commitment to the implementation of the development agenda and the restoration of core issues of development cooperation to the heart of the United Nations work in the twenty- first century. In the period that has elapsed, global events and trends of particular consequence to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have given cause for reflection and concern. Today, at the midpoint of the 2015 calendar, despite appreciable gains in some areas, the prospects for attainment of the MDGs remain uncertain, with many countries falling behind on several of the goals, human development indicators falling in key areas and the already deep gap in inequalities and inequities widening. These developments attest to the increased need for initiatives such as the new global human order in the quest for a world free from want. In the context of a globalized world, increased interdependence is axiomatic and the necessity for intensified international cooperation imperative. Despite the expanded opportunities and the growing prosperity occasioned by globalization, increasing inequality among and within countries is a regrettable feature of the contemporary global order. The full benefits of globalization must be harnessed for all. Otherwise, vulnerable economies will be exposed to the risks of devastation, social and economic disparities will be further widened, and the promise of greater prosperity, peace and security and the enjoyment of human rights will remain unfulfilled for many of the world’s people. The new global human order aims at providing a framework for integrating different aspects of development — economic, environmental, social, cultural and political — through a holistic approach linking disparate but related initiatives and proposals. Premised on partnership, interdependence and people- centred development, it aims at expanding common ground and advancing practical measures for effective and coherent implementation of international development policy. In this regard, particular attention, we believe, needs to be paid to the following issues. New and additional resources for development need to be mobilized. There needs to be greater coherence in international economic cooperation, including through the strengthening of the United Nations so that it can play a more dynamic role, as envisaged by the Charter. Implementation of the commitments emanating from United Nations global conferences needs to be enhanced. The democratization of global institutions also needs to be enhanced. A fairer global trading regime to accelerate global growth needs to be promoted, thereby allowing for a more equitable distribution of benefits. And finally, military expenditures need to be reduced in favour of greater investment in human development. It is Guyana’s view that the magnitude and complexity of the development challenge points to the need for a qualitatively different approach to international cooperation that takes into account the recognized shortcomings of previous global strategies. Today, consensus-building, enhanced cooperation among all relevant actors and multilateral solutions to common problems are more vital than ever. The United Nations Charter mandates the Organization to address political, security, economic, social, cultural and humanitarian issues in a holistic manner, bearing in mind their recognized interrelationships. A key challenge in this regard would be to address global disparities in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. Let me say a few words in introduction of the draft resolution that is before the Assembly, entitled “The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order”, contained in document A/62/L.35. In the preambular part of the draft resolution, the Assembly, among other things, would recognize that the well-being of people and the full development of their potential is pivotal to sustainable development and would express its deep concern about the growing disparities between rich and poor and about the adverse implications thereof for the promotion of human development throughout the world. In recognizing the action under way and the progress made to implement the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs, the Assembly would also recognize that the achievement of many of these goals is currently off track and that vigorous implementation of all development commitments will be needed to achieve the goals. In the operative part, the Assembly stresses the need for a broad-based consensus for action within a comprehensive and holistic framework towards the achievement of the goals of development and poverty eradication involving all actors, namely Governments, the United Nations system and other international organizations and relevant actors of civil society, including the private sector and non-governmental organizations. It notes with interest the proposal regarding a new global human order, recognizes that inequality within and among countries is a concern for all countries regardless of their level of development and requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session a report on the implementation of the resolution and to include in that report an assessment of the implications of increasing inequality for development, peace, stability and international economic cooperation. In conclusion, my delegation takes this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to delegations for the flexibility and spirit of accommodation shown throughout the many informal consultations held on this draft resolution, which have led us to the result before us today. We offer special thanks to the delegations that have joined in sponsoring this text. It is now my honour to commend draft resolution A/62/L.35 to the General Assembly for adoption by consensus.
Mr. Tovar Morillo DOM Dominican Republic [Spanish] #52815
My delegation has the honour to speak on behalf of the States members of the Rio Group: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and, of course, the Dominican Republic. We do this to express our support for the draft resolution entitled “The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order”, contained in document A/62/L.35. On the basis of the mandate of the Turkeyen Summit, the States members of the Rio Group undertook to support initiatives aimed at promoting a new kind of human and social development within a more just and equitable economic order. We recognize the central importance of the United Nations to augment multilateral actions that can place the human being at the centre of all proposals for development. We reiterate the need to implement social and economic policies that are aimed at bringing about harmonious and comprehensive development based on equality, social justice, increased well-being and the eradication of poverty. We support the improvement and the strengthening of international commitments on development, particularly those that identify programmes that aim to provide financial and technical assistance, training of human resources and transfers of technology to smaller economies and the least developed countries in the international system. We believe that the goals of the Millennium Summit relating to economic development and the eradication of poverty have certainly seen significant progress over the last few years. However, we still have much to do in order to eliminate the growing disparities between rich and poor and to guarantee to present and future generations economic and social development that will gather pace in an environment of peace and social justice. Finally, we consider that addressing major issues facing humankind — such as the protection of the environment, health, the protection of human rights and education — cannot fail to help create a world where human development is fully guaranteed.
Ms. Bethel BHS Bahamas #52816
I have the honour to address the Assembly today on behalf of the States members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on agenda item 50, “The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order”. CARICOM member States are united in support of the call for a new global human order and welcome the consideration of this item by the General Assembly. Our countries also support and have sponsored the draft resolution contained in document A/62/L.35. Despite the greater integration of markets and expanded opportunities for prosperity which globalization has brought for some, the contemporary world order is marked by growing inequality in the distribution of its benefits. Disparities between rich and poor continue to increase both among and within countries. Unfulfilled commitments from international conferences and summits, increased environmental vulnerability and new threats to peace and development underline the urgency of alternative approaches to ensure human development in a globalized world. We believe that the proposal of a new global human order speaks to the need for a qualitatively different approach to development, one which addresses these realities and takes account of the shortcomings of previous global strategies. We believe that the concept of a new global human order offers a framework for integrating the economic, environmental, social, cultural and political aspects of development and for linking disparate but related initiatives and proposals. Premised on partnership, interdependence, people-centred development and a holistic approach, it aims at defining common ground and advancing practical measures for effective and coherent implementation of international development policy. It is CARICOM’s view that the operationalization of such an approach to development can best be undertaken under the auspices of a global body such as the United Nations. The Organization is well placed by virtue of its overarching role in the promotion of international economic and social progress. In addition, the underlying objective of the new global human order could provide a sound platform not only for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, but also for the promotion of development over the long term. We call on Members of the United Nations to give careful consideration to the proposal of a new global human order and to lend their valuable support to draft resolution A/62/L.35, on “The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order”.
The Acting President #52817
We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. Before concluding, I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution A/62/L.35 has been postponed to a later date at the request of its sponsors. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 50.
The meeting rose at 5.25 p.m.