A/65/PV.62 General Assembly

Friday, Dec. 10, 2010 — Session 65, Meeting 62 — New York — UN Document ↗ — OCR ✓ — ⓘ 37 unattributed speechs — ⚠ 6 duplicate speechs
▶ This meeting at a glance
42
Speeches
4
Countries
34
Resolutions
Resolutions: 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 32/97, 32/98, 32/99, 65/120, 31/37, A/RES/65/98, A/RES/65/100, A/RES/65/101, A/RES/65/102, A/RES/65/103, A/RES/65/104, A/RES/65/105, A/RES/65/106, A/RES/65/109, A/RES/65/110, A/RES/65/116, A/RES/65/117, A/RES/65/118, A/RES/65/119, A/RES/65/99, A/RES/65/108
Topics
UN resolutions and decisions Security Council deliberations Sustainable development and climate Israeli–Palestinian conflict UN procedural rules Economic development programmes

The President unattributed [French] #66955
I thank the Rapporteur of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee). 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 (Fourth Committee) that are before the Assembly today.
Vote: A/RES/65/98 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 1   6 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (169)
Vote: A/RES/65/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 6   2 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (169)
Vote: A/RES/65/101 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 6   2 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (169)
Vote: A/RES/65/102 Recorded Vote
✓ 94   ✗ 9   72 abs.
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✓ Yes (94)
Vote: A/RES/65/103 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 6   2 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (169)
Vote: A/RES/65/104 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 6   3 abs.
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— Abstain (3)
✓ Yes (169)
Vote: A/RES/65/105 Recorded Vote
✓ 165   ✗ 9   2 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (165)
Vote: A/RES/65/106 Recorded Vote
✓ 167   ✗ 1   9 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (167)
Vote: A/RES/65/109 Recorded Vote
✓ 173   ✗ 2   2 abs.
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✓ Yes (173)
Vote: A/RES/65/110 Recorded Vote
✓ 119   ✗ 0   56 abs.
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✓ Yes (119)
Vote: A/RES/65/116 Recorded Vote
✓ 171   ✗ 3   1 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (171)
Vote: A/RES/65/117 Recorded Vote
✓ 171   ✗ 3   2 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (171)
Vote: A/RES/65/118 Recorded Vote
✓ 168   ✗ 3   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (168)
Vote: A/RES/65/119 Recorded Vote
✓ 151   ✗ 3   21 abs.
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✓ Yes (151)
Vote: A/RES/65/99 Recorded Vote
✓ 167   ✗ 6   4 abs.
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— Abstain (4)
✓ Yes (167)
Vote: A/RES/65/108 Recorded Vote
✓ 172   ✗ 0   5 abs.
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✓ Yes (172)
It was so decided.

59.  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/65/430) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it eight draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 29 of its report and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 30 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to VIII and on the draft decision, one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will have the opportunity to explain their vote. Draft resolution I is entitled “Question of Western Sahara”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President unattributed [French] #66956
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) have been made clear in that Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that, in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, 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, and that explanations of vote are limited to ten 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 (Fourth Committee), I wish to advise representatives that we are going to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the 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 hope that we will adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the 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 49 to 59, 118 and 130”, which has been circulated, in English only, as document A/C.4/65/INF/3. This note has been distributed to all delegations in the General Assembly Hall as a reference guide for action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Committee in its reports. Members will find in the second column of the note the symbols of the Committee’s draft resolutions or decisions and, in the fifth column, the corresponding symbols of the reports for action in the plenary. Members are reminded that additional sponsors are no longer accepted now that draft resolutions and decisions have been adopted by the Committee. Any clarification about sponsorship should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee.

52.  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/65/423) The President (spoke in French): 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 action on draft resolutions I through V, one by one. After all decisions have been taken, representatives will 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
✓ 94   ✗ 9   72 abs.
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✓ Yes (94)

51.  United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/65/422) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 17 of its report. We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to IV, one by one. After the Assembly has taken decisions on all of them, representatives will have the opportunity to explain their vote. We turn to draft resolution I, entitled “Assistance to Palestine refugees”. A recorded vote has been requested. Against: Israel

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 1   6 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (167)

49.  Effects of atomic radiation Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/65/420) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, 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, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, 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, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, 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, Swaziland, 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 Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/96).
The President unattributed [French] #66957
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 49.
Vote: 32/132 Consensus

50.  International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/65/421) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 11 of its report, on which we will now take a decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/97).
The President unattributed [French] #66958
The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 50.
Vote: 32/132 Recorded Vote
✓ 167   ✗ 6   4 abs.
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— Abstain (4)
✓ Yes (167)
Vote: 32/132 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 6   2 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (169)
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted by 169 votes to 1, with 6 abstentions (resolution 65/98).
The President unattributed [French] #66959
We now turn to draft resolution II, entitled “Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities”. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 32/95 Consensus

16.  The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order Report of the Secretary-General (A/65/483) Draft resolution (A/65/L.38) The President (spoke in French): I give the floor to the representative of Guyana to introduce draft resolution A/65/L.38.

Vote: 65/120 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 31/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 6   2 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (169)
Vote: 31/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 6   3 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (169)
Draft resolution II was adopted by 167 votes to 6, with 4 abstentions (resolution 65/99).
The President unattributed [French] #66960
We next turn to draft resolution III, entitled “Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 169 votes to 6, with 2 abstentions (resolution 65/100).
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 169   ✗ 6   2 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (169)
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 165   ✗ 9   2 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (165)
Vote: 31/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 171   ✗ 3   1 abs.
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✓ Yes (171)
The President unattributed [French] #66961
We now turn to draft resolution IV, entitled “Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 169 votes to 6, with 2 abstentions (resolution 65/101).
The President unattributed [French] #66962
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 51.
Vote: 31/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 167   ✗ 1   9 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (167)
Vote: 32/97 Recorded Vote
✓ 171   ✗ 3   2 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (171)
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 94 votes to 9, with 72 abstentions (resolution 65/102).
The President unattributed [French] #67205
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.
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 32/98 Recorded Vote
✓ 168   ✗ 3   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (168)
Draft resolution II was adopted by 169 votes to 6, with 2 abstentions (resolution 65/103).
The President unattributed [French] #67206
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.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 169 votes to 6, with 3 abstentions (resolution 65/104).
Vote: 32/99 Recorded Vote
✓ 151   ✗ 3   21 abs.
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✓ Yes (151)
The President unattributed [French] #67207
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.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 165 votes to 9, with 2 abstentions (resolution 65/105).
The President unattributed [French] #67208
Draft resolution V is entitled “The occupied Syrian Golan”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 167 votes to 1, with 9 abstentions (resolution 65/106).
The President unattributed [French] #67209
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 52?
It was so decided.

53.  Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/65/424) The President (spoke in French): 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/65/424?

It was so decided.
The President unattributed [French] #67485
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 53.

54.  Questions relating to information Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/65/425) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions 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 resolutions. Draft resolution A is entitled “Information in the service of humanity”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) adopted draft resolution A without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution A was adopted (resolution 65/107 A).
The President unattributed [French] #67487
Draft resolution B is entitled “United Nations public information policies and activities”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution B was adopted (resolution 65/107 B).
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #67488
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 54?
It was so decided.

55.  Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73e of the Charter of the United Nations Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/65/426) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 6 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 172 votes to none, with 5 abstentions (resolution 65/108).
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #67491
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 55?
It was so decided.

56.  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/65/427) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 6 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 173 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions (resolution 65/109).
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #67493
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 56?
It was so decided.

57.  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/65/428) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 6 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 119 votes to none, with 56 abstentions (resolution 65/110).
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #67495
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 57?
It was so decided.

58.  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/65/429) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 65/111).
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #67497
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 58?
It was so decided.
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 65/112).
The President unattributed [French] #67500
Draft resolution II is entitled “Question of New Caledonia”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth 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 65/113).
The President unattributed [French] #67501
Draft resolution III is entitled “Question of Tokelau”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth 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 65/114).
The President unattributed [French] #67502
Draft resolution IV is 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”. Draft resolution IV was adopted by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 65/115).
The President unattributed [French] #67504
Draft resolution V is entitled “Dissemination of information on decolonization”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 171 votes to 3, with 1 abstention (resolution 65/116).
The President unattributed [French] #67505
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 171 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions (resolution 65/117).
The President unattributed [French] #67507
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the Plurinational State of Bolivia advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VII was adopted by 168 votes to 3 (resolution 65/118).
The President unattributed [French] #67508
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VIII was adopted by 151 votes to 3, with 21 abstentions (resolution 65/119).
The President unattributed [French] #67510
We turn now to the draft decision entitled “Question of Gibraltar”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed [French] #67511
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 59.

118.  Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/65/431) The President (spoke in French): The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 5 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision, entitled “Proposed programme of work and timetable of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) for the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly”. The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) adopted the draft decision. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed [French] #67928
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 118.

130.  Programme planning Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/65/432) The President (spoke in French): May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee)?

It was so decided.
The President on behalf of General Assembly unattributed [French] #67930
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 130. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Chitsaka Chipaziwa, Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the United Nations and Chair of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), members of the Bureau, the Secretary of the Committee and representatives for a job well done. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) before it.
Mr. Talbot GUY Guyana on behalf of sponsors #67933
On behalf of the sponsors, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/65/L.38 on “The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order”, under agenda item 16. Since the presentation of the draft resolution, the following countries have joined as sponsors: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Comoros, Fiji, the Gambia, Honduras, Lesotho, Madagascar, Panama, Pakistan and Uruguay. Before addressing myself to the elements of the draft resolution, I should like to say a few words by way of preface. First, I wish to thank the Secretary- General for his report on the implementation of the new global human order (A/65/483). The report responds to the mandate of resolution 62/213, in which the General Assembly, for the first time, expressly recognized that inequality within and among countries was a concern for all countries, regardless of their level of development, and that it represented a growing challenge with multiple implications for the realization of economic and social potential and the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. As a consequence, the Secretary-General was requested to report on the implementation of the new global human order and to include in his report to the current session an assessment of the implications of inequality for development. The Secretary-General’s report encapsulates the key thrust of the proposal of a new global human order — its concern with the challenge of inequality and the need to reverse the growing disparities between rich and poor both within and among countries. It is concerned with the promotion of human development in the current globalized world, where the poor can often be found on the margins of progress but in the mainstream of setbacks and reversals. And it advocates for the creation of 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 throughout the world. We believe that if we are to meet these challenges, we must take a holistic approach to development, bringing together all dimensions and all actors. By focusing on addressing the challenges posed by inequality, the Assembly would be making an important contribution to the promotion of a new global human order. In this regard, the Secretary-General’s report presents a synoptic overview of inequality, highlighting its multiple dimensions, including existing trends in inequality both within and among countries, the causes of inequality and the implications of inequality for economic and social development. The report draws attention to three broad perspectives on inequality. First, “within-country inequality”, which refers to the gap between the rich and the poor within a country, can be measured at the individual or household level from a spatial perspective or from a horizontal perspective. Secondly, “international inequality” refers to the gap in average income between countries. And thirdly, “global inequality” refers to inequality at the individual or household level worldwide. The report points out that the recalculation of international and global inequalities using the new purchasing power parities shows that inequalities are substantially higher than previously thought. It highlights the findings of many studies which show that, in the majority of countries, within-country inequality has risen in the past two decades. Current levels of income inequality are unacceptably high and are growing in many countries. The ongoing economic crisis is affecting middleand low-income groups disproportionately, thus contributing to growing gaps between the rich and the poor. And interregional inequality is also on the rise. Among other findings of the report are the following. There is evidence that financial globalization has contributed in part to growing income inequality owing to the increasing incidence of crises resulting from increased risk. Lack of decent employment opportunities and low-productivity economic structures have contributed to the persistence of inequality. Inequality is passed down through generations because of inequitable access to opportunity. Children born into extremely poor households experience fewer and poorer educational opportunities and have poorer health owing to a lack of access to health care. This lack of equal opportunity ensures that inequality will continue to transfer across generations if there are no interventions to prevent it. The Commission on Social Determinants of Health convened by the World Health Organization found that while the unequal distribution of health care is a key determinant of health inequity, unequal living conditions contribute in large part to the high burden of illness and premature loss of life worldwide. In its final report in 2008, the Commission concluded that reducing health inequities is an ethical imperative. The impact of economic growth on poverty reduction is diminished in countries with high levels of inequality. When social, economic and political inequalities coincide with cultural differences, culture can become a powerful mobilizing agent for a range of political disturbances, including violent conflict and civil war. The presence of severe horizontal inequalities does not produce wide-scale violence as such, but rather makes multi-ethnic countries more vulnerable to the emergence of violent conflicts along ethnic lines. Gender inequality reduces growth and development by lowering overall human capital. The report observes that there is strong evidence that such economic policies as financial liberalization, privatization and structural adjustment programmes have contributed to increases in income inequality. It suggests that efforts to actively reduce inequality therefore need to be considered when designing economic development policies, especially for poverty eradication. Against this background, it can be said that the implications of inequality for development outcomes is a subject that warrants closer attention from the international community. Turning now to the draft resolution contained in document A/65/L.38, I should like to state that it builds on its predecessor, resolution 62/213, by bringing into sharper relief the issue of inequality as a concern that deserves more focused attention from the international community as a whole. Among the new elements of the present text compared to those adopted previously are the following. In the sixth preambular paragraph, the Assembly stresses the multidimensional nature of inequality and unequal access to social and economic opportunities and their complex interrelationship with efforts to eradicate poverty, promote sustained, inclusive and equitable growth and sustainable development, and the full enjoyment of human rights. In the eighth preambular paragraph, the Assembly considers that inequalities continue to pose major barriers to attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and that efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs, often take insufficient account of the relationship and impact of inequality on economic and social development. Of note also is the concern expressed in the seventh preambular paragraph at the prevalence of gender inequality, which is often expressed in poorer outcomes for women relative to men on social development indicators. In its operative part, the new provisions of draft resolution A/65/L.38 include the following. In paragraph 13, the Assembly encourages greater consideration of the impact of social and economic inequalities in development, as well as further analytical and empirical research, in particular, by relevant institutions of the United Nations system. In paragraph 14, the Assembly recognizes the efforts of many countries in addressing inequality, and acknowledges the need for strengthened international efforts to complement national efforts in this area. In paragraph 15, the Assembly recognizes the facilitating role that regional, subregional and interregional cooperation can play in the exchange of knowledge and experience in achieving human development and reducing inequalities. In paragraph 16, the Secretary-General is requested to include in his report on the implementation of the present draft resolution recommendations on ways and means to address inequality at all levels, in particular within the United Nations framework, as a contribution to ongoing efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs. In conclusion, I wish to thank my colleague, Mr. Troy Torrington, for ably spearheading the negotiations on Guyana’s behalf that led to agreement on the draft resolution before us. I also extend my sincere thanks to all of the countries that have joined as co-sponsors of the draft resolution. Our appreciation goes, too, to all partners for their constructive engagement and cooperative spirit that ensured a fruitful negotiating process. Finally, Sir, it is my honour, on behalf of all the sponsors, to commend draft resolution A/65/L.38 to the General Assembly for adoption by consensus.
Mr. Charles TTO Trinidad and Tobago #67935
I have the honour to address the Assembly today on behalf of the States members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on agenda item 16, entitled “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. CARICOM also expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report on the implementation of the new global human order contained in document A/65/483. Pursuant to the mandate of resolution 62/213, the Secretary-General’s report provides a useful overview of the question of inequality and its implications for development. It is evident that, 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 ensuring human development in a globalized world. The challenge of inequality is one that has engaged the attention of the Latin American and Caribbean region. At the thirty-third session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), held in Brasilia from 30 May to 1 June, States of the region gave focused consideration to this issue on the basis of a landmark report produced by ECLAC under the title “Time for equality: closing gaps, opening trails”. We believe that the proposal of a new global human order speaks to the need for a qualitatively different approach to development that addresses these realities and takes cognizance of the shortcomings of previous global strategies. It also 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, peoplecentred 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 United Nations is well placed by virtue of its overarching role in the promotion of international economic and social progress to pursue the operationalization of such an approach to development. 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. Our countries support and have sponsored the draft resolution contained in document A/65/L.38 on the role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order. We therefore call on Members of the United Nations to lend their valuable support to this draft resolution.
Mr. Ben Ashur LBY Libya [Arabic] #67938
My delegation has reviewed the report submitted by the Secretary-General on the role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order (A/65/483) pursuant to resolution 62/213. The report includes information, results and recommendations on this issue that are undoubtedly of great value and deserve our praise and thanks. In recent decades, the efforts of the international community have been directed towards the establishment of a new financial and economic order based on the principles of justice, equity and sovereign equality among countries big and small. It would ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all, while taking into account the differing responsibilities and capacities of developing and developed countries. The new order would be based on full recognition of the economic and social rights of developing countries, such as the right to development and rights relating to sovereignty over natural and economic resources, as well as the operationalization of their role and participation in decision-making within the international financial institutions. It would also call for the restructuring and reform of these institutions, foremost among them the Bretton Woods institutions. International efforts in this respect over the past three decades have culminated in socio-economic initiatives led by the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77. These initiatives have received wide support from other regional groups, but unfortunately are considered dead letter within the documents and archives of the United Nations and other international organizations. They have fallen on deaf ears and enjoy no real support from the big capitalist Powers, which seek only to strengthen their own control over the international economy. These political and economic initiatives can therefore be found only on the shelves of national and international libraries due to the lack of political resolve to implement them. In reality, the current situation is the result of political excuses based on fear and reflects tensions and lack of trust similar to those experienced during the Cold War. Today, as we witness successive international and regional changes and the exacerbation of inequalities, economic, technical and cultural globalism has become more evident than ever before. It includes urban-rural interdependence and rapid exchanges throughout the world — the so-called global village — in the economic, social and political fields. We have seen with our own eyes how the big Powers became incapable and paralyzed when faced with successive economic and social crises. We have also witnessed a new chapter of those crises — the so-called currency wars — that affected the biggest capitalist systems and caused many institutions to collapse. We must all understand that it is high time to give up these selfish illusions and ambitions, which have no place in today’s world if we truly want all peoples to enjoy decent standards of living, security and stability today and in the future. There can be no doubt that we are at an impasse in terms of reducing international inequality and inequity; that is evident in the increasing gaps between rich and poor countries and the disparities in the distribution of annual global revenues and wealth. The greatest challenges to multilateral cooperation are the aforementioned inequalities in the world economy, even as we seek solutions to the interrelated crises, and those resulting from the current world economic and financial difficulties; their negative consequences for economies large and emerging; and the threats they pose to small and marginalized economies in particular. The international financial, economic and social crises facing the world are also unambiguous harbingers of a dark and insecure future if we do not start devoting determined, joint international efforts to reversing the serious emerging trends. We can do so only if the great Powers have sufficient political will to move beyond the obsolete economic policies and structures and outdated capitalist theories and values that time and developments have shown to be incompatible with today’s world and ineffectual in the face of the problems associated with economic, financial and technological globalization. In conclusion, I affirm that the time has come to establish a new global human order in order to find appropriate solutions to the problems and crises we face, including the global economic, social and financial crises. It should place the human being at the centre of our interests and concerns through a comprehensive approach encompassing sustainable development based on the principles of justice, equity and the sovereign equality of all countries, small and large; respect for the right of peoples to development and to just compensation for the historic oppression to which they were subject during the eras of colonialism and slavery; respect for the right to decent living standards; prevention of all forms of discrimination, oppression and racism; the rejection of hegemony and foreign occupation; and the sovereignty of States over their economic and natural resources. The new global human order should be upheld by international multilateral financial, economic, social, political and security institutions that respect the sovereign equality of all States and the principles of democracy, transparency and justice, and that fight against hegemony. The rights and prerogatives of all countries, regardless of their size, should also be respected.
The President unattributed [French] #67940
We have heard the last speaker in the debate on agenda item 16. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/65/L.38. The representative of Belgium has asked to speak in explanation of position.
Mr. De Bassompierre BEL Belgium on behalf of European Union #67943
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The candidate countries Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Montenegro; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this declaration. The European Union would like to thank Guyana and the sponsors for submitting the General Assembly draft resolution on the role of the United Nations, in promoting a new global human order (A/65/L.38), and will be happy to join in its consensus adoption. The European Union welcomes the draft resolution’s very strong focus on inequality, an issue of utmost importance that deserves adequate attention at all levels, including in the United Nations framework. The draft resolution reinforces this dimension compared to its earlier version of three years ago. The European Union believes that the overarching framework for addressing inequality should be the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS), and more specifically the outcome document of the High-Level Plenary Meeting on the MDGs (resolution 65/1). This is clearly recognized by the draft resolution, which adequately updates previous versions to take into account the MDG outcome.
The President unattributed [French] #67944
We have heard the only speaker in explanation of position. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/65/L.38. I call on the representative of the Secretariat.
Mr. Nakano Department for General Assembly and Conference Management #67945
I would like to inform the Assembly that since the introduction of draft resolution A/65/L.38, the following countries have also become co-sponsors: Tunisia, the United Republic of Tanzania and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
The President unattributed [French] #67946
May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/65/L.38?
Draft resolution A/65/L.38 was adopted (resolution 65/120).
The President unattributed duplicate [French] #67948
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 16? Programme of work The President (spoke in French): I would like to draw the attention of members to the date for the recess of the work of this Assembly. Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting on 17 September 2010, the General Assembly decided that its sixty-fifth session would recess on Tuesday, 14 December 2010. However, in view of the work that remains to be done for this part of the session, I propose that the Assembly postpone the date of recess for the current session to Wednesday, 22 December 2010. May I take it that the Assembly agrees to that proposal?
It was so decided.
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [French] #67950
I should also like to consult members about an extension for the work of the Fifth Committee. Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting on 17 September 2010, the General Assembly approved the recommendation of the General Committee that the Fifth Committee would complete its work by Friday, 10 December 2010. However, the President of the Assembly has been informed by the Chairman of the Fifth Committee that the Committee will not be able to finish its work by today, Friday, 10 December. May I take it that the General Assembly agrees to extend the work of the Fifth Committee until Friday, 17 December 2010?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [French] #67952
Finally, I would like to inform members that, in light of the new date for the recess of the Assembly, consideration of agenda item 69, “Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance”, and its sub-items (a) to (d), will take place on Wednesday, 15 December 2010. Also, agenda item 32, “The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict”, will be considered on Thursday, 16 December 2010. In addition, the reports of the Third and Second Committees will be considered on Monday, 20 December and Tuesday, 21 December 2010, respectively.
The meeting rose at 12 noon.
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UN Project. “A/65/PV.62.” UN Project, https://un-project.org/meeting/A-65-PV-62/. Accessed .