A/66/PV.89 General Assembly

Monday, Dec. 19, 2011 — Session 66, Meeting 89 — New York — UN Document ↗ — OCR ✓ — ⓘ 103 unattributed speechs — ⚠ 11 duplicate speechs
▶ This meeting at a glance
114
Speeches
9
Countries
73
Resolutions
Resolutions: 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 32/97, 32/98, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 31/37, 32/132, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 32/97, 32/98, 32/99, 32/100, 32/101, 32/127, 32/128, 39/192, 34/131, 40/229, 40/230, 37//6/, 48/137, 40/233, 36/170, 48/140, 39/201, 56/169, 31/37, 31/125, 32/95, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 32/97, 31/125, A/RES/66/175, A/RES/66/176, A/RES/66/136, A/RES/66/144, A/RES/66/153, A/RES/66/154, A/RES/66/161, A/RES/66/143, A/RES/66/156, A/RES/66/159, A/RES/66/146, A/RES/66/155, A/RES/66/174, A/RES/66/147
Topics
UN resolutions and decisions Human rights and rule of law Counterterrorism and crime General statements and positions Conflict-related sexual violence Arab political groupings

The meeting was called to order at 10.15 a.m.
Vote: A/RES/66/175 Recorded Vote
✓ 89   ✗ 30   64 abs.
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✓ Yes (89)
Vote: A/RES/66/176 Recorded Vote
✓ 133   ✗ 11   43 abs.
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✓ Yes (133)
Vote: A/RES/66/136 Recorded Vote
✓ 122   ✗ 3   59 abs.
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✓ Yes (122)
Vote: A/RES/66/144 Recorded Vote
✓ 138   ✗ 6   46 abs.
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✓ Yes (138)
Vote: A/RES/66/153 Recorded Vote
✓ 135   ✗ 54   1 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (135)
Vote: A/RES/66/154 Recorded Vote
✓ 136   ✗ 53   2 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
Absent (2)
✓ Yes (136)
Vote: A/RES/66/161 Recorded Vote
✓ 137   ✗ 54   0 abs.
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Absent (2)
✓ Yes (137)
Vote: A/RES/66/143 Recorded Vote
✓ 134   ✗ 24   32 abs.
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✓ Yes (134)
Vote: A/RES/66/156 Recorded Vote
✓ 137   ✗ 54   0 abs.
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Absent (2)
✓ Yes (137)
Vote: A/RES/66/159 Recorded Vote
✓ 130   ✗ 54   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (130)
Vote: A/RES/66/146 Recorded Vote
✓ 182   ✗ 7   3 abs.
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— Abstain (3)
Absent (1)
✓ Yes (182)
Vote: A/RES/66/155 Recorded Vote
✓ 154   ✗ 6   29 abs.
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✓ Yes (154)
Vote: A/RES/66/174 Recorded Vote
✓ 123   ✗ 16   51 abs.
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✓ Yes (123)
Vote: A/RES/66/147 Recorded Vote
✓ 130   ✗ 53   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (130)

Reports of the Third Committee

The President unattributed [Arabic] #70598
The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 27, 28, 62, 64 to 69, 107, 108, 121 and 135. I now request the Rapporteur of the Third Committee, Miss Kadra Ahmed Hassan of Djibouti, to introduce the reports of the Committee in one intervention. Miss Hassan (Djibouti), Rapporteur of the Third Committee (spoke in French): It is a great honour and privilege for me to introduce to the General Assembly the reports of the Third Committee submitted under the agenda items allocated to it by the Assembly: items 27, 28, 62, 64 to 69, 107, 108, 121 and 135. The reports, contained in documents A/66/454 to A/66/466, include the texts of draft resolutions and decisions recommended to the General Assembly for adoption. For the convenience of delegations, the Secretariat has issued document A/C.3/66/INF/1*, which contains a checklist of action taken on the draft proposals contained in the reports before the Assembly. Under agenda item 27, entitled “Social development”, including its sub-items (a), (b) and (c), the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 35 of document A/66/454 (Part II), the adoption of seven draft resolutions and, in paragraph 36, the adoption of one draft decision. I call the Assembly’s attention to a minor error in the English version of the report. The following countries, which were inadvertently omitted and whose names were read out by the principal sponsors, should be added to the list contained in paragraph 9 on page 7: Austria, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Thailand and Ukraine. The Assembly will also recall that, at its 73rd plenary meeting, on 5 December, the General Assembly adopted resolution 66/67, entitled “Tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers”, which was recommended by the Third Committee in document A/66/454 (Part I). Under agenda item 28, entitled “Advancement of women”, including its sub-items (a) and (b), the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 26 of document A/66/455, the adoption of five draft resolutions and, in paragraph 27, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 62, entitled “Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/66/456, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under agenda item 64, entitled “Report of the Human Rights Council”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 20 of document A/66/457, the adoption of three draft resolutions and, in paragraph 21, the adoption of one draft decision. I should point out that on page 6 of the English version of the report, the draft resolution entitled “United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training”, should be designated as draft resolution II, not draft resolution III. Under agenda item 65, entitled “Promotion and protection of the rights of children”, including its sub-items (a) and (b), the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 32 of document A/66/458, the adoption of three draft resolutions and, in paragraph 33, the adoption of a draft decision. I would like to make a minor correction to the English version of draft resolution I, entitled “Strengthening collaboration on child protection within the United Nations system”. Paragraph 2 should read as follows: “Reiterates the importance of all relevant actors of the United Nations on child protection to continue to exercise their functions in a fully independent manner and to act in full observance of their respective mandates;” Under agenda item 66, entitled “Rights of indigenous peoples”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 11 of document A/66/459, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 67, entitled “Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”, including its sub-items (a) and (b), the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 17 of document A/66/460, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 18, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 68, entitled “Right of peoples to self-determination”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 19 of document A/66/461, the adoption of three draft resolutions and, in paragraph 20, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 69, entitled “Promotion and protection of human rights”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 5 of document A/66/462, the adoption of one draft decision. Under sub-item (a) of agenda item 69, entitled “Implementation of human rights instruments”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 22 of document A/66/462/Add.1, the adoption of four draft resolutions. It is my understanding that the Assembly will defer its consideration of draft resolution IV, entitled “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto” until such time as it has before it the relevant report of the Fifth Committee. Under sub-item (b) of agenda item 69, entitled “Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 108 of document A/66/462/Add.2, the adoption of 23 draft resolutions. Under sub-item (c) of agenda item 69, entitled “Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 33 of document A/66/462/ Add.3, the adoption of four draft resolutions. It is my understanding that the Assembly will defer its consideration of draft resolution II, entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”, until such time as it has before it the relevant report of the Fifth Committee. Under sub-item (d) of agenda item 69, entitled “Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action”, the Third Committee advises the Assembly, in document A/66/462/Add.4, that no action was required under the sub-item. Under agenda item 107, entitled “Crime prevention and criminal justice”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 25 of document A/66/463, the adoption of six draft resolutions and, in paragraph 26, the adoption of one draft decision. Should the General Assembly adopt draft resolutions I and II, as contained in the report, it will not need to adopt draft resolutions I and II contained in the report under agenda item 108, entitled “International drug control”, as the texts in the two reports before the Assembly are identical. I wish to point out that in paragraph 18 on page 11 of the English version of the report, the name of Switzerland should be deleted from the list of sponsors. Under agenda item 108, entitled “International drug control”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/66/464, the adoption of draft resolution III only, since draft resolutions I and II are already contained in document A/66/463. Under agenda item 121, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/66/465*, the adoption of one draft decision. Lastly, under agenda item 135, entitled “Programme planning”, the Third Committee advises the Assembly, in document A/66/466, that no action was required under the agenda item. I would like to thank my fellow Bureau members, in particular the Chair of the Committee, Ambassador Hussein Haniff, and Vice-Chairs Donnette Critchlow, Carolina Popovici and Luca Zelioli, as well as the Secretary of the Committee, Otto Gustafik, for their support and friendship in making this session efficient and ensuring its timely conclusion. I respectfully commend the reports of the Third Committee to the plenary of the General Assembly for its consideration. (spoke in English) I would like to wish you, Mr. President, the Bureau members, the Secretariat and my colleagues all the pleasures of the holidays, with warmth and blessed peace. I would also like to bid farewell to my colleagues. May peace, prosperity and success follow them always and forever. It has been a pleasure to work with all of them.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70599
I thank the Rapporteur of the Third 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 Third Committee that are before the Assembly today.

27.  Social development (a) Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly (b) Social development, including questions relating to the world social situation and to youth, ageing, disabled persons and the family (c) Follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons: Second World Assembly on Ageing Report of the Third Committee (A/66/454 (Part II))

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

28.  Advancement of women (a) Advancement of women (b) Implementation of the Fourth World Conference on Women and of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly Report of the Third Committee (A/66/455)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

62.  Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions Report of the Third Committee (A/66/456)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

65.  Promotion and protection of the rights of children (a) Promotion and protection of the rights of children (b) Follow-up to the outcome of the special session on children Report of the Third Committee (A/66/458)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

68.  Right of peoples to self-determination Report of the Third Committee (A/66/461)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

107.  Crime prevention and criminal justice Report of the Third Committee (A/66/463)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

108.  International drug control Report of the Third Committee (A/66/464)

Vote: 31/125 Consensus
It was so decided.

67.  Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (a) Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (b) Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action Report of the Third Committee (A/66/460)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 134   ✗ 24   32 abs.
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✓ Yes (134)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70600
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Third Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that, under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that “When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, 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 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 Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified to the contrary in advance. This means that where recorded votes were taken, we will do the same. I should also hope that we will proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Committee. Before proceeding, I would like to draw the attention of members to a note by the Secretariat, entitled “List of proposals contained in the reports of the Third Committee”, which has been circulated, in English only, as document A/C.3/66/INF/1*. That note has been distributed desk-to-desk as a reference guide for action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Committee in its reports. In that connection, members will find in the third column of the note the numbers of the draft resolutions or decisions of the Committee, with the corresponding symbols of the reports for action in the plenary in the second column of the same note. Furthermore, 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 Third Committee.

64.  Report of the Human Rights Council Report of the Third Committee (A/66/457)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 122   ✗ 3   59 abs.
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✓ Yes (122)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70601
Members will recall that the Assembly considered the report contained in Part I of document A/66/454 at its 73rd plenary meeting, on 5 December. The Assembly now has before it seven draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 35 of its report and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 36 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to VII and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Policies and programmes involving youth”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus

69.  Promotion and protection of human rights Report of the Third Committee (A/66/462)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 66/121).
Vote: 32/132 Recorded Vote
✓ 182   ✗ 7   3 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (182)

(c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives Report of the Third Committee (A/66/462/Add.3)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 123   ✗ 16   51 abs.
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✓ Yes (123)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70602
Draft resolution II is entitled “Promoting social integration through social inclusion”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Recorded Vote
✓ 138   ✗ 6   46 abs.
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✓ Yes (138)
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 66/122).
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70603
Draft resolution III is entitled “Cooperatives in social development”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 66/123).
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 130   ✗ 53   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (130)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70604
Draft resolution IV is entitled “High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals for persons with disabilities”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 66/124).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70605
Draft resolution V is entitled “Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 66/125).
Vote: 31/127 Consensus
Vote: 31/127 Consensus
Vote: 31/127 Consensus
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70606
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Preparations for and observance of the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 66/126).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70607
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 66/127).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70608
The draft decision contained in paragraph 36 of the report is entitled “Reports considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of social development”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee?
The draft decision was adopted.
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 89   ✗ 30   64 abs.
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✓ Yes (89)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70609
I call on the observer of the Holy See.
Mr. Bené VAT Holy See #70610
On the adoption this morning of resolution 66/126 on the preparations for and observance of the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, my delegation takes this opportunity to affirm the central role of the family in the life of every human person, community and society. Affirmed in international instruments, the family, founded on the marriage of one man and one woman, is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State. In the preparations for and observance of the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, my delegation affirms the importance of Governments working together to support the family. With the family institution increasingly under attack in many societies, my delegation reaffirms the indispensible role of the family, bearing in mind the different cultural, political and social realities in which the family exists. Each family is called to be a living cell of society, a wellspring of virtues, a school of constructive and peaceful coexistence, an instrument of harmony and a privileged environment in which human life is welcomed and protected, joyfully and responsibly, from its beginning until its natural end. In that regard, my delegation takes the opportunity to point out the role of parents, and in particular their primary responsibility, prior to the State, for the upbringing and development of their children. Finally, resolution 66/126 rightly encourages Member States to adopt holistic approaches to policies and programmes that address family poverty, social exclusion and work/family balance and that share good practices in those areas. I take this opportunity to express gratitude for the support that resolution 66/126 gives to the family.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70612
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 27 and its sub-items (a) to (c)?
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 136   ✗ 53   2 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (136)
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 133   ✗ 11   43 abs.
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✓ Yes (133)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70618
The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 26 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 27 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to V and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Violence against women migrant workers”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 66/128).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70619
Draft resolution II is entitled “Improvement of the situation of women in rural areas”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 31/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 154   ✗ 6   29 abs.
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✓ Yes (154)
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 66/129).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70620
Draft resolution III is entitled “Women and political participation”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 66/130).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70621
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/97 Recorded Vote
✓ 137   ✗ 54   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (137)
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 66/131).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70622
Draft resolution V is entitled “Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 66/132).
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70623
I now invite delegations to turn to paragraph 27 of the report to take action on the draft decision entitled “Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences”. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt the draft decision, as recommended by the Third Committee?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70624
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 28 and its sub-items (a) and (b)?
Vote: 32/99 Consensus
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70627
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to III. Draft resolution I is entitled “Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 66/133).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70630
Draft resolution II is entitled “Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 130   ✗ 54   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (77)
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 66/134).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70632
Draft resolution III is entitled “Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 66/135).
Vote: 32/101 Recorded Vote
✓ 137   ✗ 54   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (123)
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #70634
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 62?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70638
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 20 of its report and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 21 of the same report. I give the floor to the representative of the United Republic of Tanzania in explanation of vote before the voting.
Ms. Maduhu TZA United Republic of Tanzania on behalf of members of the Group of African States on draft resolution #70641
I take the floor today to speak on behalf of the members of the Group of African States on draft resolution I, entitled “Report of the Human Rights Council”. For the African Group, the draft resolution is in conformity, from the procedural aspect, with the status of the Human Rights Council as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly, and whereby the Third Committee is the Main Committee of the Assembly responsible for the consideration of human rights issues, as reaffirmed by the General Assembly in resolution 65/291 on the review of the Human Rights Council. Thus, all recommendations of the Council, including its decisions and resolutions, should be considered by the Third Committee. The Group has presented the aforementioned draft resolution despite the fact that it observes with deep concern that the work of the Council has recently become more politicized and selective. The Group is alarmed at the adoption by the Council of several resolutions, including one on an undefined notion that has no legal foundation in international law. The Group reaffirms that fundamental freedoms and human rights are universally recognized and should be enjoyed by all human beings without discrimination on the basis of their humanity, without regard to any particular individual conduct or sexual preference. The Group is also alarmed at the systematic attempts to misinterpret the Universal Declaration and international treaties to include undefined notions. The Group regrets that the Council continues to adopt a confrontational rather than a cooperative and consensus-building approach in its work, resulting in an increasing number of resolutions being adopted by voting. These include recommendations that are of utmost important to the Group, inter alia, concerning trafficking in persons, access to medicine in the context of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, combating contemporary forms of slavery, the right to development, and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms through a better understanding of traditional values of humankind, among others. Despite the serious concerns of the Group regarding the content of the report, the Group will vote in favour of draft resolution I.
Vote: 32/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 137   ✗ 54   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (123)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70642
The Assembly will now take action on resolutions I, II and III and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Report of the Human Rights Council”. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Syrian Arab Republic Abstaining: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tonga, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America
Draft resolution I was adopted by 122 votes to 3, with 59 abstentions (resolution 66/136).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70643
Draft resolution II is entitled “United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/128 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 66/137).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70644
Draft resolution III is entitled “Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 66/138).
Vote: 39/192 Consensus
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70645
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 21 of its report, entitled “Report of the Secretary-General on the observance of the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims”. The Third 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 [Arabic] #70646
I give the floor to the representative of the Holy See.
Vote: 34/131 Consensus
Mr. Bené VAT Holy See #70647
In regard to the adoption of resolution 66/136 on the report of the Human Rights Council (A/66/53) this morning, my delegation takes this opportunity to draw attention to Human Rights Council resolution 17/19, contained in the report. As my delegation has stated in other forums, no international consensus exists regarding the terms of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity”, which are ill-defined terms that are open to various forms of subjective interpretation. For that reason, their inclusion under the category of “Other status” in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights would be inappropriate and, in any event, unnecessary in the case of rights afforded to all human beings. The attempt to create novel categories of non-discrimination ex post facto and read them into the Covenants themselves exceeds the competence of the treaty-monitoring bodies and would undermine the reasons why States ratified such treaties. Furthermore, principles enunciated by experts have no binding authorities, save those which are consonant with internationally agreed human rights law.
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #70648
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 64?
It was so decided.
Vote: 40/229 Consensus
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70671
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 32 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 33 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I, II and III and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Strengthening collaboration on child protection within the United Nations system”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 66/139).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70672
Draft resolution II is entitled “The girl child”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 40/230 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 66/140).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70674
Draft resolution III is entitled “Rights of the child”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 66/141).
Vote: 37//6/ Consensus
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70676
We shall now turn to paragraph 33 of the report to take action on the draft decision entitled “Reports considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of the promotion and protection of the rights of children”. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #70677
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 65 and its sub-items (a) and (b)?
Vote: 48/137 Consensus
It was so decided.

66.  Rights of indigenous peoples (a) Rights of indigenous peoples (b) Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People Report of the Third Committee (A/66/459)

The President unattributed [Arabic] #70684
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. We will now take action on the draft resolution. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 66/142).
Vote: 40/233 Consensus
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #70689
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 66 and its sub-items (a) and (b)?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70694
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 18 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II and on the draft decision. Draft resolution I is entitled “Inadmissibility of certain practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 36/170 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 134 votes to 24, with 32 abstentions (resolution 66/143).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70697
Draft resolution II is entitled “Global efforts for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action”. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 48/140 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 138 votes to 6, with 46 abstentions (resolution 66/144).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70700
We now turn to the draft decision entitled “Reports considered by the General Assembly in connection with the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”, recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 18 of document A/66/460. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision, as recommended by the Committee?
Vote: 39/201 Consensus
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #70701
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 67 and its sub-items (a) and (b)?
It was so decided.
Vote: 56/169 Consensus
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #70785
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 19 of its report, and one draft decision recommended in paragraph 20 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to III and the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 66/145).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70787
Draft resolution II is entitled “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 182 votes to 7, with 3 abstentions (resolution 66/146).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70789
Draft resolution III is entitled “Use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 130 votes to 53, with 6 abstentions (resolution 66/147).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #70791
We now turn to the draft decision entitled “Report of the Secretary-General on the right of peoples to self-determination”, contained in paragraph 20 of the Third Committee’s report contained in document A/66/461. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision as recommended by the Third Committee?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #70793
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 68?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71046
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 5 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision entitled “Documents considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of the promotion and protection of human rights”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision as recommended by the Third Committee?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71049
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 69. (a) Implementation of human rights instruments Report of the Third Committee (A/66/462/Add.1)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71052
The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 22 of its report. Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution IV, entitled “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto”, is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will therefore take action on draft resolution IV as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to III, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “International Covenants on Human Rights”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 66/148)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71055
Draft resolution II is entitled “World Down Syndrome Day”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 66/149).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71058
Draft resolution III is entitled “Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 66/150).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71060
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 69. (b) Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms Report of the Third Committee (A/66/462/Add.2)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71065
The Assembly has before it 23 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 108 of its report. We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to XXIII, one by one. After all decisions have been taken, representatives will have the opportunity to explain their votes or positions. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “The universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing nature of all human rights and fundamental freedoms”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 66/151).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71067
Draft resolution II is entitled “Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 66/152).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71069
Draft resolution III is entitled “Promotion of equitable geographical distribution in the membership of the human rights treaty bodies”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 135 votes to 54, with 1 abstention (resolution 66/153).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71070
The Assembly will turn now to draft resolution IV, entitled “Human rights and cultural diversity”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 136 votes to 53, with 2 abstentions (resolution 66/154).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71074
The Assembly will turn now to draft resolution V, entitled “The right to development”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 154 votes to 6, with 29 abstentions (resolution 66/155).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71077
The Assembly will turn now to draft resolution VI, entitled “Human rights and unilateral coercive measures”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 137 votes to 54 (resolution 66/156).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71078
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Strengthening United Nations action in the field of human rights through the promotion of international cooperation and the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 66/157).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71083
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “The right to food”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 66/158).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71086
The Assembly will turn now to draft resolution IX, entitled “Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order”. A recorded vote has been requested. Against: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom of
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IX was adopted by 130 votes to 54, with 6 abstentions (resolution 66/159).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71089
Draft resolution X is entitled “International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 66/160).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71092
The Assembly will turn now to draft resolution XI, entitled “Globalization and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XI was adopted by 137 votes to 54 (resolution 66/161).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71093
Draft resolution XII is entitled “Subregional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XII was adopted (resolution 66/162).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71095
Draft resolution XIII is entitled “Strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing periodic and genuine elections and the promotion of democratization”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIII was adopted (resolution 66/163).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71098
Draft resolution XIV is entitled “Promotion of the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIV was adopted (resolution 66/164).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71100
Draft resolution XV is entitled “Protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XV was adopted (resolution 66/165).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71103
Draft resolution XVI is entitled “Effective promotion of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XVI was adopted (resolution 66/166).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71106
Draft resolution XVII is entitled “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XVII was adopted (resolution 66/167).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71108
Draft resolution XVIII is entitled “Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on religion or belief”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XVIII was adopted (resolution 66/168).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71110
Draft resolution XIX is entitled “National institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIX was adopted (resolution 66/169).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71113
Draft resolution XX is entitled “International Day of the Girl Child”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XX was adopted (resolution 66/170).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71115
Draft resolution XXI is entitled “Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XXI was adopted (resolution 66/171).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71116
Draft resolution XXII is entitled “Protection of migrants”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XXII was adopted (resolution 66/172).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71119
Draft resolution XXIII is entitled “Follow-up to the International Year of Human Rights Learning”. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XXIII was adopted (resolution 66/173).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #71122
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 69?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72295
The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 33 of its report. Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution II, entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”, 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. I now give the floor to those representatives wishing to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Khazaee IRN Islamic Republic of Iran #72296
At the outset, let me thank you, Sir, for providing me with this opportunity to reiterate in brief the position of my delegation with regard to draft resolution III, entitled “Human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. Building on the invaluable lessons learned from the shortcomings of the former Commission on Human Rights, the Human Rights Council has inspired new hopes and desires for sound and decent solutions to the maladies of the Commission, in particular regarding its selective approach towards the human rights situations in different countries. Likewise, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the Human Rights Council to be a focal point for all Governments to address global human rights challenges devoid of politicization, selectivity, double standards and confrontation. While reiterating our grave dissatisfaction with the emerging concerted efforts to force the Council back onto the path of the former Commission, my delegation would like to reaffirm that the rationale behind creating the Universal Periodic Review was to ensure universality and non-selectivity in the work of the Human Rights Council, the real performance of which, in a logical setting, would allow the United Nations human rights machinery to act beyond the monopoly of a few Member States. However, it is deplorable that, despite the existence of the mechanism of the Universal Periodic Review in the Human Rights Council, certain countries still continue to bring country-specific resolutions before both the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly to meet their political purposes. The Islamic Republic of Iran has always manifested its sincere commitment to the promotion of human rights at the national, regional and international levels. Our unwavering commitment and corresponding efforts and activities on the promotion of human rights emanate from our religious obligation and the provisions of our Constitution, as well as from the international treaties to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is a party. Accordingly, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is fully cooperating with the United Nations mechanism on human rights. On 17 and 18 October, the third periodic report of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was considered by the Human Rights Committee with the active and constructive participation of a high-ranking delegation dispatched from Iran. My country is also an active party to many of the core international human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In that regard, Iran submitted a third periodic report on the basis of article 40 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and defended that report on 17 and 18 October during the 103rd session of the Human Rights Committee in Geneva. The second periodic report of the Islamic Republic of Iran within the framework of the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was also submitted to the relevant committee. Accordingly, the Islamic Republic of Iran has submitted and defended two reports, and is in the final stage of preparing its third and fourth reports to the Committee on the Rights of the Child. I would like to reiterate the position of my Government that if Canada is really concerned about the human rights situation, it is certainly on the wrong track. While saying that, we do not mean to counter those unsubstantiated allegations by accusing our accusers in return or by reminding members of the concerns raised by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and about the situation of minority groups in that country. We by no means intend to say that, nor do we seek to refer to the serious concerns expressed by the independent expert on minority issues to the Human Rights Council over the use of racial profiling as a systematic practice and the excessive use of force leading to death, particularly with respect to young black males. Nor do we intend to refer to the human rights situation in the United States, even in recent months; or to that country’s reaction to the so-called peaceful protests around the country; to the reports by reliable sources in 2011 regarding the continued use of excessive force and cruel prison conditions, including indefinite military detention, in Guantanamo; or to the devastating situation of detainees in the United States detention facility on the Bagram air base in Afghanistan and in secret United States detention centres around the world. My delegation believes that the right track resides in the sincere willingness and determination of the countries involved to work together and to create a favourable environment based upon common understanding and respect for the promotion of the human rights situation at any level. It is the strong belief of my country that naming and shaming tactics, the adoption of country-specific resolutions and the manipulation of United Nations human rights mechanisms will not lead us towards mutually acceptable results that will benefit the promotion of human rights. Finally, in proposing a motion of no-action on draft resolution III, my delegation would like to request all delegations to consider the politicized nature of this move. We urge them to vote in favour of the motion and to reject such attempts to save the credibility and integrity of the United Nations human rights mechanism.
Mr. Wittig DEU Germany #72297
I am taking the floor in connection with draft resolution IV contained in document A/66/462/Add.3, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic”. Germany is one of the main sponsors of the draft resolution. On 22 November, the Third Committee adopted the draft resolution on the human rights situation in Syria by a vote of 122 to 13, with 41 abstentions. That unprecedented and clear result was meant by the international community to send a strong signal to the Syrian authorities to immediately stop the violence and the systematic human rights violence against their own population. Despite that signal, the crackdown by Syrian security forces against peaceful protesters and civilians has continued unabated. According to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, reliable information indicates ongoing systematic attacks on civilians, including a shoot-to-kill policy by Syrian security forces, thousands of arbitrary arrests and the widespread use of torture in Syrian detention centres. The number of people killed since the protests in Syria began earlier this year now probably exceeds 5,000, including many children, as attested by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Pillay. Despite the repeated calls of the international community, the Syrian authorities continue to refuse access to the commission of inquiry mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council and have so far have failed to implement the Plan of Action of the League of Arab States. The draft resolution before us is a unique and ad hoc response to the dramatic events taking place on the ground in the Syrian Arab Republic as we speak. Over the past weekend alone, more than 20 dead were added to the sad and long list of victims. The draft resolution enjoys substantial support from Member States in the Arab region. It underlines the courageous initiative of the League of Arab States to address the situation in Syria and calls for full implementation of its Plan of Action by the Syrian authorities in its entirety and without delay. That is the call of the draft resolution. It supports the voice of the Arab region. Let me emphasize that the draft resolution before the Assembly does not establish any new mechanism as such. The human rights situation in Syria continues to deteriorate. It is time for the General Assembly, as the main and universal body of the United Nations, to reinforce the clear message of its Third Committee and call on the Syrian authorities to immediately stop human rights violations and the violence against its own population. The General Assembly should also urge the Syrian authorities to cooperate fully with the United Nations and with the League of Arab States. My delegation will therefore vote in favour of draft resolution IV and calls on all Member States to do likewise.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72298
We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I, III and IV, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 123 votes to 16, with 51 abstentions (resolution 66/174).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72299
I give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on a point of order.
Mr. Khazaee IRN Islamic Republic of Iran [Arabic] #72300
Pursuant to rule 74 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, I move that no action be taken on draft resolution III at this time.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72301
The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran has requested, pursuant to rule 74 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, that the Assembly not take action on draft resolution III. Rule 74 stipulates the following: “During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move the adjournment of the debate on the item under discussion. In addition to the proposer of the motion, two representatives may speak in favour of, and two against, the motion, after which the motion shall be immediately put to the vote.” (spoke in English) I would therefore invite delegations that so wish to speak either for or against the motion. There will be no more than two delegations speaking in favour and no more than two speaking against.
Ms. Vivas Mendoza VEN Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela [Spanish] #72302
The delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela supports the motion that no action be taken on draft resolution III contained in document A/66/462/Add.3. Our delegation firmly rejects the continuing practice promoted by some States Members of the Organization to condemn individually and selectively certain States, using their human rights situation as justification. Draft resolutions on specific countries have become instruments to promote particular political interests and trigger strategic confrontation. That repeated practice is undesirable, inconsistent and illegitimate and is of no genuine interest. None of the countries submitting draft resolutions that we are considering under sub-item (c) of agenda item 69 has sufficient moral standing to act as the world’s court. To make such a claim is laughable and an offence to all who read the press every day, in particular those who read yesterday’s extensive report in the New York Times on the countless civilian victims claimed by the recent NATO bombings. We reiterate that consideration of these issues falls solely to the Human Rights Council, which has adopted guidelines and methods for the Universal Periodic Review process sufficient to guarantee impartial objective and non-selective scrutiny of the human rights situation in any part of the world, without focusing exclusively on developing countries or any other country that is inconvenient to the interests of powerful countries. Dialogue, mutual respect and transparent and disinterested international cooperation that adheres strictly to the principles of the United Nations Charter are the essential framework for promoting and protecting human rights. For all of these reasons, the delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will vote for the no-action motion. We urge all delegations to do the same and thereby avoid using human rights as a tool of intervention, manipulation, criminalization and political pressure against given States.
Ms. Astiasarán Arias CUB Cuba [Spanish] #72303
Cuba will vote in favour of the no-action motion that has been submitted under rule 74 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly with respect to the draft resolution on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Cuba is well known to be traditionally opposed on principle to resolutions on specific countries that selectively target countries of the South on the basis of political motives that have nothing to do with genuine protection of human rights. The noxious practices of selectivity, politicization and double standards in considering human rights situations should be eliminated from human rights mechanisms within the United Nations. Cuba believes that the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review is and must continue to be the ideal forum for investigating human rights situations in all countries on an equal footing and based on constructive dialogue. For those reasons, Cuba will vote in favour of the motion for no action on draft resolution III.
Mr. Rishchynski CAN Canada #72304
We wish to express our deep disappointment that a motion for no action has been proposed in the plenary of the General Assembly on draft resolution III, concerning the human rights situation in Iran. This is an extraordinary step, taken to stifle debate and undermine the authority and responsibility of the General Assembly. The draft resolution under consideration was adopted in the Third Committee by the large margin of 54 votes. The international community was clear in its message that the situation of human rights in Iran is of serious concern and deserves the General Assembly’s consideration. That is what we are here to do today. This is how the work of the Committees of the General Assembly is intended to proceed. We debate, discuss and consider the issues in committee; we reach a decision, and that decision becomes our collective recommendation to the plenary of the Assembly. A motion for no action in the Assembly, after a draft resolution has been considered on its merits in the Third Committee and recommended to the Assembly for adoption, signifies a complete disregard for the work of Member States — ourselves — in the Committee. It also undermines the General Assembly’s jurisdiction. We may have differing views on the substance of a human rights draft resolution, but we must all agree on the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of our work in the General Assembly and in the Third Committee. The Assembly must be permitted to consider any draft resolution that is recommended to it by the Committee on its individual merits. For all of these reasons, Member States have consistently rejected motions for no action in such circumstances in the past. We therefore strongly urge all Member States to once again vote against the no-action motion in order to allow the General Assembly to vote on the merits of the draft resolution.
Ms. Gunnarsdóttir ISL Iceland #72305
I have the honour to speak today on behalf of seven countries — Andorra, Australia, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland, as well as my own country, Iceland — against the proposed motion for no action. The General Assembly has entrusted its Third Committee, a body of universal membership, with the mandate and responsibility to debate and act on human rights issues, including by addressing human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives. The no-action motion would in effect prevent the Assembly from fulfilling its mandate and acting on a recommendation by its Third Committee. The responsibility to address human rights issues does not rest exclusively with the Human Rights Council or its Universal Periodic Review. We believe that any motion to preclude the discussion of human rights issues in the General Assembly is not only unjustified, but also undermines the credibility of this body. The Assembly and its Third Committee enrich the international human rights dialogue with their discussion, interactive dialogue with the special rapporteurs and representatives, and consideration of human rights issues and situations. This can take place, however, only if every serious human rights issue put forward for discussion is debated and considered on its merits. Not least for this reason, we are keen to know the views of all other delegations on the draft resolution before us. We will vote against the motion for no action and encourage all other delegations to do the same.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72306
We will now take a decision on the motion proposed by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for no action to be taken on draft resolution III, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The motion was rejected by 35 votes to 100, with 42 abstentions.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72307
We will now take a decision on draft resolution III, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 89 votes to 30, with 64 abstentions (resolution 66/175).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72308
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 133 votes to 11, with 43 abstentions (resolution 66/176).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72309
I shall now call on those delegations wishing to speak in explanation of vote on the resolutions just adopted.
Mr. Kim Song PRK Democratic People's Republic of Korea #72310
My delegation totally rejects resolution 66/174 as a politically motivated product of plotting and fabrication. There have never been violations of human rights in my country such as are mentioned in the resolution. The sponsors of the resolution introduced it in an effort to overthrow our political and social system by increasing international pressure on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In fact, over the past 60 years we have suffered the imposition of economic sanctions, political pressure and even military threats from the principal sponsors of this resolution. The real reason is not about human rights but that our political system is different from theirs. The kind of system we have is a matter to be decided by us. The resolution is also an extreme manifestation of selectivity and double standards, as well as a demonstration of the hotbed of confrontation and distrust we face. Although we maintain our consistent and principled position that all problems must be resolved through negotiations and dialogue, we cannot compromise with a confrontational approach of the kind embodied by the adoption of the resolution on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. All human rights issues should be considered within the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review mechanism, not in a plenary meeting of the General Assembly. This ongoing practice is clearly counter to the principles of impartiality and non-selectivity in the treatment of human rights issues. In particular, my delegation cannot overlook the fact that some of the principal sponsors of the resolution have inappropriately manipulated their foreign aid as a weapon to bring pressure to bear on small developing countries to join with them in adopting this resolution. We therefore neither recognize nor accept the forced adoption of this resolution and categorically reject it. In conclusion, my delegation would like to thank those delegations that expressed their support, solidarity and sympathy for us by voting against the resolution or abstaining.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72311
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 69. (d) Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Report of the Third Committee (A/66/462/Add.4)
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72312
May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Third Committee?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #72313
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 69?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72314
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 69.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72481
The Assembly has before it six draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 25 of its report and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 26 of the same report. We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to VI and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Strengthening international cooperation in combating the harmful effects of illicit financial flows resulting from criminal activities”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 66/177).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72482
Draft resolution II is entitled “Technical assistance for implementing the international conventions and protocols related to counter-terrorism”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 66/178).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72483
Draft resolution III is entitled “Follow-up to the Twelfth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and preparations for the Thirteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 66/179).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72484
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice responses to protect cultural property, especially with regard to its trafficking”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 66/180).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72485
Draft resolution V is entitled “Strengthening the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 66/181).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72486
Draft resolution VI is entitled “United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 66/182).
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72487
We now turn to the draft decision in paragraph 26, entitled “Reports considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of crime prevention and criminal justice”. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #72488
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 107?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #72489
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 16 of its report. As noted by the Rapporteur, the Assembly will take action only on draft resolution III, as draft resolutions I and II were adopted separately under agenda item 107. We will now take a decision on draft resolution III, entitled “International cooperation against the world drug problem”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 66/183).
The President unattributed duplicate [Arabic] #72490
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 108?
It was so decided.

121.  Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Report of the Third Committee (A/66/465)

The President unattributed [Arabic] #72491
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision, entitled “Programme of work of the Third Committee for the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee?
The draft decision was adopted.
The President unattributed [Arabic] #72492
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 121.

135.  Programme planning Report of the Third Committee (A/66/466)

The President unattributed [Arabic] #72493
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Third Committee?
It was so decided.
The President on behalf of General Assembly unattributed [Arabic] #72494
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 135. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Hussein Haniff, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations and Chair of the Third 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 Third Committee before it today.
The meeting rose at 12.45 p.m.
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UN Project. “A/66/PV.89.” UN Project, https://un-project.org/meeting/A-66-PV-89/. Accessed .