A/69/PV.73 General Assembly

Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 — Session 69, Meeting 73 — New York — UN Document ↗

In the absence of the President, Mr. Mendonça e Moura (Portugal), Vice-President, took the Chair.
Vote: A/RES/69/181 Recorded Vote
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (135)
Vote: A/RES/69/189 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (127)
Vote: A/RES/69/155 Recorded Vote
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✗ No (2)
✓ Yes (125)
Vote: A/RES/69/182 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/69/190 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (130)
Vote: A/RES/69/176 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (134)
Vote: A/RES/69/180 Recorded Vote
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (134)
Vote: A/RES/69/188 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (116)
Vote: A/RES/69/165 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (180)
Vote: A/RES/69/178 Recorded Vote
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Vote: A/RES/69/170 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (171)
Vote: A/RES/69/162 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (134)
Vote: A/RES/69/171 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (182)
Vote: A/RES/69/186 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (117)
Vote: A/RES/69/160 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (132)
The meeting was called to order at 10.05 a.m.

Terrorist attack on school in Pakistan

The Acting President on behalf of General Assembly #73168
Before proceeding to the items on our agenda, I should like, on behalf of the General Assembly, to express my sincere compassion and deepest sympathy to the Government and people of Pakistan following the horrific terrorist attack at a school in Peshawar. On behalf of the President of the General Assembly, I wish to deliver the following statement: “I condemn, in the strongest terms, the horrific terrorist act that took place at the school in Peshawar, Pakistan, on 16 December 2014, causing numerous deaths and injuries, the majority of which were among children. I also condemn other recent terror attacks around the world. “I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of that heinous act, their families and the people and Government of Pakistan. The United Nations General Assembly stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Pakistan in this difficult moment. I wish also to stress the importance of ensuring the right of every child to have access to education in a safe learning environment. *1470272* 14-70272 (E) “Terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, is unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation and wherever, whenever and by whomever it is committed. I call on the international community to redouble its efforts in the fight against the scourge of terrorism. The perpetrators of these acts should be brought to justice, and I call on Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law, to cooperate and support the efforts of the Government of Pakistan in this regard.” Reports of the Third Committee

26.  Social development Report of the Third Committee (A/69/480)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

27.  Advancement of women Report of the Third Committee (A/69/481)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

61.  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/69/482)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

64.  Promotion and protection of the rights of children Report of the Third Committee (A/69/484)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

105.  Crime prevention and criminal justice Report of the Third Committee (A/69/489)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

106.  International drug control Report of the Third Committee (A/69/490)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The Acting President #73169
The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 26, 27, 61, 63 to 68, 105, 106, 118 and 133. I request the Rapporteur of the Third Committee, Mr. Ervin Nina of Albania, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Committee. Mr. Nina (Albania), Rapporteur of the Third Committee: 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 General Assembly, namely, items 26, 27, 61, 63 to 68, 105, 106, 118 and 133. The reports, contained in documents A/69/480 to A/69/942, 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.3/69/INF/1, which contains a checklist of actions taken on the draft proposals contained in the reports before the Assembly. Under agenda item 26, including sub-items (a) to (d), entitled “Social development”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 37 of document A/69/480, the adoption of six draft resolutions. Under agenda item 27, including sub-items (a) and (b), entitled “Advancement of women”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 34 of document A/69/481, the adoption of five draft resolutions and, in paragraph 35, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 61, 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 17 of document A/69/482, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under agenda item 63, entitled “Report of the Human Rights Council”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/69/483, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 64, entitled “Promotion and protection of the rights of children”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 29 of document A/69/484, the adoption of three draft resolutions and, in paragraph 30, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 65, entitled “Rights of indigenous peoples”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/69/485, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 66, entitled “Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 26 of document A/69/486, the adoption of three draft resolutions and, in paragraph 27, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 67, entitled “Right of peoples to self-determination”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 18 of document A/69/487, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under agenda item 68, entitled “Promotion and protection of human rights”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 5 of document A/69/488, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 68 (a), entitled “Promotion and protection of human rights: Implementation of human rights instruments”, the Third Committee wishes to advise the General Assembly that no action was required under the item. Under agenda item 68 (b), entitled “Promotion and protection of human rights: Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 156 of document A/69/488/Add.2, the adoption of 22 draft resolutions. Under agenda item 68 (c), entitled “Promotion and protection of human rights: Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 36 of document A/69/488/Add.3, the adoption of four draft resolutions. It is my understanding that the Assembly will defer its consideration of draft resolution III, entitled “Situation of human rights in Myanmar”, until such time that it has before it the pertinent report of the Fifth Committee. Under agenda item 68 (d), entitled “Promotion and protection of human rights: Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action”, the Third Committee wishes to advise the Assembly that no action was required under the item. Under agenda item 105, entitled “Crime prevention and criminal justice”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 41 of document A/69/489, the adoption of nine draft resolutions and, in paragraph 42, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 106, entitled “International drug control”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 15 of document A/69/490, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 16, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 118, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/69/491, the adoption of one draft decision. Finally, under agenda item 133, entitled “Programme planning”, the Third Committee wishes to advise the Assembly, in document A/69/492, that no action was required under the item. I want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Bureau members, in particular, the Chair of the Committee, Mrs. Sofia Mesquita Borges, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, and the Vice-Chairs, Mr. Kurt Davis of Jamaica, Mr. Pierre Faye of Senegal and Ms. Johanna Nilsson of Sweden, as well as the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Moncef Khane, and his team for their support and friendship in the efficient management of the proceedings of the Third Committee and for ensuring its timely conclusion. In conclusion, I should like to respectfully commend the reports of the Third Committee to the plenary of the General Assembly for its consideration.

66.  Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance Report of the Third Committee (A/69/486)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 133   ✗ 4   51 abs.
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✓ Yes (133)

67.  Right of peoples to self-determination Report of the Third Committee (A/69/487)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 130   ✗ 52   7 abs.
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✓ Yes (130)
The Acting President #73170
I thank Mr. Ervin Nina, 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.
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
The Acting President #73171
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Third Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that, under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that “When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation’s vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee.” May I further remind delegations that, also in accordance with decision 34/401, explanations of vote or position 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 further, 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.3/69/INF/1. This 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 this connection, members will find, in column four of the note, the symbols of the draft resolutions or decisions of the Committee, with the corresponding symbols of the reports for action in the plenary in column two of the same note. For reports containing multiple recommendations, the draft resolution or decision number is contained in column three of the 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 Committee.
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
The Acting President #73172
The Assembly now has before it six draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 37 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to VI, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Literacy for life: shaping future agendas”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 69/141).
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus

15.  The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order Report of the Secretary-General (A/69/410)

Vote: 69/202 Consensus
The Acting President #73173
Draft resolution II is entitled “Realizing the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals for persons with disabilities towards 2015 and beyond”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

68.  Promotion and protection of human rights (a) Implementation of human rights instruments Report of the Third Committee (A/69/488/Add.1)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 69/142).
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 134   ✗ 10   42 abs.
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✓ Yes (134)
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 180   ✗ 7   4 abs.
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✓ Yes (180)
The Acting President #73174
Draft resolution III 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 it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 69/143).
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
The Acting President #73175
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 69/144).
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
The Acting President #73176
Draft resolution V is entitled “World Youth Skills Day”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 69/145).
The Acting President #73177
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 69/146).
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
The Acting President #73178
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 26 and its sub-items (a) to (d)?
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
The Acting President #73179
The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 34 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 35 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to V and the draft decision, one by one. We first turn to draft resolution I, entitled “Intensification of efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 69/147).
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
The Acting President #73180
Draft resolution II is entitled “Intensification of efforts to end obstetric fistula”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/99 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 69/148).
The Acting President #73181
Draft resolution III is entitled “Trafficking in women and girls”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 69/149).
Vote: 32/97 Recorded Vote
✓ 182   ✗ 1   3 abs.
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— Abstain (3)
✓ Yes (182)
Vote: 32/100 Consensus
The Acting President #73182
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Intensifying global efforts for the elimination of female genital mutilations”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 69/150).
The Acting President #73183
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 it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 69/151).
The Acting President #73184
We shall now turn to paragraph 35 of the report to take action on the draft decision entitled “Report considered by the General Assembly in connection with the advancement of women”. 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 (decision 69/531).
The Acting President #73185
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 27 and its sub-items (a) and (b)?
Vote: 32/99 Recorded Vote
✓ 135   ✗ 53   1 abs.
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✓ Yes (135)
It was so decided.
The Acting President #73186
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to III, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 69/152).
Vote: 32/100 Consensus
The Acting President #73187
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 it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 69/153).
The Acting President #73188
Draft resolution III is entitled “Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/101 Consensus
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 69/154).
The Acting President #73189
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 61?
It was so decided.

63.  Report of the Human Rights Council Report of the Third Committee (A/69/483)

The Acting President #73190
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Uzbekistan informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
Vote: 35/94 Recorded Vote
✓ 134   ✗ 53   2 abs.
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— Abstain (2)
✓ Yes (134)
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 125 votes to 2, with 56 abstentions (resolution 69/155).
The Acting President #73191
I now give the floor to the representative of Kuwait, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote after the voting.
Vote: 33/173 Consensus
Mrs. AlMuzaini KWT Kuwait on behalf of member countries of the Gulf States [Arabic] #73192
I would like to make a statement on agenda item 63, “Report of the Human Rights Council”, on behalf of the member countries of the Gulf States. I would like to thank the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for introducing, on behalf of the African States, resolution 69/155, which the Third Committee adopted by a vote on 23 November and which reviews the resolutions and decisions of the Human Rights Council for this year and makes recommendations to the General Assembly. Considering that the Human Rights Council is the primary body concerned with human rights protection and international humanitarian law around the world, we voted in favour of the resolution in the Third Committee. At the same time, however, we have expressed some reservations regarding Human Rights Council resolution 27/32, on human rights and gender identity, adopted at the Council’s twenty-seventh session. Our countries, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, would like to express their concern that some States are trying to impose their viewpoint on the subject, which has nothing to do with humanitarian law, and which does not take into consideration the religious, social and cultural background of a number of countries and societies. I would like this statement to be part of the record of this meeting.
The Acting President #73193
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 63.
The Acting President #73194
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 29 of its report, and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 30 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I, II and II and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Child, early and forced marriage”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 69/156).
Vote: 39/192 Recorded Vote
✓ 129   ✗ 53   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (129)
The Acting President #73195
Draft resolution II is entitled “Rights of the child”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 69/157).
The Acting President #73196
Draft resolution III is entitled “Protecting children from bullying”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 351/97 Consensus
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 69/158).
The Acting President #73197
We shall now turn to paragraph 30 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 (decision 69/532).
The Acting President #73198
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 64?
Vote: 40/143 Recorded Vote
✓ 134   ✗ 53   0 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (134)
It was so decided.

65.  Rights of indigenous peoples Report of the Third Committee (A/69/485)

The Acting President #73199
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 69/159).
The Acting President #73200
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 65?
Vote: 40/144 Recorded Vote
✓ 156   ✗ 5   26 abs.
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✓ Yes (156)
It was so decided.
The Acting President #73201
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 26 of its report, and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 27 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. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 133 votes to 4, with 51 abstentions (resolution 69/160).
Vote: 37//6/ Consensus
The Acting President #73202
Draft resolution II is entitled “International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 69/161).
The Acting President #73203
Draft III is entitled “A global call for concrete action 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. [Subsequently, the delegation of Malta informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
Vote: 55/108 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 134 votes to 10, with 42 abstentions (resolution 69/162).
The Acting President #73204
We shall now turn to paragraph 27 of the report (A/69/486) to take action on the draft decision entitled “Documents considered by the General Assembly in connection with the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt the draft decision as recommended by the Third Committee?
Vote: 40/233 Consensus
The draft decision was adopted (decision 69/533).
The Acting President #73205
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 66?
It was so decided.
Vote: 40/234 Consensus
The Acting President #73206
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 18 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to III, one by one. Draft resolution I 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 I was adopted by 130 votes to 52, with 7 abstentions (resolution 69/163).
The Acting President #73207
Draft resolution II is entitled “Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 56/167 Recorded Vote
✓ 117   ✗ 37   34 abs.
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✓ Yes (117)
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 69/164).
The Acting President #73208
We now turn to draft resolution III, entitled “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 39/201 Consensus
Draft resolution III was adopted by 180 votes to 7, with 4 abstentions (resolution 69/165).
The Acting President #73209
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 Acting President #73210
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Third Committee?
It was so decided.
The Acting President #73211
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 68? (b) Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms Report of the Third Committee (A/69/488/Add.2)
It was so decided.
The Acting President #73212
The Assembly has before it 22 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 156 of its report entitled “Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”, issued as document A/69/488/Add.2. I invite delegations wishing to explain their vote before the vote on any or all of the 22 draft resolutions I to XXII contained in document A/69/488/Add.2 to do so now.
Mr. Al-Mouallimi SAU Saudi Arabia [Arabic] #73213
At the outset, my delegation would like to express its thanks and appreciation to the delegations of Brazil and Germany for their great efforts in facilitating negotiations on draft resolution I, entitled “The right to privacy in the digital age” (see A/69/488/ Add.2). We believe that taking security and safety measures and internal policies, and ensuring the right to privacy in the digital age, is the prerogative of each State as it tries to protect its citizens. The Internet does not recognize boundaries or geographical limitations. International coordination as a part of the right of privacy is therefore important, although so far there has been no established framework for regulating such coordination and cooperation. As national measures and policies are not sufficient to protect this kind of privacy, the delegation of Saudi Arabia believes it necessary to create an international mechanism under United Nations auspices to develop international policies and regulations on the use and monitoring of the Internet. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that it is everyone’s right to express themselves. While the freedom of expression may be guaranteed, it also presupposes responsibilities and duties related to mutual respect, reputation, international safety and security, health and international ethics. That is why my country strives to ensure the privacy of its citizens in the use of the Internet and allows for freedom of expression and access to services without discrimination among different groups or individuals. The responsibility to establish controls and limits for certain groups or individuals is the sovereign right of the State as it implements national legislation. My delegation welcomes the efforts of the Government of Brazil in hosting the Global Multi-stakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance, held in São Paulo in April, in which we participated actively alongside other States parties. We note, however, that the conclusions of the Meeting made light of the conclusions drawn at other international conferences held on the subject. The World Summit on the Information Society, which addressed the issue of access to important information in the digital age, was held in two stages, first in Geneva in 2003 and then in Tunis in 2005. The conclusions called for mechanisms to consider questions of general international policy on the Internet, including privacy, with a comprehensive and integrated approach that would take into account the various roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders cited under paragraph 35 of the programme of work. Moreover, the conclusions of the conference did not take into account the viewpoints and suggestions of States, and as a result no consensus was achieved at the last conference, given the diverse approaches and diverging viewpoints. Therefore, in the informal negotiations my delegation asked that we not refer to the São Paulo conference, given that the preparatory committee for São Paulo was not transparent and had not taken into account the viewpoints of States and stakeholders. Its meetings were neither transparent nor convened within the United Nations framework. For these reasons, we cannot genuinely commit ourselves to accepting the tenth preambular paragraph, which refers to the São Paulo Meeting. Reference should be made to this conference in the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly or the Human Rights Council. My delegation would like these reservations to be reflected in the Third Committee’s final report.
Mr. Manongi TZA United Republic of Tanzania #73214
I am taking the floor in relation to agenda item 68 (b) and draft resolution V (see A/69/488/Add.2), regarding International Albinism Awareness Day. Too often, we have reminded ourselves in the General Assembly and the Organization of the need to be purposeful in our efforts and actions. The challenges facing people living with albinism are numerous and serious and require concrete action. Regrettably, the draft resolution before the Assembly offers little of the tangible support that people living with albinism need and deserve. There are diverse challenges facing people with albinism, ranging from medical to social to educational. These ought to be recognized and addressed. As a country with a considerable population of citizens affected with albinism, the United Republic of Tanzania sought a draft resolution that could be acted on, which we believe would have better served to address those challenges. A merely declaratory draft resolution, such as the one before the Assembly, is useful but falls far too short in making a substantial contribution to the scope and magnitude of the challenge. It was in that regard that the United Republic of Tanzania sought to put the draft resolution to a vote, and because of the limitations inherent in the draft resolution we will again abstain in the voting on it and urge others to do the same.
The Acting President #73215
We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to XXII, one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “The right to privacy in the digital age”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 69/166).
The Acting President #73216
We now turn to draft resolution II, entitled “Protection of migrants”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 69/167).
The Acting President #73217
We now turn to draft resolution III, entitled “The role of the Ombudsman, mediator and other national human rights institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 69/168).
The Acting President #73218
Draft resolution IV is entitled “International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 69/169).
The Acting President #73219
We now turn to draft resolution V, entitled “International Albinism Awareness Day”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Tunisia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 171 votes to none, with 16 abstentions (resolution 69/170).
The Acting President #73220
We now turn to draft resolution VI, entitled “United Nations Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 182 votes to 1, with 3 abstentions (resolution 69/171).
The Acting President #73221
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Human rights in the administration of justice”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 69/172).
The Acting President #73222
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Globalization and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VIII was adopted by 135 votes to 53, with 1 abstention (resolution 69/173).
The Acting President #73223
Draft resolution IX is entitled “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IX was adopted (resolution 69/174).
The Acting President #73224
Draft resolution X is entitled “Freedom of religion or belief”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 69/175).
The Acting President #73225
Draft resolution XI is entitled “Promotion of peace as a vital requirement for the full enjoyment of all human rights by all”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XI was adopted by 134 votes to 53, with 2 abstentions (resolution 69/176).
The Acting President #73226
We now turn to draft resolution XII, entitled “The right to food”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XII was adopted (resolution 69/177).
The Acting President #73227
Draft resolution XIII is entitled “Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XIII was adopted by 129 votes to 53, with 6 abstentions (resolution 69/178).
The Acting President #73228
Draft resolution XIV is entitled “Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIV was adopted (resolution 69/179).
The Acting President #73229
Draft resolution XV is entitled “Human rights and unilateral coercive measures”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XV was adopted by 134 votes to 53, with one abstention (resolution 69/180).
The Acting President #73230
Draft resolution XVI is entitled “The right to development”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Brunei Darussalam informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XVI was adopted by 156 votes to 5, with 26 abstentions (resolution 69/181).
The Acting President #73231
Draft resolution XVII is entitled “Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Grenada and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XVII was adopted by 122 votes to none, with 66 abstentions (resolution 69/182).
The Acting President #73232
Draft resolution XVIII is entitled “Human rights and extreme poverty”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XVIII was adopted (resolution 69/183).
The Acting President #73233
Draft resolution XIX is entitled “Missing persons”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIX was adopted (resolution 69/184).
The Acting President #73234
Draft resolution XX is entitled “The safety of journalists and the issue of impunity”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XX was adopted (resolution 69/185)
The Acting President #73235
Draft resolution XXI is entitled “Moratorium on the use of the death penalty”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the United States of America informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XXI was adopted by 117 votes to 37, with 34 abstentions (resolution 69/187).
The Acting President #73236
Draft resolution XXII is entitled “Migrant children and adolescents”. The Third Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? May I take it that it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 68? (c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives Report of the Third Committee (A/69/488/Add.3)
Draft resolution XXII was adopted (resolution 69/187)
It was so decided.
The Acting President #73237
The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 36 of its report. Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution III, 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 III as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. I shall now give the floor to representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote or position on draft resolutions I, II or IV before we take action on the draft resolutions.
Mr. Al-Musharakh ARE United Arab Emirates [Arabic] #73238
The United Arab Emirates is one of the principal authors of the draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Syria. We believe that we must put an end to the tragedy that the Syrian Arab people, our brothers, have endured for almost four years of the worst possible abuses and violations of human rights. There have been arbitrary killings and detentions. Civilians have been used as targets and thousands of people have been displaced, including women and children. The conflict in Syria has also produced many incidents of sexual violence and other major crimes against human rights, which have led to other crimes against humanity being perpetrated by the parties to the conflict in Syria, in clear and flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law. We therefore urge all Member States to vote in favour of the draft resolution.
Mr. An Myong Hun PRK Democratic People's Republic of Korea #73239
My delegation would like to state its position on draft resolution I, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”, as contained in document A/69/488/Add.3, which was submitted by the European Union (EU) and Japan. My delegation totally rejects this draft resolution because it has nothing to do with the promotion and protection of human rights, but is the product of a political plot and confrontation against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The European Union and Japan drafted the draft resolution on the basis of a fabricated report of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (A/HRC/25/63), whose members have never been in my country. Let me once again make it clear that the report of the Commission of Inquiry is a document born of a political plot and has no basic attributes or credibility to be recognized as a General Assembly document, as it is based on the fabricated testimonies of a handful of defectors who committed crimes and fled their homeland. We have consistently maintained our position of countering confrontation and giving priority to dialogue and cooperation in the field of human rights, and we have also clarified our willingness to engage in broad-ranging constructive dialogue. However, the European Union and Japan completely blocked all possibilities of cooperation in the field of human rights, including a visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea by a Special Rapporteur and a human rights dialogue between the EU and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, by forcibly pushing the adoption of the draft resolution, which does not reflect the reality on the ground. Consequently, the European Union and Japan themselves disclosed that their real intention in submitting a draft resolution was not for the genuine promotion and protection of human rights, but purely as an act of subservience and sycophancy in support of the hostile policy of the United States against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to overthrow our political and social system. If countries sponsoring draft resolution I are really interested in the promotion and protection of human rights, they should address the issue of the grave human rights violations being committed in Western countries, such as the recently revealed Central Intelligence Agency’s crimes of torture committed by the United States in the most brutal and shocking manner. My delegation remains consistent with regard to its principled position of holding a dialogue on cooperation in the field of human rights. However, this delegation will not tolerate any attempt to abuse human rights issues as a tool for overthrowing our social system. Once again, my delegation emphasizes that we strongly reject all the country-specific draft resolutions — not only draft resolution I against my country, but also draft resolutions on the situation of human right in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic and Myanmar. My delegation firmly believes that all countries will vote against the draft resolution sponsored by the EU and Japan, in line with the principles and universally accepted position to oppose politicization, selectivity and double standards over human rights.
Mr. Dehghani IRN Islamic Republic of Iran #73240
The draft resolution on which the General Assembly will take action on today that is sponsored by Canada — whose behaviour in the field of human rights in the past several years has been contradictory, particularly its position on the recent massacre in Gaza committed by the Israeli regime — clearly shows that it pursues only a specific political agenda. In that regard, the issue of human rights has been turned into a tool to advance its agenda. Draft resolution IV is political, prejudicial and unbalanced. It ignores the fact that Iran is a vibrant, animated and pluralistic society with a broad spectrum of political tendencies and corresponding media outlets, coupled with the full spectrum of cultures and subcultures representing different communities and social layers, as well as multiple ethnic and religious groups. The draft resolution also fails to acknowledge the positive human rights developments in Iranian society in recent times, especially since the beginning of the new Government’s tenure. The sponsors of the draft resolution also ignore the constant readiness of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms. Iran has already demonstrated its seriousness in working with the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, both in terms of reporting and in implementing the recommendations that Iran received from Member States. It should be clear by now that an approach based on country-specific resolutions and mandates, such as reflected in the draft resolution before us today, is counterproductive and undermines the effective work of the United Nations human rights system. It can only create a venue for those who have political agendas against particular countries, rather than promote human rights across the world. In view of what I have said here, there should be no doubt that these country-specific draft resolutions and mandates increase distrust, damage the credibility of the United Nations, strengthen arguments about the biased nature of this approach and make cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanism difficult. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has always shown its readiness to take a serious and results-oriented approach to human rights based on mutual respect and an equal footing. At a time when many parts of our region are burning in the fire of extremism and radicalism, mainly due to the ill-conceived policies of certain countries, and while the threats posed by extremist forces are global in nature and require a unified global response, short-sighted politically motivated vendettas such as the one embodied in draft resolution IV are in fact counterproductive and pointless. I would therefore like to ask for a recorded vote on draft resolution IV, in order to provide an opportunity to all Member States, including the members of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, who have already registered their opposition to this ill-conceived approach, to preserve the dignity and credibility of the United Nations human rights mechanisms. I hope that the delegations here will choose the right path by voting against this draft resolution. It is on the basis of that approach that we have always voted against similar resolutions introduced in the Assembly, including on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Syria and other countries.
Mrs. Moreno Guerra CUB Cuba [Spanish] #73241
Cuba has traditionally maintained a principled position against country-specific draft resolutions that aim to condemn developing countries based on politically motivated reasons that have nothing to do with defending human rights and that contribute nothing to that cause. These toxic and selective practices of politicization and applying double standards in the consideration of situations of human rights were the reason that led to the discrediting and dissolution of the Human Rights Commission. The establishment of the Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review mechanism offer the possibility to consider situations of human rights issues in all countries on an equal footing, based on genuine and constructive dialogue. Cuba would like to reiterate that international cooperation based on the principles of objectivity, unconditionality, impartiality and non-selectivity is the only way to effectively promote and protect all human rights. Unfortunately, that is not the goal being pursued today with the draft resolutions against these countries, which are clearly and undoubtedly politically motivated. With regard to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, a dangerous precedent has been established that violates the rights of sovereignty and self- determination of States in referring the issue to the Security Council and, subsequently, to the International Criminal Court. That has a significant negative impact in that it irresponsibly promotes punishment and sanctions on the basis of allegations that have not been proved on the ground. We reiterate that these actions are contradictory to the atmosphere of cooperation and dialogue that is needed in order to strengthen an international system in which all are respected on an equal footing, independently of their wealth or power. Cuba has roundly opposed country-specific draft resolutions, both in the Third Committee and in the Human Rights Council. In that spirit, we will continue to vote against draft resolutions on the human rights situations in friendly countries, and to disassociate ourselves from the consensus on draft resolutions that are not normally subject to a vote. We would like to indicate that opposition to these selective and politicized draft resolutions do not prejudge in any way the resolution of the pending issues mentioned in paragraph 3 of the draft resolution, which require a fair and honourable solution with the agreement of all stakeholders.
Ms. Mansouri DZA Algeria #73242
My delegation would like to explain its position before the Assembly takes action on the draft resolutions on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (draft resolution I), the Syrian Arab Republic (draft resolution II) and the Islamic Republic of Iran (draft resolution IV), as contained in the report of the Third Committee (A/69/488/Add.3). My delegation regrets the continued selectivity, double standards, politicization and proliferation of country-specific draft resolutions, as previously highlighted during the ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Algiers in May. My delegation strongly believes that differences on human rights issues should be resolved through constructive dialogue, and not through confrontational, politically motivated action. Indeed, practice has demonstrated that country-specific draft resolutions have not contributed to the improvement of human rights situations. They only jeopardize trust and provoke confrontation among Member States by ignoring the principle of impartiality, which should govern human rights situations and mechanisms. The Assembly should adopt a new cooperative approach to the consideration of human rights in those countries that enables the establishment of dialogue and the development of technical cooperation between the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the countries concerned in a transparent, fair and equal manner. Moreover, the Universal Periodic Review mechanism should be considered as the primary tool for considering human rights issues, and such discussions should take place in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue within the Human Rights Council. The continued submission of selective draft resolutions that target specific countries is a violation of the principle of universality and objectivity and undermines the mandate of the Human Rights Council. For those reasons, my delegation will abstain in the voting on all country-specific draft resolutions.
Mr. Aisi PNG Papua New Guinea #73243
I would make this brief statement in relation to my delegation’s position on draft resolution IV, with regard to the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. As part of the outcome of the World Summit in 2005, we all agreed to the establishment of the Human Rights Council. We continue to agree with the notion that the Human Rights Council has underpinned and will continue to underpin the development of human rights. Indeed, the Universal Periodic Review process has played an important role in catalysing and strengthening the important idea of human rights around the world. In addition, we believe the special procedures mechanism continues to strengthen the human rights process. Special Rapporteurs appointed to deal with various human rights issues have, in the main, delivered on their mandates. Papua New Guinea has had three separate Special Rapporteurs visit and report on gender-based violence, torture and, recently, on extrajudicial killings. We have not agreed with every aspect of the reports that have been presented, but we have welcomed the scrutiny and the opportunity to interact on these matters as they relate to Papua New Guinea. Indeed, like other countries, we have human rights issues. We have also called for all countries to invite Special Rapporteurs to visit in order to properly carry out their respective mandates. In this case, we respectfully call on Iran and any other countries that refuse to do so to allow Special Rapporteurs to visit in order to properly report on their respective mandates. It is with this call and hope in mind that we will abstain today in the voting on draft resolution relating to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Acting President #73244
We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I, II and IV, one by one. We turn first to draft resolution I, 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 116 votes to 20, with 53 abstentions (resolution 69/188).
The Acting President #73245
Draft resolution II is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 127 votes to 13, with 48 abstentions (resolution 69/189).
The Acting President #73246
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 83 votes to 35, with 68 abstentions (resolution 69/190).
The Acting President #73247
I shall now give the floor to delegations that wish to speak in explanation of vote following the voting.
Mr. An Mayong Hun PRK Democratic People's Republic of Korea #73248
The delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would like to express its thanks to those delegations that voted against resolution 69/188. My delegation again fully rejects this forcibly adopted resolution against my country. The resolution proves once again that the United States and its followers are ever more viciously resorting to their plot to defame our image and destroy our ideology and system under the pretext of human rights. In the light of the increasingly dangerous human rights campaigns undertaken by hostile forces against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, we will keep in our hearts the pride and honour of the socialist system, which was chosen as being consolidated and developed by our people, and we will work to the utmost to defend it.
Mr. Zamora Rivas SLV El Salvador [Spanish] #73249
El Salvador would like to explain its vote on resolution 69/188, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”. El Salvador abstained in the voting at the time the resolution was adopted in the Third Committee. We would like to express our agreement with the text that was originally presented, with the exception of paragraph 8 for constitutional and legal reasons that do not allow our country to support the paragraph’s language. Accordingly, El Salvador supported the proposed amendment contained in document A/C.3/69/L.63, which aimed to delete paragraph 8. The amendment, which was not adopted, sought to substitute for paragraph 8 language calling for rapprochement and dialogue on human rights issues. Given the outcome of the voting on the amendment and on the text as a whole today, which includes the second part of the amendment that was not adopted by the Committee, and given the fact that the sponsor countries decided to include in the text aspects on openness to dialogue, El Salvador decided to change its position and to vote in favour of the resolution, despite the fact that paragraph 8 was retained. Nevertheless, for the record, El Salvador would like to state that with regard to operative paragraph 8, and despite the fact that it has voted in favour of the resolution on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, El Salvador is currently not a State party to the Rome Statute, and by extension to the International Criminal Court. That is why our vote in favour of this resolution should not be considered as our country’s recognition of the jurisdiction of this international tribunal as stated in paragraph 8.
Ms. Murillo CRI Costa Rica [Spanish] #73250
I would like to make a general statement following the adoption of these country-specific resolutions. Our concern about the human rights situation in the specific countries referred to in the resolutions submitted for consideration in the plenary today led us to vote in favour of all three resolutions. In addition, we maintain our principled position that all country-specific situations should be assessed on their respective merits — including, in this case, steps taken by countries to improve their human rights situations. Nevertheless, my country reiterates that the Human Rights Council has the main mandate on this issue. We should therefore support the Council and give it a prominent role on the issues before us today. The Human Rights Council has the necessary tools at its disposal to consider specific cases that are cause for concern to the international community — situations that, owing to their seriousness, require country-specific attention, such as special procedures. That is why my country believes that addressing country-specific situations should take place in the Human Rights Council. We therefore did not join the resolutions as sponsors in the Third Committee. We acknowledge that the Universal Periodic Review mechanism provides the appropriate means to consider human rights situations based on transparent, reliable and objective information. Strengthening the mechanism will help to further strengthen the Human Rights Council as the main body of the United Nations for the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world without any distinction. Nevertheless, that should not distract us from our responsibility to express ourselves about situations that are of critical importance for fundamental rights, wherever they occur in the world, or from considering country-specific situations when necessary. Costa Rica believes that constructive dialogue and cooperation, including cooperation with special procedures and other human rights mechanisms and open invitations to visit countries, should continue to serve as the path towards effectively promoting and protecting human rights. We call on all States to commit truly to that effort.
Mr. Wickramarachchige LKA Sri Lanka #73251
Sri Lanka wishes to make the following statement following the voting on resolution 69/188, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”. Sri Lanka voted against this resolution. Our vote does not in any way demonstrate disregard for the promotion or protection of human rights. On the contrary, Sri Lanka remains committed to the advancement of human rights, and concerned about the alleged human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We urge the Government to take mesures to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Sri Lanka vehemently condemns all acts of abduction and expresses deep concern about the safety of those victims. Sri Lanka believes that country-specific resolutions designed to name and shame are not the appropriate means to address or advance human rights. When this resolution was considered in the Third Committee, Sri Lanka voted in favour of the proposal presented by Cuba to replace the current paragraphs 7 and 8 with provisions that would enable the adoption of a cooperative approach. However, the proposal failed to receive the necessary support in the Committee. The current paragraphs 7 and 8 require that the Commission of Inquiry report on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea be submitted to the Security Council. They also encourage the Council to consider referring the situation to the International Criminal Court. That is an unacceptable approach, especially as the country concerned has indicated its willingness to engage, and even to accept the visit of a Special Rapporteur. Sri Lanka categorically rejects that proposition in the resolution, which places the onus on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to address alleged human rights violations. For those reasons, having abstained in the past, Sri Lanka was compelled to vote against this resolution.
The Acting President #73252
We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote following the voting. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 68. (d) Comprehensive implementation of and follow- up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Report of the Third Committee (A/69/488/Add.4)
The Acting President #73253
May I take it that the Assembly decides to take note of the report of the Third Committee?
It was so decided.
The Acting President #73254
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 68?
It was so decided.

68.  Promotion and protection of human rights Report of the Third Committee (A/69/488)

The Acting President #73255
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 (decision 69/536).
The Acting President #73256
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 68.
The Acting President #73257
The Assembly has before it nine draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 41 of its report (A/69/489), and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 42 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to IX and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I 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 I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 69/191).
The Acting President #73258
Draft resolution II is entitled “Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners”. 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 69/192).
The Acting President #73259
Draft resolution III is entitled “International cooperation in criminal matters”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 69/193).
The Acting President #73260
Draft resolution IV is entitled “United Nations Model Strategies and Practical Measures on the Elimination of Violence against Children in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice”. 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 69/194).
The Acting President #73261
Draft resolution V is entitled “Rule of law, crime prevention and criminal justice in the United Nations development agenda beyond 2015”. 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 69/195).
The Acting President #73262
Draft resolution VI is entitled “International Guidelines for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Responses with Respect to Trafficking in Cultural Property and Other Related Offences”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 69/196).
The Acting President #73263
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Strengthening the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 69/197).
The Acting President #73264
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VIII. May I take it that it is the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 69/198).
The Acting President #73265
Draft resolution IX is entitled “Preventing and combating corrupt practices and the transfer of proceeds of corruption, facilitating asset recovery and returning such assets to legitimate owners, in particular to countries of origin, in accordance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IX. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IX was adopted (resolution 69/199).
The Acting President #73266
We shall now turn to paragraph 42 of the report (A/69/489) to take action on the draft decision 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, as recommended by the Third Committee?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 69/537).
The Acting President #73267
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 105?
It was so decided.
The Acting President #73268
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 15 of its report (A/69/490), and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 16 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem to be held in 2016”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 69/200).
The Acting President #73269
Draft resolution II is entitled “International cooperation against the world drug problem”. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 69/201).
The Acting President #73270
We shall now turn to paragraph 16 of the report to take action on the draft decision entitled “Report considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of international drug control”. 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 (resolution 69/538).
The Acting President #73271
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 106?
It is so decided.

118.  Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Report of the Third Committee (A/69/491)

The Acting President #73272
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 seventieth session of the General Assembly”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision as recommended by the Third Committee?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 69/539).
The Acting President #73273
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 118.

133.  Programme planning Report of the Third Committee (A/69/492) May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Third Committee?

It was so decided.
The Acting President on behalf of General Assembly #73274
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 133. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank Her Excellency Mrs. Sofia Mesquita-Borges, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations and Chairperson of the Third Committee, the members of the Bureau, the Secretary of the Committee, as well as representatives for a job very well done. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Third Committee before it today, with the exception of document A/69/488/Add.3, concerning draft resolution III. As I noted earlier, the Assembly will take action on that draft resolution as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available.
The Acting President #73275
I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana to introduce draft resolution A/69/L.45.
Mr. Talbot GUY Guyana on behalf of sponsors #73276
On behalf of the sponsors, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/69/L.45 entitled “The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order”. I thank the Secretary-General for his report (A/69/410) on this theme. The report responds to resolution 67/230 and discusses the progress in achieving more equitable human well-being, with particular attention to the objectives of eradicating poverty, expanding productive employment, promoting gender equality and social integration, and promoting growth with equity in the global development agenda. Those objectives have been reflected in the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, which have been a milestone in both national and global development efforts. They also have had a profound bearing on the priorities of the post-2015 development agenda. The initiative of a new global human order is fundamentally concerned with the promotion of equitable and inclusive improvements in human well- being and in establishing a cooperative and integrated global approach to achieving that in a fair and balanced manner. The pursuit of this people-centred agenda faces a key challenge in the growing inequality within and among countries. Addressing this challenge, and the likely consequences thereof for the advancement of human development, must be a critical focus of the attention of the international community as we seek to design a post-2015 development framework. The world has seen much social and economic progress since the 1995 World Summit for Social Development and the 2000 Millennium Summit. Of particular note is the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 1 five years ahead of schedule, resulting in the halving of the 1990 poverty rate by 2015. In 1990, almost half of the population in developing countries lived on less than $1.25 per day. That rate dropped to 22 per cent by 2010, reducing the number of people living in extreme poverty by 700 million. However, the pattern of progress is highly uneven. The poverty milestone has not yet been met in much of Africa and South Asia. And more than 1 billion people worldwide still live in extreme poverty, while many more experience hunger and are vulnerable to environmental and price shocks. Undernutrition remains one of the most serious but least addressed public health challenges in the world. Nearly one third of children in developing countries are underweight or stunted, and undernutrition contributes to one third of all child deaths. The report of the Secretary-General also highlights the importance of full employment and decent work for all for ensuring fair and balanced progress in the improvement of human well-being. According to The Millennium Development Goals Report 2014, vulnerable employment accounted for 56 per cent of all employment in developing regions, as compared to 10 per cent in developed regions. In 2013, global economic growth slowed to its lowest rate since 2009. The weak and uneven global economic recovery continued to take its toll on labour markets, particularly in the developing world. That was reflected, inter alia, in limited progress in the reduction of low-quality employment, which has been widespread in most developing countries. Given the importance of employment for poverty reduction, job creation and decent work should occupy a central place in national poverty-reduction strategies. The report notes that gender equality and broader social integration remain integral to bringing about a new global human order. Indeed, gender equality and the empowerment of women is a precondition for advancing development and reducing poverty. However, despite solid evidence demonstrating the centrality of the empowerment of women to poverty reduction, gender equality remains an unfulfilled promise. As outlined in the report of the Secretary-General, gender mainstreaming is crucial to the achievement of gender equality, equity and social justice. The commitment to promote gender equality and empower women signals a global recognition that this is both an important development goal in its own right and a key to the success of all other development goals. The draft resolution before us today takes account of those and other factors that together have profound implications for the promotion of a new global human order and for enhancing the status of people everywhere. Among its several provisions, in the preambular section the draft resolution recognizes that the well-being of people and the full development of their potential is pivotal to sustainable development. It expresses concern about the persistent and considerable disparities between rich and poor, both within and among countries, and about the adverse implications of those disparities for the promotion of human well-being and development throughout the world. It further takes account of the significance of inequality in the global development agenda, and the importance of continued efforts to strive for inclusive and equitable development approaches to overcome poverty and inequality. In its operative section, the draft resolution takes note of the report of the Secretary-General, including its recommendations for promoting a new global human order. It further takes note with appreciation of the convening of the informal thematic debate by the President of the General Assembly, on 8 July 2013, to address the issue of inequality. The call for such a debate was included in the precursor resolution 67/230. The draft resolution further emphasizes the importance of efforts to address all aspects and dimensions of inequality and calls upon Member States to pursue ambitious efforts to address inequality. Finally, in the report requested of the Secretary-General, emphasis is placed on the need to highlight the efforts of the United Nations system to reduce inequality and promote human development globally, in particular in the context of the post-2015 development agenda. Let me conclude as I began, on a note of thanks: to delegations that participated in the consultations on the draft for their constructive engagement, to all sponsors for their valuable support and to the members of my own team for their able stewardship of the consultations. I am pleased to commend this draft resolution to the Assembly for adoption by consensus.
The Acting President #73277
Before proceeding further and in view of the desire of members to dispose of this item expeditiously, I should now like to consult the Assembly with a view to proceeding immediately to consider draft resolution A/69/L.45. In that connection, since the draft resolution has only just been circulated this morning, it would be necessary to waive the relevant provision of rule 78 of the rules of procedure, which reads as follows: “As a general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any meeting of the General Assembly unless copies of it have been circulated to all delegations not later than the day preceding the meeting.” Unless I hear any objection, I shall take it that the Assembly agrees with this proposal.
It was so decided.
The Acting President #73278
We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/69/L.45. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/69/L.45, entitled “The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.
Mr. Botnaru Department for General Assembly and Conference Management #73279
I should like to announce that, since the submission of draft resolution A/69/L.45, in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have become sponsors: Algeria, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Jordan, Mexico, Panama, the Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Solomon Islands and Uruguay.
The Acting President #73280
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt draft resolution A/69/L.45?
Draft resolution A/69/L.45 was adopted (resolution 69/202).
The Acting President #73281
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 15?
It was so decided.

144.  Administration of justice at the United Nations Report of the Fifth Committee (A/69/664)

The Acting President #73282
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 report of the Fifth Committee that is before the Assembly today.
It was so decided.
The Acting President #73283
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled “Administration of justice at the United Nations”, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 69/203).
The Acting President #73284
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 144. I shall now give the floor to delegations that wish to speak in exercise of the right of reply. I should like to remind delegations that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the first intervention and to five minutes for the second intervention and should be made by delegations from their seats.
Mr. Al-Mouallimi SAU Saudi Arabia [Arabic] #73285
I would like to reply to the statement made by the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. I would first like to thank all members who voted in favour of resolution 69/189. It is clear that the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic has great respect for Saudi Arabia, given his comments about the human rights situation in our country. He spoke for a full 10 minutes without mentioning a single element in the resolution on repeated and constant violations of human rights and violations of the rights of women, children and the elderly in the various regions of Syria. Such thumbing of one’s nose at human rights in Syria has led to the deaths of more than 200,000 people and the displacement of millions within and outside of Syria. We know that hundreds of thousands of Syrians are starving. We know that arbitrary detentions of citizens and Syrian nationals in their country have taken place. In spite of all that, our colleague the representative of Syria took it upon himself to audaciously talk about human rights situations in other countries. He did not mention the issue of inherited power. He forgot to note that Bashar Al-Assad inherited the position of Head of State from his father and that the Constitution was changed in 10 minutes. Instead, he spoke about human rights in other countries for 10 minutes. He did not talk about the Head of State who took power even though he was not of a sufficient age to do so. He based himself on press and newspaper reports, but forgot to say that the resolution is based on United Nations reports and on clear evidence gathered by the Organization. The Syrian representative spoke about the offensive and racist techniques used by Hollywood of defaming and distorting the image of Arabs everywhere, but his goal was to twist the reality of Arabs and of human rights. In conclusion, he continued with his arbitrary accusations, even against United Nations staff. In that regard, I would like to ask the Secretary-General that the representative of Syria be held accountable for the statements he made with regard to the allegations that in actual fact insulted and demeaned the United Nations. Resolution 69/189 is a manifestation of international solidarity with the patient and suffering Syrian people, who have been victims of terrorism at the hands of the Government of Syria and other terrorist groups throughout the world. I think this is an eloquent reply to the statement made by Syria.
Ms. Al-Thani QAT Qatar [Arabic] #73286
It is extremely regrettable to hear once again unfounded and inaccurate accusations being levelled by the Syrian regime against my country and against all countries that support the Syrian people. This is a futile attempt to divert the attention of Member States from the flagrant violations of human rights that have been committed by the regime in the Syrian Arab Republic, violations that have been highlighted in various United Nations reports. The result of the voting on resolution 69/189, concerning the human rights situation in that country, which we were very proud to co-sponsor, attests to the indignation of Member States with regard to the humanitarian and legal violations perpetrated by the Syrian regime against its people. To conclude, I would like to reiterate before the international community that we will continue to support the legitimate demands of the people of the Syrian Arab Republic. We take this opportunity to thank all Member States that voted in favour of the resolution.
Ms. Alsaleh SYR Syrian Arab Republic [Arabic] #73287
I apologize for taking the floor once again in connection with the same agenda item. However, we have to respond after hearing the statements made just now by the Permanent Representatives of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. I will try to be brief. First, as the representative of Saudi Arabia said, we like Saudi Arabia and  are passionate about his people as well as our own people. The representative of Saudi Arabia said that the Syrian representative had made baseless allegations against them. First, we have evidence of the setting up of terrorist training camps in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. There are documents that prove that the Governments of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, working with the United States, have in fact acknowledged establishing terrorist camps. Secondly, The Washington Post has published a report. And it is true that we refer to media reports, mainly Western sources, in particular United States media reports, because they are often the impartial sources that show the reality of what is happening with respect to financing, arming and training terrorists in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Thirdly, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has published a report entitled Qatar and Terror Finance, which I recommend members Google and read. There one can see the scandalous extent to which Qatar has financed terrorism. Fourthly, we referred to one of the paragraphs of resolution 69/189, presented by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and their allies. Paragraph 24 calls for the establishment of a democratic and pluralist State. That does not apply to Qatar or Saudi Arabia. With regard to the demand for the active participation of women in Syria, in Syria women participate in all walks of life, while in Qatar and Saudi Arabia they do not. In Syria there is no sectarianism and no discrimination based on language, ethnicity, origin or religion. Those are facts proven not to be the case in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. To summarize, we deplore the fact that on a number of occasions the representatives of Qatar and Saudi Arabia have claimed that they constantly support the people of Syria. We say to them one again that the people of Syria do not want their help and support and do not need the weapons, financing or terrorism that they offer. As the Ambassador of Syria has stated, those countries will need to be held accountable by the Syrian people for the role they have played since the beginning of the crisis and in subsequent events. In conclusion, the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia said that the representative of Syria was talking about other States. If the representative of Syria did talk a bit about Saudi Arabia, what about the representative of Saudi Arabia himself, who talks with just as much if not more boldness, while in his country there are even more human rights violations than in my country? Finally, I would like to repeat something already stated. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have enough funds to buy the conscience of people. They have bought the conscience of regimes and of States Members of the United Nations. I am repeating what the representative of Syria said. However, they have not been unable to buy the voice or conscience of the people of Syria. They have instead bought terrorist forces, which will one day come knocking at their doors.
The meeting rose at 12.50 p.m.