A/75/PV.46 General Assembly

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020 — Session 75, Meeting 46 — New York — UN Document ↗ — OCR ✓ — ⓘ 83 unattributed speechs — ⚠ 10 duplicate speechs
▶ This meeting at a glance
101
Speeches
13
Countries
57
Resolutions
Resolutions: 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, 31/127, 32/97, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 31/37, 32/132, 31/37, 31/125, 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, 31/37, 32/132, 31/125, 32/95, A/RES/75/161, A/RES/75/151, A/RES/75/165, A/RES/75/169, A/RES/75/163, A/RES/75/177, A/RES/75/172, A/RES/75/171, A/RES/75/181, A/RES/75/179, A/RES/75/178, A/RES/75/192, A/RES/75/191, A/RES/75/193, A/RES/75/183, A/RES/75/189, A/RES/75/182
Topics
UN resolutions and decisions Human rights and rule of law General statements and positions Security Council deliberations Arab political groupings Women, peace, and security

The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m.
Vote: A/RES/75/161 Recorded Vote
✓ 175   ✗ 0   11 abs.
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✓ Yes (175)
Vote: A/RES/75/151 Recorded Vote
✓ 183   ✗ 2   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (183)
Vote: A/RES/75/165 Recorded Vote
✓ 119   ✗ 3   60 abs.
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✗ No (3)
✓ Yes (119)
Vote: A/RES/75/169 Recorded Vote
✓ 130   ✗ 2   51 abs.
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✓ Yes (130)
Vote: A/RES/75/163 Recorded Vote
✓ 181   ✗ 0   7 abs.
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✓ Yes (181)
Vote: A/RES/75/177 Recorded Vote
✓ 130   ✗ 55   1 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (130)
Vote: A/RES/75/172 Recorded Vote
✓ 168   ✗ 5   10 abs.
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✓ Yes (168)
Vote: A/RES/75/171 Recorded Vote
✓ 126   ✗ 54   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (126)
Vote: A/RES/75/181 Recorded Vote
✓ 131   ✗ 56   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (131)
Vote: A/RES/75/179 Recorded Vote
✓ 187   ✗ 2   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (187)
Vote: A/RES/75/178 Recorded Vote
✓ 125   ✗ 55   8 abs.
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✓ Yes (125)
Vote: A/RES/75/192 Recorded Vote
✓ 64   ✗ 23   86 abs.
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— Abstain (86)
Vote: A/RES/75/191 Recorded Vote
✓ 82   ✗ 30   64 abs.
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✓ Yes (82)
Vote: A/RES/75/193 Recorded Vote
✓ 101   ✗ 13   62 abs.
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✓ Yes (101)
Vote: A/RES/75/183 Recorded Vote
✓ 123   ✗ 38   24 abs.
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✓ Yes (123)
Vote: A/RES/75/189 Recorded Vote
✓ 132   ✗ 0   53 abs.
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✓ Yes (132)
Vote: A/RES/75/182 Recorded Vote
✓ 135   ✗ 24   29 abs.
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✓ Yes (135)

Reports of the Third Committee

The President unattributed #99681
The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 27, 28, 63, 67 to 72, 111 to 113, 126 and 142. Before we proceed, I would like to make some opening remarks. I thank Her Excellency Ambassador Bogyay for her leadership and the other members of the Bureau for their steadfast stewardship throughout the main session. I thank all delegations for their tireless work over the past seven weeks and their enduring commitment to human rights and social and humanitarian issues. They have exemplified the very best of diplomacy and in doing so have ensured a strong, functional General Assembly that seeks to fulfil the aspirations of humankind. The Third Committee successfully adopted its working methods during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to ensure that the General Assembly remains a forum for the intercultural exchange of perspectives and ideas, shaped by our experiences in pursuit of a better world. Despite the challenging working conditions in the time of COVID-19, it is most impressive that the Committee ensured business continuity. It held 15 in-person meetings and 29 virtual meetings, including more than 75 hours of interactive dialogue with 64 special procedure mandate-holders and 15 United Nations representatives, and considered more than 100 reports. I am pleased to note that, of the 50 draft resolutions adopted by the Third Committee, 31 were adopted by consensus. I commend delegations on the draft resolution entitled “Inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities” (A/C.3/75/L.9/Rev.1), which calls for non-discrimination, accessibility and inclusion in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In the decade of delivery to implement sustainable development, which has now become a decade of recovery, the implementation of that draft resolution is critical to ensure that no one is left behind. In some instances, technical rollovers were necessary to facilitate the Committee taking urgent action pertaining to the coronavirus disease. In particular, I welcome the draft resolutions that place women and girls at the centre of the COVID-19 response, highlighting the essential role of women and girls in pandemic responses and calling for genderresponsive policies and measures to end gender-based discrimination. As an international gender champion, I am proud that the Third Committee prioritized the needs and rights of women and girls during the seventyfifth session of the General Assembly. I look forward to informing the newly established Gender Advisory Board of those developments. As we contend with the greatest challenge in the 75-year history of the United Nations, the work of the Third Committee is more important than ever before, for the COVID-19 pandemic is not just a health crisis — it is a human rights crisis. The year 2020 has been one in which we have sought to create the United Nations we need for the future we want. Thanks to the efforts of the Third Committee, we are one step closer to the realization of a better world for all of us. I now request the Rapporteur of the Third Committee, Ms. Myriam Oehri of Liechtenstein, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Committee. Ms. Oehri (Liechtenstein), Rapporteur of the Third Committee: This year marked an extraordinary session of the Third Committee due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease pandemic. As a result of constructive consultations with delegations prior to the session, the Third Committee agreed on working modalities to ensure its functioning in unprecedented circumstances. The pragmatic hybrid format, consisting of in-person and virtual meetings, proved to be efficient and appropriate. We can be proud of ourselves in that we were able to successfully conclude the Committee’s anniversary session in a timely manner. In doing so, we ensured the business continuity of the United Nations and reaffirmed our commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, which are all the more relevant in times of crisis and indispensable for effectively responding to global challenges. It is an honour for me today to introduce to the General Assembly the reports of the Third Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the Assembly at its seventy-fifth session, namely, items 27, 28, 63, 67 to 72, 111 to 113, 126 and 142. The reports contained in documents A/75/470 to A/75/483 include the text of draft resolutions and a draft decision recommended to the General Assembly for adoption. For the convenience of delegations, a checklist of actions taken in the Committee (A/C.3/75/ INF/1) has been issued, in English only. During the main part of the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly, the Third Committee held 15 plenary meetings and adopted a total of 50 draft resolutions, 19 of which were adopted by recorded vote, and one draft decision. Pursuant to the organization of work adopted at its first meeting, held on 5 October 2020, and taking into account the prevailing conditions relating to the coronavirus disease on the working arrangements for its seventy-fifth session, the Committee also convened 29 virtual informal meetings to hear introductory statements and hold interactive dialogues on the items under consideration. Under agenda item 27, “Social development”, including sub-items (a) to (c), the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 26 of document A/75/ 470, the adoption of five draft resolutions. Under agenda item 28, “Advancement of women”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 80 of document A/75/471, the adoption of six draft resolutions. Under agenda item 63, “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/75/472, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under agenda item 67, “Report of the Human Rights Council”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/75/473, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 68, “Promotion and protection of the rights of children”, including sub-items (a) and (b), the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 33 of document A/75/474, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under agenda item 69, “Rights of indigenous peoples”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/75/475, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 70, “Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”, including sub-items (a) and (b), the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 23 of document A/75/476, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under agenda item 71, “Right of peoples to selfdetermination”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 19 of document A/75/477, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under the chapeau of agenda item 72, “Promotion and protection of human rights”, the Third Committee wishes to advise the Assembly that no action was required under the item. Under sub-item (a) of agenda item 72, “Implementation of human rights instruments”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/75/478/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b) of agenda item 72, “Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 89 of document A/75/478/ Add.2, the adoption of 15 draft resolutions. Under sub-item (c) of agenda item 72, “Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 39 of document A/75/478/Add.3, the adoption of five draft resolutions. Under sub-item (d) of agenda item 72, “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 111, “Crime prevention and criminal justice”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 20 of document A/75/479, the adoption of four draft resolutions. Under agenda item 112, “Countering the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes” the Third Committee wishes to advise the Assembly that no action was required under the item. Under agenda item 113, “International drug control”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/75/481, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 126, “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/75/482, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 142, “Programme planning”, the Third Committee wishes to advise the Assembly that no action was required under the item. Allow me to take this opportunity to acknowledge the commendable and wise leadership of our Chair, Her Excellency Mrs. Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary, and to thank her and her expert, Ms. Magdolna Pongor, for her extraordinary commitment. I furthermore wish to thank my other fellow Bureau members  — namely, the Vice-Chairs, Ms. Ahlem Sara Charikhi of Algeria, Ms. Pilar Eugenio of Argentina and Mr. Khaled Mohammed AlManzlawiy of Saudi Arabia — for their great cooperation. I would also like to thank, on behalf of the Bureau, the Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Ziad Mahmassani, and his very able team from the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management for the excellent support and guidance provided to the Bureau and to delegations, as well as the other officers in the Secretariat that supported the work of the Committee. Finally, I am grateful to all Third Committee experts for their cooperation, constructive spirit, friendship and support to the Bureau and I wish to thank my colleagues from the Bureau in particular for their trust and support in my role. In a year of unprecedented challenges, together we have shown the world our steadfast commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and that respect for human rights needs to be ensured at all times. In that regard and in my personal capacity, I wish to thank all the brave human rights defenders who stand up for human rights every single day and inspire us to do the same.
The President unattributed #99683
I thank the Rapporteur of the Third Committee. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. Therefore, 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.

28.  Advancement of women Report of the Third Committee (A/75/471)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

68.  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/75/474)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

111.  Crime prevention and criminal justice Report of the Third Committee (A/75/479)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
It was so decided.

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, persons with disabilities and the family (c) Literacy for life: shaping future agendas Report of the Third Committee (A/75/470)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 183   ✗ 2   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (183)

70.  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/75/476)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 130   ✗ 2   51 abs.
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✓ Yes (130)

71.  Right of peoples to self-determination Report of the Third Committee (A/75/477)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 126   ✗ 54   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (126)
The President unattributed #99685
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. May I remind members that, in accordance with decision 34/401, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, that is, either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation’s vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee, and that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. When there are multiple proposals under an agenda item, statements in explanation of vote before the vote on any or all of them should be made in one intervention, followed by action on all of them, one by one. Thereafter, there will also be an opportunity for statements in explanation of vote after the voting on any or all of them in one intervention. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Third Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. That means that, where separate or recorded votes were taken, we will do the same. I should also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Third Committee. The results of the votes will be uploaded to the e-deleGATE Portal under plenary announcements. I would like to draw the attention of members to a note by the Secretariat, in English only, entitled “List of proposals contained in the reports of the Third Committee for the consideration by the General Assembly”, which has been issued as document A/C.3/75/INF/1. The note was circulated in advance as a reference guide for action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Third Committee in its reports. Members will find in the fourth column of the note the symbols of the draft resolutions and decisions of the Third Committee, with the corresponding symbols of the reports for action in the plenary in the second column of the same note. For reports containing multiple recommendations, the draft resolution or decision number is contained in the third column of the note. Members are reminded that additional sponsors are no longer accepted now that draft resolutions and decisions have been adopted in the Committee. Any clarification about sponsorship in the Committee reports should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee. Furthermore, any corrections to the voting intention of delegations after the voting has concluded on a proposal should be made directly to the Secretariat after the meeting. I would seek members’ cooperation in avoiding any interruptions to our proceedings in that regard.

63.  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/75/472)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President unattributed #99686
The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 26 of its report (A75/470). We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to V, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the Bahamas informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted by 183 votes to 2 (resolution 75/151).
Vote: 32/132 Recorded Vote
✓ 168   ✗ 5   10 abs.
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✓ Yes (168)
The President unattributed #99687
Draft resolution II is entitled “Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 75/152).
Vote: 31/125 Consensus

72.  Promotion and protection of human rights Report of the Third Committee (A/75/478)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
The President unattributed #99689
Draft resolution III is entitled “Follow-up to the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family and beyond”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 75/153).
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
The President unattributed #99691
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 31/125 Consensus
Vote: 32/132 Consensus
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 75/154).
The President unattributed #99692
Draft resolution V is entitled “Literacy for life: shaping future agendas”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/127 Consensus
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 75/155).
Vote: 31/127 Consensus
The President unattributed #99694
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: 31/125 Recorded Vote
✓ 130   ✗ 55   1 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (130)
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #99804
The Assembly has before it six draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 80 of its report. We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to VI, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Strengthening national and international rapid response to the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on women and girls”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 75/156).
The President unattributed #99805
Draft resolution II is entitled “Women and girls and the response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/95 Recorded Vote
✓ 125   ✗ 55   8 abs.
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✓ Yes (125)
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 75/157).
The President unattributed #99806
Draft resolution III is entitled “Trafficking in women and girls”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 75/158).
The President unattributed #99807
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Intensification of efforts to end obstetric fistula”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 31/127 Recorded Vote
✓ 187   ✗ 2   0 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (187)
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 75/159).
The President unattributed #99808
Draft resolution V is entitled “Intensifying global efforts for the elimination of female genital mutilation”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 75/160).
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
The President unattributed #99809
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Intensification of efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the Bahamas informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VI was adopted by 175 votes to none, with 11 abstentions (resolution 75/161).
The President unattributed duplicate #99810
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 28?
Vote: 32/98 Recorded Vote
✓ 131   ✗ 56   0 abs.
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✓ Yes (131)
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #99811
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. I now give the floor to the representative of Norway, who has asked to speak in explanation of vote or position before action is taken on draft resolutions I to III.
Ms. Wessel NOR Norway #99812
I wish to give this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway. The omnibus draft resolution on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (A/C.3/75/L.48) is an annual resolution supporting the humanitarian and non-political mandate of UNHCR. In light of the extraordinary situation we are facing due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and following the guidance received from the Bureau of the Third Committee, this year we are doing a technical rollover of the resolution. No substantial negotiations have taken place. That approach was presented to Member States at two briefings in Geneva and one in New York. We are very grateful for the overwhelming broad cross-regional support for that approach. We are not establishing a new precedent with the approach taken, which was based on the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related guidance from the Bureau regarding the work of the Committee. Let me add that facilitators of other humanitarian resolutions have chosen the same approach — a technical rollover — as a consequence of the extraordinary situation caused by COVID-19. Those resolutions were all adopted by consensus in the General Assembly on Friday 11 December. The draft resolution enjoys strong and solid support from an overwhelming majority of Member States across all regions, which was made clear by its adoption in the Third Committee last month. Therefore, we deeply regret that two Member States have called for a vote on the draft resolution and that the long-standing tradition of consensus is again challenged. As the facilitator of the draft resolution and on behalf of the Nordic countries, I strongly encourage all States Members of the United Nations to support the draft resolution and to vote in favour of its adoption today by the General Assembly.
The President unattributed #99813
We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to III, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Vote: 32/99 Recorded Vote
✓ 135   ✗ 24   29 abs.
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✓ Yes (135)
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 75/162).
The President unattributed #99814
Draft resolution II is entitled “Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Croatia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 181 votes to none, with 7 abstentions (resolution 75/163).
Vote: 32/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 123   ✗ 38   24 abs.
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✓ Yes (123)
The President unattributed #99815
Draft resolution III is entitled “Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 75/164).
The President unattributed duplicate #99816
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 63?
Vote: 32/101 Consensus
It was so decided.

67.  Report of the Human Rights Council Report of the Third Committee (A/75/473)

The President unattributed #99817
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommend 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.
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 32/127 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted by 119 votes to 3, with 60 abstentions (resolution 75/165).
The President unattributed #99818
Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.
Mr. Poveda Brito VEN Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela [Spanish] #99819
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela voted in favour of resolution 75/165. We are aware of the increasing importance of the Human Rights Council given the current circumstances, the great challenges arising from the pandemic and the urgent need to address critical issues in that regard, especially given the risk of their politicization, in particular as a result of the illegal imposition of unilateral coercive measures that affect more than one third of humankind, including more than 30 million Venezuelans. Venezuela reiterates its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, without distinction as to the generations of human rights, in line with the principles of universality, objectivity, non-politicization and non-selectivity and based on dialogue and transparent cooperation, as called for in Human Rights Council resolution 45/2, on strengthening cooperation and technical assistance in the field of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. That is a clear and unequivocal demonstration of the will of the Venezuelan State on the issue. Venezuela reiterates its disassociation from, and rejection of, the imposition of instruments and mechanisms established without the consent of the Venezuelan State, such as those referred to in the report contained in document A/HRC/44/20, which manipulate and politicize human rights and issue documents that are inconsistent, have no methodological rigour and are informed by third parties, promoting an agenda designed to foment domestic instability that has been rejected by the international community.
Vote: 32/128 Consensus
Mr. Zhang Zhe CHN China [Chinese] #99820
China voted in favour of resolution 75/165. At its forty-fifth session, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 45/31, entitled “The contribution of the Human Rights Council to the prevention of human rights violations”, which unilaterally changed the mandates of the Human Rights Council and of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as entrusted to them by the General Assembly and attempted to establish a direct link between the Human Rights Council and the Security Council. China proposed several amendments during the consultations on Human Rights Council resolution 45/31, none of which were adopted by the sponsors. China does not support Human Rights Council resolution 45/31 and has reservations on the content of the report of the Human Rights Council (A/75/53/ Add.1) concerning that resolution.
Mrs. Ndayishimiye BDI Burundi [French] #99821
The delegation of Burundi voted in favour of resolution 75/165, as we supported it as a whole. We acknowledge the fact that human rights issues are within the competence of the Human Rights Council. However, we oppose once again the use of the Council for political interests. I would also like to take this opportunity to express our concerns about some sections of the report of the Human Rights Council (A/75/53/Add.1), in particular resolutions that target countries, including Burundi. We would like to disassociate ourselves from the paragraphs in the report that refer to the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi.
The President unattributed #99822
We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 67?
Vote: 39/192 Consensus
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #99823
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 33 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. Draft resolution I, entitled “Protecting children from bullying”, was adopted by The Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 75/166).
Vote: 34/131 Consensus
The President unattributed #99824
Draft resolution II, entitled “Child, early and forced marriage”, was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 75/167).
The President unattributed duplicate #99825
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 68 and its sub-items (a) and (b)?
It was so decided.
Vote: 40/229 Consensus

69.  Rights of indigenous peoples (a) Rights of indigenous peoples (b) Follow-up to the outcome document of the high- level plenary meeting of the General Assembly known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples Report of the Third Committee (A/75/475)

The President unattributed #99826
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Rights of indigenous peoples”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 75/168).
The President unattributed duplicate #99827
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 69 and its sub-items (a) and (b)?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #99828
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 23 of its report. Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution II, entitled “A global call for concrete action for the 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”, 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 the programme budget implications is available. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and III, one by one. Draft resolution I is 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 130 votes to 2, with 51 abstentions (resolution 75/169).
The President unattributed #99829
Draft resolution III, entitled “International Day for People of African Descent”, was adopted by the Third Committee, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 75/170).
The President unattributed #99830
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 70?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #99831
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 70 and its sub-item (b).
The President unattributed duplicate #99832
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 19 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 126 votes to 54, with 6 abstentions (resolution 75/171).
The President unattributed #99833
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 168 votes to 5, with 10 abstentions (resolution 75/172).
The President unattributed #99834
I now give the floor to the representative of Canada, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.
Mrs. Maille CAN Canada #99835
Our explanation of vote relates to resolution 75/172. Canada would like to make this statement on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Canada is a strong ally and close friend of Israel, continuing a partnership that has advanced the shared values and interests of our two democracies since the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948. Canada is also committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel. Canada’s vote today is a reflection of our longstanding commitment to the right of self-determination for both Palestinians and Israelis. The resolution we have just adopted focuses on two issues  — the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people and the need for all countries to do what they can to support the successful creation of a Palestinian State living in peace and security with its neighbour Israel. From the time of the earliest resolutions of the Security Council on that issue, we have endorsed the principle of two States, two people. While we do not agree with some elements of the preamble, Canada will support resolution 75/172 because of its focus on those important core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Canada does not and will not support any resolution that unfairly singles out Israel alone for criticism. Our votes on those resolutions across the United Nations system reflect that basic principle. We will continue to oppose resolutions and initiatives that do not speak to the complexities of the issues or seek to address the actions and responsibility of all parties, including the destructive role in the conflict of terrorist organizations, such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hizbullah, which have refused to accept the legitimacy of the State of Israel and routinely use violence targeting civilians. Canada stands ready to support the return to negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. We welcomed the announcement by the Palestinian Authority to resume coordination with Israel. We continue to insist that real progress will depend on mutual recognition and trust and a firm rejection of extremism and terrorism. We know that lasting peace and security start with direct talks and the concessions and compromise that always accompany successful negotiations. Canada urges both sides to return to negotiations.
The President unattributed #99836
We have heard the only speaker in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted. Draft resolution III is entitled “Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 71?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 75/173).
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #100055
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Third Committee? It was so decided (decision 75/537). (a) Implementation of human rights instruments (continued) Report of the Third Committee (A/75/478/Add.1)
The President unattributed duplicate #100057
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution entitled “Human rights treaty body system”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 75/174).
The President unattributed duplicate #100059
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 72? (b) Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms Report of the Third Committee (A/75/478/Add.2)
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #100060
The Assembly has before it 15 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 89 of its report. I now give the floor to the representative of the Maldives, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Shihab MDV Maldives #100061
I take the floor to provide an explanation of our vote before the voting on the draft resolution IX, entitled “Moratorium on the use of the death penalty”. While the death penalty is a form of punishment that can be prescribed in limited circumstances under the law of the Maldives, the Maldives has maintained an informal moratorium on the death penalty for more than half a century and will continue to do so. Article 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives stipulates that Islam shall be the basis of all laws in the country. The penal code enacted in 2014 permits the use of the death penalty only in cases of premeditated murder and deliberate manslaughter, stating that punishments for crimes for which retribution or the restoration of justice is required must be carried out according to the principles of Islamic sharia. We fully maintain that legal measures in Islamic sharia relating to the use of that punishment must be rigorously and meticulously examined within the wider judicial framework to ensure that the enforcement of sentences is not arbitrary and adheres to the commitment of the Maldives under international law. Over the past two years, we have taken substantial steps to implement positive and meaningful changes to our judiciary and align our domestic legal instruments with our international obligations. The Government understands that the criminal justice system, in its entirety, must be reformed, strengthened and institutionalized to create an independent and impartial judiciary that commands the trust and confidence of the general public. The reality is that the death penalty remains on the books. To favour its abolition would undermine our Constitution and domestic law. Therefore, it is against that backdrop that we must make our decision today. During the deliberations at the Third Committee held in November, the Maldives voted against the draft resolution that is before us. While the Government is committed to maintaining an informal moratorium for the legal reasons I have outlined, the Maldives will maintain its position in the plenary and vote against the draft resolution entitled “Moratorium on the use of the death penalty”.
The President unattributed #100062
We have heard the only speaker in explanation of vote before the voting. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to XV, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Human rights and extreme poverty”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 75/175).
The President unattributed #100063
Draft resolution II is entitled “The right to privacy in the digital age”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 75/176).
The President unattributed #100064
Draft resolution III 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 III was adopted by 130 votes to 55, with 1 abstention (resolution 75/177).
The President unattributed #100065
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Uruguay informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IV was adopted by 125 votes to 55, with 8 abstentions (resolution 75/178).
The President unattributed #100066
Draft resolution V is entitled “The right to food”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 187 votes to 2 (resolution 75/179).
The President unattributed #100067
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 75/180).
The President unattributed #100070
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Human rights and unilateral coercive measures”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VII was adopted by 131 votes to 56 (resolution 75/181).
The President unattributed #100072
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “The right to development”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution VIII was adopted by 135 votes to 24, with 29 abstentions (resolution 75/182).
The President unattributed #100074
Draft resolution IX is entitled “Moratorium on the use of the death penalty”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Yemen informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution IX was adopted by 123 votes to 38, with 24 abstentions (resolution 75/183)
The President unattributed #100076
Draft resolution X is entitled “Missing persons”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 75/184).
The President unattributed #100078
Draft resolution XI is entitled “Human rights in the administration of justice”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XI was adopted (resolution 75/185).
The President unattributed #100079
Draft resolution XII is entitled “The role of Ombudsman and mediator institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights, good governance and the rule of law”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XII was adopted (resolution 75/186).
The President unattributed #100081
Draft resolution XIII 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 without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIII was adopted (resolution 75/187).
The President unattributed #100083
Draft resolution XIV is entitled “Freedom of religion or belief”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution XIV was adopted (resolution 75/188).
The President unattributed #100084
Draft resolution XV is entitled “Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Senegal informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XV was adopted by 132 votes to none, with 53 abstentions (resolution 75/189).
The President unattributed #100086
I now give the floor to the representative of China, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.
Mr. Zhang Zhe CHN China #100088
The Chinese delegation would like to speak in explanation of its vote on resolution 75/189, entitled ““Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions”. The Chinese delegation participated in the consultations on the draft resolution prior to its adoption. Regrettably, however, the amendments proposed by China were not adopted. China therefore abstained in the voting on resolution 75/189 and remains concerned about the following issues. First, since there is no clear, universal definition of the term “human rights defenders”, and no such definition has been established through intergovernmental negotiations, China opposes the use of the term “human rights defenders” in the thirteenth preambular paragraph and in paragraph 7 (b) of the resolution. Secondly, based on our consistent position concerning the International Criminal Court, China does not support the references to the Court contained in the fifteenth preambular paragraph and paragraph 14 of the resolution. Thirdly, since there is no clear, universal definition of the term “media workers”, China does not support the reference to the term “media workers” contained in paragraph 16 of the resolution. Fourthly, China has reservations concerning paragraph 18 of the resolution, which arbitrarily expands the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
The President unattributed #100090
We have heard the only speaker in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 72? (c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives Report of the Third Committee (A/75/478/Add.3)
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #100092
The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 39 of its report. Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution IV, entitled “Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities 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 IV as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications is available. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Kuzmin RUS Russian Federation [Russian] #100093
We will put to the vote the so-called countryspecific draft resolutions contained in the report of the Third Committee (A/75/478/Add.3), which are characterized by baseless accusations, falsehoods and empty appeals. It has been a long time since the relevant negotiations were held. The contents of the report are becoming increasingly divorced from reality from one year to the next. The value of such draft resolutions could not even be said to be zero, since they have an extremely negative impact. Therefore, it will be a pleasure for me to vote against every one of them. I would like to specifically address draft resolution III, on Crimea. First of all, I would like to thank all 130 members, an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly, who did not wish to vote in favour of that masterpiece in the Third Committee. I would like to remind the other members of the relevant discussions on the status of the peninsula, which affirmed that the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol are integral parts of the Russian Federation. Russia guarantees the safeguarding of human rights and protection against external threats throughout its territory, including Crimea. The periods of upheaval and strife that according to the title of the draft resolution occurred in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol came to a halt in 2014, as a result of the almost unanimous decision of the approximately 2 million people living there. The Crimeans avoided the bloody fate that the anti-constitutional regime, which seized power through a coup d’état, held in store for them. Look what is happening currently in Russianspeaking areas in eastern Ukraine. The people there have endured seven years of armed conflict, leading to the loss of almost 13,000 lives and more than 30,000 wounded. On 9 November, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe issued a report on civilian victims in the Donbas conflict area, according to which 75 per cent of the civilian victims were not under Kyiv’s control. In other words, three quarters of all of the victims were shelled directly by the Kyiv authorities, including elderly persons, children and women. Unfortunately, Ukraine has ceased being an independent State capable of maintaining law and order and ensuring human rights on its territory. What have the conclusions of the investigations yielded with regard to the killing of peaceful citizens by the police in Maidan, those burned alive in the trade union building in Odessa and the killing of journalist Oles Buzina in Kyiv? When will we finally see an end to Nazi marches throughout Ukraine? When will we see an end to the language-based discrimination? The answers to those questions will not be found in draft resolution III, as its goals diverge entirely from them. The puppet masters need members to press the green button and vote against Russia.
Mr. Kyslytsya UKR Ukraine #100095
At the outset, I would like to express our gratitude to Ambassador Katalin Bogyay of Hungary, who successfully guided the work of the most deliberative and human-centric Main Committee in the circumstances created by the coronavirus disease pandemic. We sincerely regret that she will be leaving. The Organization truly needs people, who like her, have such broad expertise and energy, especially as we commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations. when gross human rights violations continue to persist in different parts of the world. The role of human rights on a global scale was dramatically reconsidered in the aftermath of the Second World War. The tens of millions of people killed during that extremely bloody war waged by totalitarian regimes, and the horrors of the Holocaust, forced world leaders to advance approaches to guaranteeing human rights. In the early decades of the modern concept of human rights, in the mid-twentieth century, one could explain human rights violations by negligence or a breach of duty; however, today we are dealing with conscious informed acts of abuse, including by leaders who have spoken at length in this very Hall about their profound commitment to human rights. Seventy-two years ago, Members States committed themselves to the protection of human rights with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, gross violations of human rights have become a distinct feature of neo-totalitarian regimes, including those that have pursued aggression and occupied foreign territories and delivered Novichokstyle speeches in the Hall today. But it did not start yesterday. Only two days ago, 14 December marked the date in 1939 when the former Soviet Union was expelled from the League of Nations for perpetrating crimes of aggression against its neighbour, the peace-loving State of Finland. By chance, on the same day that Moscow attacked Helsinki but 35 years later, the General Assembly adopted the Definition of Aggression (resolution 3314 (XXIX), annex). There is more symbolism in that irony, since the following year, in 1975 in Helsinki, Moscow committed itself to not violate international borders or use force against other States by signing the Helsinki Final Act, which was fundamental in promoting democracy and human rights in the socialist countries of Europe and inevitably led to the disappearance of the Soviet Union a dozen years later. There was hope that democracy could triumph in Russia because, as was said, “Perhaps for the first time ever there is now a real chance to put an end to despotism and to dismantle the totalitarian order, whatever shape it may take. I trust that after all the unthinkable tragedies and tremendous losses it has suffered, mankind will reject this legacy” (S/PV.3046, p. 42). Believe it or not, those are the words of the first President of the Russian Federation, Boris Yeltsin, delivered here in New York at the first-ever Security Council summit-level meeting. However, that hope was to be short-lived. It was soon killed by the beginning of the Chechen wars, as the rulers of the Kremlin plunged into the reincarnation of the cult of Stalin, who launched a war against Finland, occupied neighbouring countries in 1939 and the following year, and, on 1 September 2009 in Poland, brokered an “immoral deal” with the Nazis, as Putin himself characterized it. And who cared that, a year earlier, in 2008, he had attacked Georgia? One would wonder why at a meeting devoted to the adoption of the report of the Third Committee (A/75/478/Add.3) I am compelled to recall those history lessons. The answer is sad, although сlear. Impunity, to a large extent, explains why today the Third Committee is faced with a long list of problems and complex issues. Impunity is poisonous. It literally kills on foreign soil  — in London and Salisbury  — and in the air on-board Russian passenger airlines; it poisons on an enormous scale in Syria. The Hague is a sombre place, as it has seen many perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity brought to justice. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague was surely keen to learn this Monday the names of the Russian special agents who allegedly poisoned Mr. Navalny. At about the same time, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) published the conclusion of her preliminary examination of the situation in Ukraine, in which her Office concluded that a broad range of conduct constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity within the jurisdiction of the Court had been committed in the context of the situation in Ukraine, including crimes committed in Crimea. Russia may continue to pretend that there are no Russian troops in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, or that Russia is not an occupying Power there. Yet reports of the Secretary-General, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and their missions, which were invited by Ukraine, as well as the preliminary examination of the ICC Prosecutor, all say the opposite. They speak the truth in facts. Repression, depression and hopelessness — that is all that the local population faces today in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Meanwhile, Russia continues its aggressive illegal policy of the militarization of the peninsula, the exploitation of natural resources and the transfer of its own population into occupied territories. It is inevitable — all perpetrators of crimes against humanity will face charges in The Hague. As members vote on draft resolution III, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine”, they should ask themselves honestly whether they are ready to support impunity, and in this case the impunity of Russia. That country’s predecessor was expelled from the League of Nations for committing the crime of aggression. Once again the same country, which occupies a permanent seat on the Security Council, is committing the same crime against Ukraine. I am grateful to all Member States from all regions that supported the draft resolution in the Third Committee. It is encouraging that it enjoyed a larger sponsorship this year, by more than 40 Member States. It gives hope to those of my people who continue to reside in the temporarily occupied Crimea and those who were forced to leave it. I ask members to vote in favour of draft resolution III. I also call upon them to vote in favour of all draft resolutions presented today that aim to break the cycle of impunity and pursue justice for victims.
Mr. Song Kim PRK Democratic People's Republic of Korea #100097
The delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea categorically rejects draft resolution I, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”, sponsored by the European Union, as a grave, politically motivated provocation against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The attempt to adopt the draft resolution clearly demonstrates once again that the hostile forces, including the European Union, continue to seek the realization of the pipe dream to tarnish the dignity and image of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, while further undermining our social system by internationalizing non-existent human rights issues. Clearly, once again, all the materials contained in the draft resolution are of the most despicable kind of fabricated information, concocted by riff-raff defectors. As such, they are nothing other than aggressive instruments of the hostile forces which they exploit as an excuse for so-called regime change and overthrowing the social system. The hostile forces are gravely mistaken if they think that such a politically motivated human rights draft resolution against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has agitated us. On the contrary, such a scheme will be met with strong counter-measures and merciless punishment from the latter. The European Union — the main sponsor of the draft resolution against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea — should rather remain silent and concern itself with addressing severe human rights violations at home, instead of interfering in others’ non-existent human rights issues, if it does not wish to get into trouble. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remains firmly committed to joining international efforts for the genuine promotion and protection of human rights in the future, as well, but it will resolutely respond to such hostile acts as the forcible adoption of the anti-Democratic People’s Republic of Korea human rights draft resolution, aimed at infringing upon the sovereignty of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, thereby firmly safeguarding our own specific kind of people-centred socialism. In conclusion, the delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea rejects and will vote against all country-specific human rights draft resolutions against the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Syrian Arab Republic, proceeding from its principled position eschewing politicization, selectivity and double standards vis-à-vis human rights.
Mr. Zareian IRN Islamic Republic of Iran #100098
I am delivering this statement in relation to draft resolution II, contained in document A/75/478/Add.3, on the socalled situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is a matter of great concern and deep regret that once again international instruments have been distorted to be used as tools in pursuit of political agendas by certain Member States that are well known for their efforts to undermine multilateralism. Certainly, the adoption of discriminatory approaches, the application of double standards and the abuse of international human rights mechanisms will only lead to the further weakening of such mechanisms. In that regard, it is needless to reiterate the fact that the draft resolution on Iran has nothing to do with human rights. An examination of the list of its main sponsors exposes the fact that long-standing proponents of racism, colonialism foreign occupation, interventionism, pre-emptive wars, the dispossession and uprooting of indigenous peoples have come together and sponsored a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran. How can the draft resolution be taken seriously when a regime that has committed all core international crimes — that is, genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, terrorism and the crime of aggression — has consistently been among its main proponents. Those who have a consistent historical record of betraying their promises and violating values such as justice, the rule of law and democracy cannot reserve the right to intervene or the privilege to interpret human rights and international law for themselves. Today, my people are struggling to protect their basic human rights against a genocidal economic war waged by the United States that deliberately violates its own people’s basic human rights, including the right to health and the right to life. Canada has its own long-standing issues that include, among others, the systematic and historic violation of indigenous peoples rights’, as well as discriminatory practices and violations of the rights of women, immigrants and minorities. In fact, the draft resolution before us is an annual action by Canada with the sole aim of putting pressure on the Iranian people and justifying their ill-fated policies towards them. The Islamic Republic of Iran has insistently worked towards the promotion and protection of human rights, and, according to international indicators, Iran ranks significantly high in a number of areas, such as education and health care. While the world faces a daunting and challenging refugee crisis, Iran has continuously and generously been host to millions of refugees for four decades, providing them with opportunities and access to education and employment. In conclusion, we sincerely call upon Member State to voice their opposition to selectivity and double standards in dealing with human rights issues and vote against this absurd draft resolution. Its rejection represents a strong objection to those self-proclaimed champions of human rights who intend to fetter other sovereign States and manipulate internationally established instruments through misinformation, subterfuge, fraud, tampering and vote rigging.
Mr. Zhe Zhang CHN China [Chinese] #100102
It has been China’s long-standing position that differences in the area of Human Rights should be properly addressed through constructive dialogue and cooperation, based on equality and mutual respect. We object to politicization, selectivity, double standards and confrontational approaches. We are against the practice of pressuring other countries in the name of human rights. We oppose country-specific human rights resolutions. The Chinese delegation therefore will not join the consensus on draft resolution I, on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and will vote against other country-specific human rights draft resolutions.
Mrs. Ndayishimiye BDI Burundi [French] #100104
I have the honour to deliver this statement before the voting on draft resolutions I through V, which are currently under consideration. With regard to these draft resolutions, my delegation recalls its principled rejection of all countryspecific resolutions. Burundi believes that dialogue, cooperation and consensus-based mechanisms are the best way to review human rights matters. Unfortunately, politically motivated selectivity and double standards can lead the Human Rights Council to deviate from fulfilling the goals of the mandate conferred upon it by the General Assembly. On the basis of all of those elements, Burundi will be voting against the draft resolutions.
Mr. Manyanga ZWE Zimbabwe #100107
I take the floor to reiterate Zimbabwe’s established principled position against country-specific resolutions. In that regard, my delegation joins many others in expressing its concern over country-specific resolutions which, by nature, politicize human rights issues. Zimbabwe is committed to upholding and promoting the fundamental and inalienable rights of all people and acknowledges the important role of the United Nations as the main multilateral platform for addressing those issues. We sincerely believe that, if there is a genuine desire to address issues of human rights gaps, where they exist, dialogue with all concerned parties should be encouraged. In that regard, Zimbabwe is a proponent of genuine engagement between and among all concerned parties if sustainable peace is to be realized. My delegation is of the view that country-specific resolutions are inimical to the spirit of genuine engagement and we are yet to witness a situation in which they have succeeded in achieving a peaceful and lasting solution. Country-specific resolutions only generate tension, mistrust and a lack of confidence in our human rights bodies and their ancillary institutions and, as a result, perpetuate the situations in all targeted countries. In that regard, purely on principle, my delegation will vote against all country-specific resolutions under consideration today. In the same vein, we call for the genuine, earnest and respectful engagement of all concerned parties if we are to realize lasting and robust solutions to human rights situations.
Ms. Ali SYR Syrian Arab Republic [Arabic] #100108
My delegation is taking the floor in explanation of vote before the voting on the draft resolutions under sub-item (c) of agenda item 72. My country’s delegation reiterates the steadfast position of the Syrian Arab Republic rejecting the politicization of human rights issues and the use of relevant United Nations mechanisms to target specific States in order to serve the interests of certain influential States Members in this Organization and their allies. My delegation also refuses to address human rights issues with blatant double standards, such as those represented in the country-specific draft resolutions before us today. My delegation stresses that the approach of claiming guardianship over issues of promoting and protecting human rights, as well as the approach of confrontation, hostility and accusations towards other States with attempts to isolate them, are not the appropriate approaches in which to achieve our common goals, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including the establishment of friendly relations and cooperation among the States Members of the Organization. We believe that the approach of diplomacy and dialogue, based on respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, as well as respect for all obligations as parties to international multilateral conventions, constitutes the right approach to settling disputes and upholding the values of international law and human rights. The insistence of the sponsors on the countryspecific draft resolutions under consideration serves only the dangerous agendas of escalation in international relations, while directly contributing to undermining the noble objectives of human rights and the belief of Member States in the credibility of consensus-based mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights. The desperate and stubbornly persistent endeavours of some States to advance their baseless arguments and exploit their political, economic and financial influence to misuse the Organization’s mechanisms with the aim of targeting other Member States are, in the view of many, an attempt to subvert the principles set forth by the founders of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security and for prioritizing the language of dialogue and diplomacy over the language of aggression, lies and hypocrisy in international relations. Therefore, my delegation will vote against the draft resolutions presented against the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran and my country, the Syrian Arab Republic. My delegation also disassociates itself from the consensus regarding the draft resolution presented against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Mr. Poveda Brito VEN Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela [Spanish] #100111
With regard to the draft resolutions submitted under sub-item (c) of agenda item 72, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes to reaffirm its principled position on the adoption of draft resolutions, special procedures or any other mechanism on the human rights situations in specific countries. In that connection, we reject any selectivity in relation to such issues for politically motivated purposes, as it constitutes a violation of the principles of universality, objectivity and non-selectivity with which human rights issues should be addressed, as well as the very principles of the Charter of the United Nations. For our part, we reaffirm our support for the ongoing calls of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries on the issue and reiterate that dialogue and cooperation, including the Universal Periodic Review, are the mechanisms par excellence to address human rights matters together with the States concerned. For those reasons, Venezuela will vote against the draft resolutions under consideration. We are also deeply concerned by the consensus on draft resolution I, referring to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and request that the present statement be included in the official meeting records.
The President unattributed #100112
We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to III and V, one by one. We first turn to draft resolution I, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 75/190).
The President unattributed #100114
Draft resolution II is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Turkmenistan informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against; the delegations of Mozambique and Senegal informed the Secretariat that they had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 82 votes to 30, with 64 abstentions (resolution 75/191).
The President unattributed #100115
Draft resolution III is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 64 votes to 23, with 86 abstentions (resolution 75/192).
The President unattributed #100116
Draft resolution V is entitled “Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic”. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegation of Ukraine informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution V was adopted by 101 votes to 13, with 62 abstentions (resolution 75/193).
The President unattributed #100118
I now give the floor to those delegations wishing to speak in explanation of vote after the vote.
Mr. Zareian IRN Islamic Republic of Iran #100119
My delegation would like to make this statement in explanation of our position following action by the General Assembly on resolution 75/190, as contained in document A/75/478/Add.3, on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. My delegation is of the view that the continuation of the counterproductive and confrontational practice of the selective adoption of country-specific resolutions, in particular in the General Assembly, and the exploitation of this platform for political ends undermine cooperation and dialogue as the essential principles for the promotion and protection of human rights. Such an approach contravenes the principles of universality, non-selectivity and objectivity in addressing human rights issues. In view of the all this, the Islamic Republic of Iran disassociates itself from resolution 75/190 on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Mr. González Behmaras CUB Cuba [Spanish] #100121
My delegation wishes to disassociate itself from resolution 75/190, entitled “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”. We do so in line with our principled position against selective and politically motivated resolutions and decisions that are used exclusively against developing countries on which unilateral coercive measures are also imposed. In addition, the resolution provides for the dangerous and counterproductive involvement of the Security Council in issues that do not fall within the scope of its jurisdiction. Cuba cannot join the consensus on a resolution that seeks to safeguard punishment and the imposition of sanctions by the Security Council in situations that do not threaten international peace and security. We will not be complicit in the attempt to deny the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea their right to peace, self-determination and development. Genuine international cooperation and strict adherence to the principles of objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity are the best way forward for the effective promotion and protection of all human rights, an area in which no country is exempt from challenges. The Universal Periodic Review should be given an opportunity to foster non-politicized debates and encourage respectful cooperation with the country concerned. At the same time, my delegation wishes to indicate that our opposition to that selective and politicized mandate in no way prejudges the other pending matters mentioned in the twenty-fourth preambular paragraph, which require a fair and honourable solution with the agreement of all parties concerned.
The President unattributed #100123
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 72. (d) Comprehensive implementation of and followup to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Report of the Third Committee (A/75/478/Add.4)
The President unattributed #100124
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 #100125
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 72?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #100127
The General Assembly has concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 72.
The President unattributed #101546
The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 20 of its report. We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to IV, one by one. Draft resolution I 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 it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 75/194).
The President unattributed #101548
Draft resolution II is entitled “Strengthening and promoting effective measures and international cooperation on organ donation and transplantation to prevent and combat trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal and trafficking in human organs”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 75/195).
The President unattributed #101549
Draft resolution III is entitled “Strengthening the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 75/196).
The President unattributed #101551
Draft resolution IV is entitled “United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 75/197).
The President unattributed #101552
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 111.

112.  Countering the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes Report of the Third Committee (A/75/480)

The President unattributed duplicate #101556
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 #101557
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 112.

113.  International drug control Report of the Third Committee (A/75/481)

The President unattributed duplicate #101560
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “International cooperation to address and counter the world drug problem”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 75/198).
The President unattributed duplicate #101561
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 113?
It was so decided.

126.  Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Report of the Third Committee (A/75/482)

The President unattributed #101563
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision entitled “Draft programme of work of the Third Commit-tee for the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly”. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 75/540).
The President unattributed #101565
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 126.

142.  Programme planning Report of the Third Committee (A/75/483)

The President unattributed #101567
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 #101569
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 142. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank Her Excellency Mrs. Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations and Chair of the Third Committee and members of the Bureau, as well as delegations, for a job well done. I congratulate members on successfully concluding the action for this meeting. In an era of inequalities, the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic is even more acute for the most vulnerable people around the world. The coronavirus pandemic is revealing structural inequalities and obstacles to the full enjoyment of human rights. Therefore, the resolutions of the Third Committee need to be underpinned by our actions in policy and practice. The onus is upon us to stand up for the most vulnerable people in society every day and ensure that human rights are upheld for all. We must continue to work together to uphold the human rights of everyone, everywhere. I leave members with a reminder of the Charter of the United Nations, wherein we the peoples committed to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of the reports of the Third Committee before it at this meeting. Programme of work
The President unattributed #101571
I have been informed by the Chair of the Fifth Committee that the Committee has requested a further extension of its work to Wednesday 23 December, in the view that such an extension would facilitate a comprehensive consideration of the important agenda items before the Committee this year. In that regard, I would like to propose that the Assembly further postpone its date of recess to Wednesday, 23 December 2020. If there are no objections, may I take it that the Assembly agrees to further postpone its date of recess to Wednesday, 23 December 2020?
It was so decided.
The President unattributed #101572
May I also take it that the General Assembly agrees to further extend the work of the Fifth Committee until Wednesday 23 December 2020?
It was so decided.
The meeting rose at 11.55 a.m.
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UN Project. “A/75/PV.46.” UN Project, https://un-project.org/meeting/A-75-PV-46/. Accessed .