A/76/PV.49 General Assembly

Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 — Session 76, Meeting 49 — New York — UN Document ↗

The meeting was called to order at 3 p.m.
Vote: A/RES/76/85 Recorded Vote
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✓ Yes (176)
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✓ Yes (146)
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✓ Yes (149)
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✓ Yes (159)
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (164)
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✓ Yes (162)
Vote: A/RES/76/104 Recorded Vote
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (173)
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✓ Yes (132)

Reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee)

The President #96793
The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) on agenda items 50 to 63, 122 and 139. I request the Rapporteur of the Committee, Mr. Youssouf Aden Moussa of Djibouti, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Committee. Mr. Moussa (Djibouti), Rapporteur of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee): I have the honour to introduce to the General Assembly the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) submitted under agenda items 50 to 63, 122 and 139. These reports, contained in documents A/76/412 to A/76/427, include the texts of draft resolutions and decisions recommended to the General Assembly for adoption. For the convenience of delegations, the Secretariat prepared a checklist of actions taken in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), which is contained in document A/C.4/76/INF/3. During the main part of the seventy-sixth session, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee held a total of 16 formal meetings owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It also held one in-person informal meeting and one virtual informal meeting. During the course of the session, the Committee adopted 34 draft resolutions and three draft decisions. The first report, submitted under agenda item 50, “University for Peace”, is contained in document A/76/412. The draft resolution submitted under this agenda item is contained in paragraph 8 thereof. The second report, submitted under agenda item 51, “Assistance in mine action”, is contained in document A/76/413. The draft resolution submitted under this agenda item is contained in paragraph 8 thereof. The third report, submitted under agenda item 52, “Effects of atomic radiation”, is contained in document A/76/414. In the draft resolution contained in paragraph 8 of the report, the General Assembly takes note of the report of the Scientific Committee on its sixty-seventh and sixty-eighth sessions (A/76/46) and invites Algeria, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Norway and the United Arab Emirates to become members of the Scientific Committee in accordance with the procedure for possible increases in membership of the Scientific Committee, pursuant to paragraphs 19 and 21 of resolutions 66/70 and 73/261, respectively. The fourth report, submitted under agenda item 53, “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space”, is contained in document A/76/415. By the terms of the draft resolution contained in paragraph 9 thereof, the General Assembly requests the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to continue to consider, as a matter of priority, ways and means of maintaining outer space for peaceful purposes and to report thereon to the Assembly at its seventy-seventh session. The Assembly also declares 20 July International Moon Day, taking into consideration the achievements of all States in the exploration of the Moon and to raise public awareness about sustainable Moon exploration and utilization. During its consideration of the same item, the Fourth Committee held one informal meeting of the Working Group of the Whole, chaired by the delegation of Romania. The fifth report, submitted under agenda item 54, “United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”, is contained in document A/76/416. The Fourth Committee also considered the report of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA (A/76/13), as well as other relevant reports. The Fourth Committee adopted three draft resolutions related to various aspects of the work of the Agency, as contained in paragraph 13 of the report. The sixth report, submitted under agenda item 55, “Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the occupied territories”, is contained in document A/76/417. The Fourth Committee also considered the fifty-third report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (see A/76/360), as well as the relevant reports of the Secretary-General. The Fourth Committee proposes for adoption three draft resolutions, as contained in paragraph 13 of its report. The seventh report, relating to agenda item 56, “Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects”, is contained in document A/76/418. The Fourth Committee heard introductory statements by the Under-Secretaries-General for Peace Operations, for Operational Support and for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance. Many of the issues raised during the joint general debate pertaining to this item will be further considered by the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations at its 2022 session, the report of which will be considered by the Fourth Committee at a resumed session to be held in the first half of 2022. The eighth report of the Committee, relating to item 57, “Comprehensive review of special political missions”, is contained in document A/76/419. The Fourth Committee heard from the Under-Secretaries- General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and for Operational Support. By the terms of the draft resolution contained in paragraph 8 of the report, the Assembly requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its seventy-seventh session a report on the overall policy matters pertaining to special political missions, including efforts towards improving expertise and effectiveness, transparency, accountability, geographical representation, gender perspective and the equal participation of women, as well as youth participation. The ninth report, submitted under agenda item 58, “Questions relating to information”, is contained in document A/76/420. The Fourth Committee considered the report of the Committee on Information (A/76/21) and the related report of the Secretary-General (A/76/278) and was briefed by the Under-Secretary- General for Global Communications on the efforts being made by her Department to promote the United Nations message around the world. The Fourth Committee adopted draft resolution A, “Information in the service of humanity”, and draft resolution B, “United Nations global communications policies and activities”. Both draft resolutions are contained in paragraph 8 of its report. With regard to the cluster of items on Non-Self- Governing Territories and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (agenda items 59 to 63), the General Assembly has before it five reports, as follows. Under agenda item 59, “Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations”, the report is contained in document A/76/421. The draft resolution adopted by the Committee is contained in paragraph 7 thereof. The report on agenda item 60, “Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories”, is contained in document A/76/422. The draft resolution adopted by the Committee is contained in paragraph 7 thereof. Regarding agenda item 61, “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations”, the report is contained in document A/76/423. The draft resolution adopted by the Committee is contained in paragraph 7 thereof. The report relating to agenda item 62, “Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories”, is contained in document A/76/424. The draft resolution adopted by the Committee is contained in paragraph 8 thereof. The report submitted under agenda item 63, “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”, is contained in document A/76/425. Under this item, the Fourth Committee adopted a number of draft resolutions and a draft decision on matters related to implementation of the Declaration and the Non-Self- Governing Territories, as contained in paragraphs 37 and 38 of the report. With regard to agenda item 122, “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the draft decision containing the proposed programme of work and timetable of the Fourth Committee for the seventy- seventh session of the General Assembly is contained in document A/76/427. The Fourth Committee recommends this draft decision to the General Assembly for adoption. Finally, the report on agenda item 139, “Programme planning”, which is contained in document A/76/426, outlines that the Committee held an informal meeting to discuss that item. The summary of the discussion of that informal meeting was subsequently transmitted by the Chair of the Fourth Committee to the Chair of the Fifth Committee in a letter (A/C.4/76/10) containing a request for the Fifth Committee to take the views expressed by the members of the Fourth Committee into consideration during its deliberations on programmes 4 and 24 of the proposed programme budget for 2022. I have the honour to submit to the General Assembly for its consideration and adoption the draft resolutions and draft decisions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in its reports contained in documents A/76/412 to A/76/427. Before concluding, I would like to note the high level of cooperation prevailing in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee). The Committee was able to fulfil the mandate entrusted to it by the General Assembly and to complete its work effectively and efficiently within the time allotted to it, despite the challenging circumstances arising from the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. I should like to express, on behalf of the Bureau of the Committee, our sincere appreciation to all delegations for their constructive participation during the session. I would like to pay particular tribute in that regard to the Chair of the Fourth Committee, Her Excellency Ambassador Egriselda Aracely González López of El Salvador, whose knowledge and experience, enhanced by her consummate diplomatic skills, enabled the Committee to consider in depth all the agenda items allocated to it. The other members of the Bureau with whom I had the pleasure of working — Mr. Angelito Nayan of the Philippines, Mr. Mathew Edbrooke of Liechtenstein and Mr. Lukáš Peter Prvý of Slovakia — also contributed greatly to the successful conclusion of the work of the Committee. I would also like to place on record our thanks to the secretariat of the Fourth Committee, located in the Disarmament and Peace Affairs Branch of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management, for its effective and valuable assistance.
The President #96794
I thank the Rapporteur of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth 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 Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) that are before the Assembly today.

63.  Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/425)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

80.  Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law on the work of its fifty- fourth session Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/471)

Vote: 32/413 Consensus

82.  Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its seventy-second session Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/473)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus

84.  Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/475)

Vote: 31/37 Consensus
It was so decided.

55.  Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the occupied territories Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/417)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 80   ✗ 18   73 abs.
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✓ Yes (80)
The President #96795
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position. May I remind members that, in accordance with decision 34/401, “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.” I also remind delegations that explanations of vote or position 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 voting on any or all such proposals 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 the proposals in one intervention. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), I should like to advise representatives that we will proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. I would therefore hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Committee. The results of the votes will be uploaded on 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 “Proposals contained in the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) for consideration by the General Assembly”, which has been circulated as document A/C.4/76/INF/3. 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 co-sponsorship should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee. I should also like to remind members that any corrections to the voting intention of delegations after the voting on a proposal is concluded should be made directly to the Secretariat after the meeting. I count on members’ cooperation in avoiding any interruptions to the proceedings in that regard.

50.  University for Peace Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/412)

The President #96796
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

54.  United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/416)

Vote: 31/37 Recorded Vote
✓ 164   ✗ 1   10 abs.
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✗ No (1)
✓ Yes (164)
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
Vote: 32/413 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/73).
The President #96797
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 50?
Vote: 32/413 Recorded Vote
✓ 149   ✗ 2   23 abs.
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✓ Yes (149)
It was so decided.
Vote: 31/100 Consensus
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
Vote: 31/100 Consensus

51.  Assistance in mine action Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/413)

The President #96798
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/413 Recorded Vote
✓ 162   ✗ 5   6 abs.
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✓ Yes (162)
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/74).
The President #96799
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 51?
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 146   ✗ 7   20 abs.
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✓ Yes (146)
Vote: 32/95 Consensus
It was so decided.

52.  Effects of atomic radiation Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/414)

The President #96800
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 31/100 Recorded Vote
✓ 159   ✗ 5   8 abs.
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✓ Yes (159)
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/75).
Vote: 31/169 Consensus
The President #96801
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 52?
It was so decided.

53.  International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/415)

The President #96802
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote: 32/97 Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/76).
The President #96803
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 53?
It was so decided.
Vote: 32/98 Consensus
The President #96804
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 13 of its report. I give the floor to the representative of Israel, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mrs. Shapir Ben Naftaly ISR Israel #96805
We take the floor once again today to address the one-sided, disproportionate and biased draft resolutions before the General Assembly. Over the past month, the deep hypocrisies and systematic bias enabled at the United Nations against the State of Israel have been recognized by a growing number of delegations. The draft resolutions that we are voting on today are upheld by the pillars of a politicized agenda and make up a harmful package with a clear end-goal — the denial of Israel’s right to exist as a secure, prosperous and democratic Jewish State. The draft resolutions deliberately focus on false narratives, entrenching conflict and enabling hatred, instead of celebrating and recognizing the significant peaceful momentum that Israel and its peace-seeking allies are expanding every single day. Israel maintains its steadfast commitment to supporting and actively promoting humanitarian assistance for those in need. It does not believe, however, that a United Nations agency should engage in a politically motivated agenda through the dissemination of advocacy against another United Nations State Member. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East’s distorted definition of refugees provides a false sense of hope of return to more than 5.5 million people. That unrealistic notion will not bring about peace, and neither will it bring about justice. Furthermore, a special committee investigating the so-called practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs that completely ignores Hamas’ terrorizing of Palestinians and Israelis is inherently detached from reality. It cannot, and should not, receive the support and funding of the General Assembly. The draft resolutions before the Assembly choose to prioritize demonizing Israel while entirely failing to condemn, let alone mention, terrorist activities. They fuel actions and cost lives. In recent weeks, Israeli civilians were victims of another wave of terror in a series of shootings and stabbing attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorists. The United Nations stood silent in the face of those terror attacks, and its lack of condemnation was not due to a lack of opportunity. The United Nations made daily deliberate decisions to remain silent on acts of terror against Israeli civilians. At the meeting of the General Assembly held on 29 November, the United Nations remained silent. At the Security Council briefing on the Middle East peace process held on 30 November (see S/PV.8913), the United Nations remained silent. At the General Assembly debate held on the following day, 1 December (see A/76/PV.41 and A/76/PV.42), the United Nations remained silent. Those were consecutive deliberate failures to condemn terror. Instead of denouncing those heinous acts of terror, the Assembly adopted resolutions exclusively condemning Israel. That is just another example of the infamous double-standard reality that Israel faces daily within the halls of the United Nations. Israel reiterates that the draft resolutions before the Assembly do nothing to promote peace. They continue to repel any genuine attempt towards achieving peace and bettering the lives of Palestinians and Israelis alike. We ask again whether the Assembly wishes to support the peaceful outstretched hand towards peace through direct dialogue — or does it prefer to continue supporting an anti-Israel agenda? The answer concerns me. For the final time in 2021, we remind everyone that the path to peace is clear. It is a path of genuine dialogue, acceptance and cooperation. It is not a path of incitement, hatred and terror. Israel continues to offer an outstretched hand to those seeking peace.
The President #96806
We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to III, one by one. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Assistance to Palestine refugees”. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 32/99 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution I was adopted by 164 votes to 1, with 10 abstentions (resolution 76/77).
The President #96807
Draft resolution II is entitled “Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 32/100 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution II was adopted by 162 votes to 5, with 6 abstentions (resolution 76/78).
The President #96808
Draft resolution III is entitled “Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues”. A recorded vote has been requested.
Vote: 32/101 Consensus
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution III was adopted by 159 votes to 5, with 8 abstentions (resolution 76/79).
The President #96809
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 54?
Vote: 35/94 Consensus
It was so decided.
The President #96810
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to III, one by one. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 33/173 Consensus
Draft resolution I was adopted by 80 votes to 18, with 73 abstentions (resolution 76/80).
The President #96811
Draft resolution II is entitled “The occupied Syrian Golan”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 39/192 Consensus
Draft resolution II was adopted by 149 votes to 2, with 23 abstentions (resolution 76/81).
The President #96812
Draft resolution III is entitled “Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Vote: 351/97 Consensus
Draft resolution III was adopted by 146 votes to 7, with 20 abstentions (resolution 76/82).
The President #96813
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 55?
It was so decided.
Vote: 40/143 Consensus

56.  Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/418)

The President #96814
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) contained in document A/76/418? It was so decided (decision 76/521).
The President #96815
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 56.

57.  Comprehensive review of special political missions Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/419)

The President #96816
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/83).
Vote: 40/144 Recorded Vote
✓ 173   ✗ 4   1 abs.
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— Abstain (1)
✓ Yes (173)
The President #96817
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 57?
It was so decided.

58.  Questions relating to information Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/420)

The President #96818
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take decisions on draft resolutions A and B, one by one. Draft resolution A is entitled “Information in the service of humanity”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution A was adopted (resolution 76/84 A).
Vote: 37//6/ Recorded Vote
✓ 132   ✗ 4   42 abs.
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✓ Yes (132)
The President #96819
Draft resolution B is entitled “United Nations global communications policies and activities”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution B was adopted (resolution 76/84 B).
The President #96820
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 58?
It was so decided.

59.  Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/421)

The President #96821
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 176 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions (resolution 76/85).
The President #96822
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 59?
It was so decided.

60.  Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/422)

The President #96823
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 175 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions (resolution 76/86).
The President #96824
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 60?
It was so decided.

61.  Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/423)

The President #96825
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
The draft resolution was adopted by 126 votes to 2, with 52 abstentions (resolution 76/87).
The President #96826
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.

62.  Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/424)

The President #96827
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/88).
The President #96828
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 62?
It was so decided.
The President #96829
The Assembly has before it 17 draft resolutions recommended by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) in paragraph 37 of its report, as well as a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 38 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to XVII and on the draft decision, one by one. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Question of Western Sahara”. The Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 76/89).
The President #96830
Draft resolution II is entitled “Question of American Samoa”. The Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 76/90).
The President #96831
Draft resolution III is entitled “Question of Anguilla”. The Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 76/91).
The President #96832
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Question of Bermuda”. The Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 76/92).
The President #96833
Draft resolution V is entitled “Question of the British Virgin Islands”. The Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 76/93).
The President #96834
Draft resolution VI is entitled “Question of the Cayman Islands”. The Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 76/94).
The President #96835
Draft resolution VII is entitled “Question of French Polynesia”. The Committee adopted draft resolution VII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 76/95).
The President #96836
Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Question of Guam”. The Committee adopted draft resolution VIII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution VIII was adopted (resolution 76/96).
The President #96837
Draft resolution IX is entitled “Question of Montserrat”. The Committee adopted draft resolution IX without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IX was adopted (resolution 76/97).
The President #96838
Draft resolution X is entitled “Question of New Caledonia”. The Committee adopted draft resolution X without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution X was adopted (resolution 76/98).
The President #96839
Draft resolution XI is entitled “Question of Pitcairn”. The Committee adopted draft resolution XI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XI was adopted (resolution 76/99).
The President #96840
Draft resolution XII is entitled “Question of Saint Helena”. The Committee adopted draft resolution XII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XII was adopted (resolution 76/100).
The President #96841
Draft resolution XIII is entitled “Question of Tokelau”. The Committee adopted draft resolution XIII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XIII was adopted (resolution 76/101).
The President #96842
Draft resolution XIV is entitled “Question of the Turks and Caicos Islands”. The Committee adopted draft resolution XIV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XIV was adopted (resolution 76/102).
The President #96843
Draft resolution XV is entitled “Question of the United States Virgin Islands”. The Committee adopted draft resolution XV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution XV was adopted (resolution 76/103).
The President #96844
We now turn to draft resolution XVI, entitled “Dissemination of information on decolonization”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XVI was adopted by 173 votes to 4, with 1 abstention (resolution 76/104).
The President #96845
We now turn to draft resolution XVII, entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
Draft resolution XVII was adopted by 132 votes to 4, with 42 abstentions (resolution 76/105).
The President #96846
We will now take action on the draft decision entitled “Question of Gibraltar”. The Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/522).
The President #96847
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 63?
It was so decided.

122.  Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/427)

The President #96848
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision, entitled “Proposed programme of work and timetable of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) for the seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly”. The Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/523).
The President #96849
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 122.

139.  Programme planning Report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) (A/76/426)

The President #96850
The Assembly will now consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 139, “Programme planning”, which was issued as document A/76/426. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Committee? It was so decided (decision 76/524).
The President on behalf of General Assembly #96851
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 139. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) before it for this meeting. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank Her Excellency Mrs. Egriselda Aracely González López, Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the United Nations and Chair of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), the other members of the Bureau and all representatives for the work accomplished during this session. The decisions and resolutions adopted by the General Assembly address the most important global issues, including the impact and consequences of the global pandemic. The continued focus and tireless efforts of each and every one of us to implement them is key to inspiring hope and delivering for the peoples of the world. Reports of the Sixth Committee
The President #96852
The General Assembly will now consider the reports of the Sixth Committee on agenda items 79 to 88, 111, 122, 139 and 167 to 176. I request the Rapporteur of the Sixth Committee, Mrs. Ana Lorena Villalobos Brenes of Costa Rica, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Committee. Mrs. Villalobos Brenes (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish), Rapporteur of the Sixth Committee: I have the honour to present the reports of the Sixth Committee on its work during the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly. The General Assembly allocated to the Committee 22 substantive and three procedural agenda items. With the exception of the item relating to the election of officers, all those agenda items fall under three of the headings corresponding to the priorities of the Organization, namely, “Promotion of justice and international law”, “Drug control, crime prevention and combating international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations” and “Organizational, administrative and other matters”. I will introduce the reports of the Sixth Committee on the various items in the order in which they fall under those three headings. Under the heading, “Promotion of justice and international law”, the Sixth Committee considered 10 agenda items and recommended 16 draft resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly. The report on agenda item 79, “Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission”, is contained in document A/76/470. Under the terms of the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 7 thereof, the Assembly would affirm and elaborate on the various measures aimed at ensuring the criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission and would set out a variety of mechanisms intended to increase and enhance the information enabling Member States to address the topic. The report on agenda item 80, “Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law on the work of its fifty-fourth session”, is contained in document A/76/471. In paragraph 13 thereof, the Sixth Committee recommends four draft resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly. Under the terms of draft resolution I, the Assembly would commend the Commission on finalizing of a number of its outputs; take note with interest of the progress of the work of the Commission in several areas and its decisions with regard to its future work; and decide to allocate to the Commission additional conference and resource support to enable its Working Group III to continue to implement its work with respect to investor-State dispute settlement reform. Draft resolution II relates specifically to the Mediation Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Under the terms of draft resolution II, the Assembly would recommend the use of the UNCITRAL Mediation Rules in the settlement of disputes arising in the context of international commercial relations. Draft resolution III pertains to the Expedited Arbitration Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. Under the terms of draft resolution III, the Assembly would recommend the use of the UNCITRAL Expedited Arbitration Rules in the settlement of disputes arising in the context of international commercial relations. Under the terms of draft resolution IV, the Assembly would decide to increase the membership of the Commission from 60 to 70 States and that the 10 additional members of the Commission would be elected in accordance with the procedural and administrative aspects contained therein. The report on agenda item 81, “United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law”, is contained in document A/76/472. Under the terms of the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 7 thereof, the Assembly would, inter alia, authorize the Secretary-General to carry out the activities specified in his report under this item, to be financed from provisions in the regular budget, and would also authorize the Secretary-General to further expand those activities, to be financed through voluntary contributions. The report on agenda item 82, “Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its seventy-second session”, is contained in document A/76/473. In paragraph 12 thereof, the Sixth Committee recommends three draft resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly. Under the terms of draft resolution I, the Assembly would express its appreciation to the International Law Commission for the work accomplished at its seventy- second session; recommend that the Commission continue its work on the topics in its current programme of work; and decide that the seventy-third session of the Commission would be held on the dates specified therein. Draft resolution II pertains to the protection of the atmosphere. Under the terms of draft resolution II, the Assembly would take note of the preamble and the guidelines on the protection of the atmosphere, the text of which would be annexed to the resolution, and would bring them to the attention of States, international organizations and all those who may be called upon to deal with the subject and encourage their widest possible dissemination. Draft resolution III concerns the provisional application of treaties. Under the terms of draft resolution III, the Assembly would take note of the Guide to Provisional Application of Treaties, bring it to the attention of States and international organizations for their consideration and encourage its widest possible dissemination. The text of the guidelines on the provisional application of treaties would be annexed to the resolution. The Assembly would also request the Secretary- General to prepare a volume of the United Nations Legislative Series compiling the practice of States and international organizations in the provisional application of treaties. The report on agenda item 83, “Crimes against humanity”, is contained in document A/76/474. Under the terms of the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 8 thereof, the Assembly would take note once again of the draft articles presented by the International Law Commission and decide to resume its consideration of the topic at its seventy-seventh session. The report on agenda item 84, “Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization”, is contained in document A/76/475. In paragraph 12 thereof, the Sixth Committee recommends two draft resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly. Under the terms of draft resolution I, the General Assembly would, inter alia, request the Special Committee to continue its consideration of all proposals concerning the question of the maintenance of international peace and security and to keep on its agenda the question of the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. The Assembly would also invite Member States to focus their comments during the thematic debate, to be held at the next session of the Special Committee, on the subtopic “Exchange of information on State practices regarding the use of judicial settlement”. Under the terms of draft resolution II, the Assembly would reiterate its call to all States to observe and promote in good faith the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes in the peaceful settlement of their international disputes, and would encourage the United Nations and all Member States to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Manila Declaration through appropriate activities. The report on agenda item 85, “The rule of law at the national and international levels”, is contained in document A/76/476. Under the terms of the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 8 thereof, the Assembly would, inter alia, reaffirm the imperative of upholding and promoting the rule of law at the international level in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and stress the importance for Member States of focusing their comments at the next debate of the Sixth Committee, to be held during the seventy-seventh session, on the subtopic “The impacts of the global coronavirus disease pandemic on the rule of law at the national and international levels”. The report on agenda item 86, “The scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction”, is contained in document A/76/477. Under the terms of the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 7 thereof, the Assembly would decide to continue its consideration of the item, without prejudice to the consideration of the topic and related issues in other forums of the United Nations, and for that purpose the Assembly would reiterate its decision to establish, at its seventy-seventh session, a working group of the Sixth Committee, to continue to undertake a thorough discussion of the scope and application of universal jurisdiction, and which would also specifically consider and comment on the question “what should be the role and purpose of universal jurisdiction”. The report on agenda item 87, “Protection of persons in the event of disasters”, is contained in document A/76/495. Under the terms of the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 7 thereof, the General Assembly would decide to examine the draft articles and to consider further the recommendation of the Commission for the elaboration of a convention on the basis of the draft articles, or any other potential course of action with respect to the draft articles, within the framework of a working group of the Committee, to be convened for four full consecutive days during the seventy-eighth and seventy-ninth sessions of the Assembly. The Assembly would also decide that the working group would report to the Sixth Committee at the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly on the outcome of its deliberations, with a view to the Committee making a recommendation to the Assembly as to any further action to be taken in respect of the draft articles. It would also encourage Member States to continue the substantive dialogue on an informal basis during the period prior to the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly. The report on agenda item 88, “Strengthening and promoting the international treaty framework”, is contained in document A/76/496. Under the terms of the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 8 thereof, the General Assembly would, inter alia, recall Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations and reaffirm the importance of the registration and publication of treaties, as well as of their accessibility. The Assembly would also amend the regulations to give effect to Article 102 of the Charter and would invite States and interested organizations and institutions to make voluntary contributions towards the financing of workshops on treaty law and practice at the national and regional levels. The Assembly would also decide to hold a thematic debate in the Sixth Committee to foster a technical exchange of views on practice relating to the strengthening and promoting of the international treaty framework. I shall now turn to the second heading, “Drug control, crime prevention and combating international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”. The report on agenda item 111, “Measures to eliminate international terrorism”, is contained in document A/76/478. Under the terms of the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 9 thereof, the Assembly would, inter alia, decide to recommend that the Sixth Committee, at the seventy-seventh session of the Assembly, establish a working group with a view to finalizing the process on a draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism, as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by resolution 54/110, concerning the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. Under the third and final heading, “Organizational, administrative and other matters”, the Sixth Committee considered 11 substantive and two procedural items. Agenda item 147, “Administration of justice at the United Nations”, was allocated to the Fifth and Sixth Committees. The views of the Sixth Committee on this item were transmitted to the Fifth Committee in a letter dated 19 November from the President of the General Assembly (see A/C.5/76/19). The report on agenda item 167, “Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country”, is contained in document A/76/480. Under the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 8 thereof, the Assembly would, inter alia, strongly urge the host country to remove all remaining travel restrictions imposed by it on staff of certain missions and staff members of the Secretariat of certain nationalities; express serious concern regarding the non-issuance of entry visas to certain representatives of certain Member States; and expect the prompt issuance by the host country of entry visas to all representatives of all Member States and members of the Secretariat pursuant to the Agreement between the United Nations and the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations. The Assembly would also reiterate its recommendation to the Secretary-General to give most serious consideration and take any appropriate steps under section 21 of the Headquarters Agreement and to enhance efforts to resolve the issues. The Sixth Committee also considered nine requests for observer status in the General Assembly. The report on agenda item 176, “Observer status for the International Solar Alliance in the General Assembly”, is contained in document A/76/497. Under the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 8 thereof, the Committee recommends that the Assembly grant observer status in the General Assembly to the International Solar Alliance. The Committee also recommends that the Assembly defer to the seventy-seventh session a decision on the request for observer status in the General Assembly for the Cooperation Council of Turkic- speaking States, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Community of Democracies, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Secretariat, the Global Environment Facility, the International Organization of Employers, the International Trade Union Confederation and the Boao Forum for Asia, under agenda items 168 to 175, respectively. The reports on those requests and the relevant draft decisions recommended for adoption by the Assembly are contained in documents A/76/481 to A/76/488, paragraph 7, respectively. Turning to the two procedural items, the report on agenda item 122, “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, containing the provisional programme of work of the Sixth Committee for the seventy-seventh session, is contained in document A/76/489; a draft decision, by which the Assembly would take note of the provisional programme of work, is recommended in paragraph 6 thereof. The report on agenda item 139, “Programme planning”, is contained in document A/76/490; no action by the Assembly is recommended therein. The draft resolutions and draft decisions relating to the agenda items under all three headings were adopted by the Sixth Committee without a vote, and it is my hope that the General Assembly will do the same. I wish to inform the Assembly that there is no report on agenda item 5, “Election of officers of the Main Committees”. Consistent with previous practice, the election of officers of the Sixth Committee for the seventy-seventh session will be taken up at a later stage in the course of the current session. Allow me to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Chair of the Sixth Committee, Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani of Qatar, for her dedicated efforts and the commendable way she guided the work of the Committee. I would also like to thank the other members of the Bureau — Mr. Ahmed Abdelaziz Ahmed Elgharib of Egypt, Ms. Justina Krutulytė of Lithuania and Mr. Ricardo García López of Spain  — for their cooperation, as well as all representatives and colleagues for their valuable contributions to making the session a success. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the secretariat of the Sixth Committee, the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, for its efficient and valuable support and for the sound professional advice it provided throughout the session.
The President #96853
I thank the Rapporteur of the Sixth Committee. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Sixth 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 Sixth Committee that are before the Assembly today.
It was so decided.
The President #96854
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position. May I remind members that, in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, that is, either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation’s position in plenary meeting is different from its position in the Committee, and that explanations 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 voting on any or all such proposals should be made in one intervention, followed by action on all of them one by one. Thereafter, there will be an opportunity for statements in explanation of vote after the voting on any or all the proposals in one intervention. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Sixth Committee, I should like to advise delegations 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. I therefore hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Committee. 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.

79.  Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/470)

The President #96855
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/106).
The President #96856
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 79?
It was so decided.
The President #96857
The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. Before proceeding further, I would like to inform members that action on draft resolution I, entitled “Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law on the work of its fifty-fourth session”, 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 I as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. We will now take decisions on draft resolutions II to IV, one by one. We turn first to draft resolution II, entitled “Mediation Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 76/107).
The President #96858
Draft resolution III is entitled “Expedited Arbitration Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 76/108).
The President #96859
Draft resolution IV is entitled “Enlargement of the membership of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 76/109).
The President #96860
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 80.

81.  United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/472)

The President #96861
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/110).
The President #96862
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 81?
It was so decided.
The President #96863
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolutions I to III, one by one. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its seventy-second session”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 76/111).
The President #96864
Draft resolution II is entitled “Protection of the atmosphere”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 76/112).
The President #96865
Draft resolution III is entitled “Provisional application of treaties”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 76/113).
The President #96866
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 82?
It was so decided.

83.  Crimes against humanity Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/474)

The President #96867
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico, who wishes to speak in explanation of position before action is taken on the draft resolution.
Mr. Arrocha Olabuenaga MEX Mexico [Spanish] #96868
As is stated in paragraph 5 of the report on agenda item 83, “Crimes against humanity” (A/76/474), my delegation spoke on 18 November in explanation of position before the Sixth Committee’s adoption of draft resolution A/C.6/76/L.17. However, the report does not indicate that my delegation has dissociated itself from that draft resolution. In that regard, for the reasons given in the explanation of position provided previously, Mexico reiterates that it dissociates itself from that draft resolution that is now before the Assembly for adoption.
The President #96869
We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Sixth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/114).
The President #96870
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 83?
It was so decided.
The President #96871
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 76/115).
The President #96872
Draft resolution II is entitled “Fortieth anniversary of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 76/116).
The President #96873
I give the floor to the representative of the Philippines, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on resolution 76/116.
Mr. Manalo PHL Philippines on behalf of Philippines in 1945 #96874
The Philippines attaches great significance to the work of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations, as its establishment was one of the things advocated by Mr. Carlos P. Romulo, the Filipino diplomat who signed the Charter on behalf of the Philippines in 1945. One of the most important achievements of the Special Committee is the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes, which was the first instrument adopted by the General Assembly as a result of the work of the Special Committee, upon the initiative of the non-aligned countries. It was adapted without a vote in November 1982 and is a landmark declaration on the peaceful settlement of international disputes that builds upon the Charter. We are therefore grateful and pleased that resolution 76/116, entitled “Fortieth anniversary of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes”, based on the draft resolution recommended by the Special Committee in paragraph 63 of its annual report (A/76/33) and as initially proposed by the Philippines during the previous session of the Special Committee, has been adopted by consensus, first by the Sixth Committee and now by the General Assembly. Today’s adoption by consensus of this resolution, which calls on all States to observe and promote in good faith the Manila Declaration in the peaceful settlement of their international disputes — almost 40 years later and under peaceful circumstances — is a testament to its enduring relevance. The Philippines looks forward to working with other States, organizations of the United Nations system and stakeholders in commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Manila Declaration through appropriate activities in the coming year.
The President #96875
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 84?
It was so decided.

85.  The rule of law at the national and international levels Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/476)

The President #96876
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Sixth Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/117).
The President #96877
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 85?
It was so decided.

86.  The scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/477)

The President #96878
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/118).
The President #96879
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 86?
It was so decided.

87.  Protection of persons in the event of disasters Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/495)

The President #96880
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/119).
The President #96881
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 87?
It was so decided.

88.  Strengthening and promoting the international treaty framework Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/496)

The President #96882
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/120).
The President #96883
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 88?

111.  Measures to eliminate international terrorism Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/478)

The President #96884
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/121).
The President #96885
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 111?
It was so decided.

122.  Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/489)

The President #96886
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision, entitled “Provisional programme of work of the Sixth Committee for the seventy-seventh session”. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/525).
The President #96887
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 122.

139.  Programme planning Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/490)

The President #96888
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Sixth Committee? It was so decided (decision 76/526).
The President #96889
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 139.

167.  Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/480)

The President #96890
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/122).
The President #96891
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 167.

168.  Observer status for the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States in the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/481)

The President #96892
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/527).
The President #96893
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 168?
It was so decided.

169.  Observer status for the Eurasian Economic Union in the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/482)

The President #96894
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/528).
The President #96895
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 169?
It was so decided.

170.  Observer status for the Community of Democracies in the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/483)

The President #96896
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/529).
The President #96897
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 170?
It was so decided.

171.  Observer status for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Secretariat in the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/484)

The President #96898
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/530).
The President #96899
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 171?
It was so decided.

172.  Observer status for the Global Environment Facility in the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/485)

The President #96900
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/531).
The President #96901
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 172?
It was so decided.

173.  Observer status for the International Organization of Employers in the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/486)

The President #96902
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/532).
The President #96903
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 173?
It was so decided.

174.  Observer status for the International Trade Union Confederation in the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/487)

The President #96904
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/533).
The President #96905
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 174?
It was so decided.

175.  Observer status for the Boao Forum for Asia in the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/488)

The President #96906
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft decision was adopted (decision 76/534).
The President #96907
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 175?
It was so decided.

176.  Observer status for the International Solar Alliance in the General Assembly Report of the Sixth Committee (A/76/497)

The President #96908
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Sixth Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take action on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 76/535).
The President #96909
I now give the floor to the representative of India, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on resolution 76/535.
Mr. Tirumurti IND India #96910
I take the floor on behalf of India and France to thank the entire membership of the United Nations for adopting resolution 76/535, which confers observer status to the International Solar Alliance (ISA). I am particularly happy that such a historic decision has been taken by the General Assembly under the leadership of the President and his presidency of hope. The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions. It was launched by our leaders at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Paris in 2015. In the short span of six years, the International Solar Alliance has become an example of how positive global climate action can be taken forward through partnerships. The ISA has provided a dedicated platform for cooperation among Governments, multilateral organizations, industry and other stakeholders to help achieve a common goal. Increasing the use and quality of solar energy to meet energy needs in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner enhances energy security and sustainable development and improves access to energy in developing member countries. The granting of observer status to the International Solar Alliance in the General Assembly will help provide for a regular and well-defined cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations that will benefit global energy growth and development. I once again thank all Member States, including the co-signatories and co-sponsors, for making this historic moment possible.
The President #96911
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 176?
It was so decided.
The President on behalf of General Assembly #96912
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Sixth Committee before it for this meeting. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank Her Excellency Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations and Chair of the Sixth Committee, and the other members of the Bureau, as well as all representatives, for the work accomplished this session. The decisions and resolutions adopted by the General Assembly address the most important global issues, including the impact and consequences of the global pandemic. The continued focus and tireless efforts of each and every one of us to implement them is key to inspiring hope and delivering for the peoples of the world.

78.  Oceans and the law of the sea (a) Oceans and the law of the sea Reports of the Secretary-General (A/76/311 and A/76/311/Add.1) Report on the work of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea at its twenty- first meeting (A/76/171) Report on work of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole on the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects (A/76/391) (b) Sustainable fisheries, including through the 1995 Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, and related instruments

The President #96913
Before giving the floor for explanations of vote or position after the voting, I would like to remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.
Ms. Flores Soto SLV El Salvador [Spanish] #96914
The Republic of El Salvador recognizes the importance of the oceans as an essential component for life on our planet and for our future. In that regard, my delegation acknowledges the vital nature of the fundamental role played by the oceans in various aspects of the life cycles of the living beings that inhabit our planet, as well as the role they play in preserving ecosystems and natural resources. That is why it is necessary to work to protect the sustainability of the oceans, in particular to ensure food security for millions of people and promote efforts aimed at the conservation and sustainable management of all coastal and marine resources, including by preventing marine pollution from plastics and other ocean debris. Taking the sustainability approach to preserving the oceans becomes ever-more necessary when considering the developments in relation to climate change and the impact it causes in terms of increases in global temperatures, which result in rising sea levels that put at risk the well-being, human rights and fundamental freedoms of the populations they displace. In that regard, my delegation has repeatedly insisted on the need to ensure that the text of the omnibus resolution on oceans and the law of the sea does not refer exclusively to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the only framework applicable for activities carried out in the oceans, given that there are other principles and instruments of international law, including the principles of international environmental law, that could serve as multidimensional and progressive references to the various converging aspects of the sustainable conservation of the oceans and their management, and may also outline the nature of that resource in scientific terms. As the Republic of El Salvador is not a State party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, we disassociate ourselves from the text of resolution 76/72, specifically the paragraphs that refer universally and exclusively to the Convention. In addition, and in line with its positions with respect to other resolutions adopted by the General Assembly, such as resolution 72/249, in particular its paragraph 10, the Republic of El Salvador would like to reiterate that participation in the negotiations on resolution 76/72 or in its outcomes cannot change the legal position of those who are not party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or to other related agreements with respect to that instrument. We regret the rejection of the proposal made by our delegation, during the negotiations on paragraph 179 of resolution 76/72, to reflect other relevant legal instruments of international environmental law, such as the Stockholm Declaration on the Human Environment. In that regard, my delegation considers that the non-mention of other principles and norms of general international law in resolution 76/72 undermines the universality of all of its aspects, as well as the multifaceted approach to oceans, which should actually be the purpose of the resolution.
Mr. Guerra Sansonetti VEN Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela [Spanish] #96915
We thank Ms. Natalie Morris-Sharma of Singapore and Mr. Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik of Norway for having facilitated the negotiations on the texts of resolutions 76/71 and 76/72, respectively. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is not a State party to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) or the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, as their norms are not applicable to my country under either customary law or international custom, except for those that the Venezuelan State has expressly recognized or will recognize in the future by incorporating them into its domestic legislation. The reasons that have prevented the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from becoming party to those instruments remain unchanged. The Venezuelan State believes that UNCLOS does not enjoy universal participation, unlike many other multilateral instruments. Similarly, we have reiterated our position within various international forums that the Convention must not be considered the only legal framework governing all activities carried out in the oceans and seas, given the fact that there are other international instruments in that sphere that, together with the Convention, make up the body of law known as the law of the sea. Those instruments include the 1958 Geneva Convention on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone, the Convention on the High Seas, the Convention on the Continental Shelf and the Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources of the High Seas, all of which Venezuela has ratified. UNCLOS codifies certain norms of customary international law that have been incorporated into the Venezuelan domestic legal system either through the ratification of the Geneva Conventions of 1958 or through domestic legislation. The agenda item “Oceans and the law of the sea” is a priority in the policies of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which has complied with its international obligations under the law of the sea, while advocating its integral development from a standpoint of equity and stressing that all negotiations related to that right must reflect criteria and principles linked to the right to the sustainable development of the marine environment and its resources for future generations. With regard to resolution 76/72, entitled “Oceans and the law of the sea,” we believe that it has positive aspects. However, we note the presence of elements that over time led Venezuela to express reservations concerning the outcome document of the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development and target 14.c of the Sustainable Development Goals as set forth in resolution 70/1, entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. We believe that future updates of the terms of the Convention should be considered, given that there are new situations for which the current approach has proved inadequate, and in some cases counterproductive, thereby affecting the development of a regime that should address the most important contemporary issues related to the oceans and seas in a balanced, equitable and inclusive manner. Although our country is not party to the 1995 sustainable fisheries agreement, the fisheries and aquaculture sector is a priority in our national development plans. We reiterate our commitment to sustainable fisheries through the application of the principles of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, as well as chapter 17 of Agenda 21, which was adopted by the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development in 1992. Accordingly, Venezuela is party to a number of various international instruments that advocate the preservation and organization of fisheries. Similarly, our national development plan is complemented by a broad set of regulations that allow us to rely on programmes aimed at achieving the conservation, protection and management of marine biological resources, while promoting their responsible and sustainable use, including the relevant biological, economic, food security, social, cultural, environmental and commercial aspects. Venezuelan law on fisheries prohibits bottom trawling and establishes a sanctions regime for the failure to respect conservation and management measures. For the sake of consensus, our delegation joined in the adoption of resolution 76/71. However, Venezuela expresses reservations with regard to its content, as it is not a State party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. For the same reasons, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela abstained in the voting on resolution 76/72.
Ms. Solano Ramirez COL Colombia [Spanish] #96916
The delegation of Colombia wishes to clarify that it abstained in the voting on the adoption of resolution 76/72, entitled “Oceans and the law of the sea”, because that resolution contains references to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that define the Convention as the only normative framework for the regulation of activities carried out in the oceans. As a non-State party to the Convention, Colombia is obliged to express its reservation to all those references and to reaffirm that it does not consider itself bound by them. The adoption of resolutions 76/71 and 76/72 and participation in their adoption process cannot be considered or interpreted in such a way that implies the express or tacit acceptance by the Colombian State of the provisions contained in the UNCLOS, which Colombia does not recognize as customary law.
The President #96917
We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the voting. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested. May I remind members that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the first intervention and five minutes for the second intervention and should be made by delegations from their seats. I give the floor to the representative of China.
Mr. Liu Yang CHN China [Chinese] #96918
When the representative of Japan spoke in exercise of the right of reply on 7 December (see A/76/PV.47), he made erroneous remarks with regard to the nuclear- contaminated water of Fukushima while attempting to emphasize that Japan’s discharging of treated contaminated water into the ocean was harmless, open and transparent. Those remarks run counter to the facts. China would like to emphasize the following. The Fukushima nuclear accident is one of the most serious nuclear accidents the world has ever seen. The contaminated water contains a high content of radionuclides, produced by nuclear fission. Those radionuclides did not occur in nature and there was no precedent for their release into the world. Their impact on the marine environment, food safety and public health cannot be ignored. Scientific research shows that given the strong ocean currents along the Fukushima coast, if nuclear-contaminated water is discharged into the ocean the radioactive materials contained in it will spread to the world’s oceans over the course of several years. The treatment of nuclear-contaminated water in Fukushima is of international public interest. Japan’s unilateral decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean and to continue to advance preparations for the discharge of that water is, naturally, widely opposed by the international community. We urge Japan to respond to the legitimate concerns of the international community, demonstrate its sincerity, assume its responsibility for the international public interest and address the relevant issues in an open, transparent and scientific manner. Japan should not discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean without authorization unless it is agreed by the various stakeholders, including its regional neighbours and the relevant international institutions.
The President #96919
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 78?
It was so decided.
The President #96920
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 78 and its sub-item (a).
The meeting rose at 5 p.m.