UN Human Rights Treaties

PROVISIONAL A/43/PV.75 23 December 1988 ENGLISH Forty-third session GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROVISIONAL VERBATIM RECORD OP THE SEVENTY-FIFTH MEETING Held at Headquarters, New York, on Thursday, 8 December 1988, at 3 p.m. President: Mr. AL-SHAKAR (Vice-President) (Bahrain) later Mr. RANA (Vice-President) (Nepal) later Mr. VAN LIEROP (Vice-President) (Vanuatu) - Fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [38] (continued) (a) Note by the Secretary-General transmitting the report of the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (b) Draft resolutions - Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination [87] (a) Report of the Third Committee (b) Report of the Fifth Committee This record contains the original text of speeches delivered in English and interpretations of speeches in the other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the General Assembly. Corrections should be submitted to original speeches only. They should be sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned, within one week. to the chief, official Records Editing Section, Department of Conference Services, room DC2-750, 2 United Nations Plaza, and incorporated in a copy of the record. 8e-64577/A 9593/9594V (E) A/43/PV.75 1 (a) Adverse consequences for the enjoyment of human rights of political, military, economic and other forms of assistance given to the racist and colonialist regime of South Africa: report of the Third Committee [88] Question of aging: report of the Third Committee [89] Policies and programmes involving youth: report of the Third Committee [90] Elimination of all forms of racial discriminations report of the Third Committee [91] Implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons and the United Nations decade of Disabled Persons: report of the Third Committee [92] Crime prevention and criminal justice [93] (a) Report of the Third Committee (b) Report of the Fifth Committee Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women: report of the Third Committee [94] Forward-looking strategies for the advancement of women to the year 2000: report of the Third Committee [95] Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights: report of the Third Committee (Parts I and II) [96] Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance: report of the Third Committee [97] Human rights and scientific and technological developments: report of the Third Committee [98] Question of a convention on the rights of the child: report of the Third Committee [99] International Covenants on Human Rights: report of the Third Committee [100] Reporting obligations of States parties to United Nations instruments on human rights [101] (a) Report of the Third Committee (b) Report of the Fifth Committee Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: report of the Third Committee [102] International campaign against traffic in drugs: report of the Third Committee [103] A/43/PV. 75 1 (b-z) - Alternative approaches and ways and means within the United Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms: report of the Third Committee [104] - New international humanitarian order: report of the Third Committee [105] - Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishments report of the Third Committee [106] - Families in the development process: report of the Third Committee [107] - Responsibility of States to ban in their territory, and to refrain from instigating or supporting in the territory of other States, chauvinistic, racist and other manifestations that may cause discord between peoples and involvement of Governments and the mass media in combating such manifestations and in educating peoples and youth in the spirit of peaceful co-operation and international entente; and evaluation of the implementation of the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples: report of the Third Committee [144] - Report of the Economic and Social Council [12] (a) Report of the Third Committee (b) Report of the Fifth Committee MT/AP A/43/PV.75 2 In the absence of the President, Mr. Al-Shaker (Bahrain). Vice-President took the Chair. The meeting was called to order at 3.15 p.m. AGENDA ITEM 38 (continued) FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (a) note BY THE SECRETARY TRANSMITTING THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL (A/43/796) EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION (b) DRAFT RESOLUTIONS (A/43/L.39/Rev.1, A/43/L.47) Mr. STRESOV (Bulgaria): On behalf of the Group of Eastern European States, I should like to extend to the delegation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and, through it, to the Government and people of the Soviet Union, our profound sympathies and sincere condolences on the enormous loss of life and destruction as a result of yesterday's devastating earthquake. In these hours of tragedy, we express our solidarity with the Soviet people and the families of the victims. we do not doubt the will and determination of the Soviet people and the capacity of the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to overcome the consequences. However, when natural disasters of such magnitude occur, although they hit first and foremost the people immediately concerned, they cause all of us to feel grief. I now speak in my capacity as Chairman of the Group of Eastern European States. When, 40 years ago, the United Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the wake of the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, it represented a commitment to the anti-fascist foundations of this Organization. Bearing in mind the objective of strengthen international peace and security, the Declaration is derived from the obligation of states as contained in article 1 (3) of the United Nations Charter: AM/AP A/43/PV.75 3-5 (Mr. Stresov, Bulgaria) "To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion?" In proclaiming the ideal of human rights and fundamental freedoms one to be aspired to by all nations, the Declaration is indeed a document the significance of which extends well into our time. The Universal Declaration served as a basis and programme for the elaboration of numerous international human rights standards in the form of resolutions, declarations and conventions, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against women. However, particular importance attaches to the two International Covenants of 1966 on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and on Civil and Political Rights, which are the most comprehensive and significant human rights catalogues today. MT/PT A/43/PV.75 6 (Mr., Stresov, Bulgaria) This process of formulating norms, which is being continued with the consideration of matters such as the rights of the child and rights of migrant workers, is one in which the socialist States have always participated actively. The individual elements of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been detailed as binding norms of international law. So the commitment to the Declaration which we are expressing today should also be an occasion for all States to call for wider adherence to the existing conventions and for their consistent observance. One of the crucial issues in the co-operation of states in the human rights field is that of attaining the universality of relevant international instruments. The socialist countries are parties to the Covenants and to most of the other human rights accords. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights stresses that the safeguarding of peace and the full realization of human rights are interrelated and that all human rights are equal in value and are interdependent. The Declaration is, according to the Proclamation of Tehran, based on the assumption that "Since human rights and fundamental freedoms are indivisible, the full realization of civil and political rights without the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights is impossible", (para. 13) Ever since the adoption of the Declaration, significant efforts have been made by the united Nations and its appropriate bodies to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights. Those efforts range from the implementation of the right of peoples to self-determination, that is, the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples, to combating racism, adopting measures designed to promote equal rights for women, outlawing torture, and ensuring religious freedom. Notwithstanding positive developments, the right of everyone "to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized", MT/PT A/43/PV.7S 7 (Mr. Stresov, Bulgaria) to quote article 28 of the Declaration, is still far from being a reality. In large parts of the world the most basic prerequisites of dignified human existence are still lacking, and millions of people are starving, and have no shelter or work. The most important human right, the right to life, is disregarded every day. These are challenges to the family of nations, and the socialist States are ready to play a constructive role in all efforts to come to grips with them. They have repeatedly expressed their strong conviction that everything possible must be done to ensure the right of people to live and work in peace and freedom and to guarantee the full implementation of the political, civil, economic, social, cultural and other rights in their entirety and interdependence, subject to observance of the sovereignty of States and the principle of non-interference in their internal affairs. There is no doubt that progress in co-operation among States in the promotion of human rights will depend on the measure of success achieved in resolving the global problems of mankind, ending the arms race, and using the resources and potentials thus released for promoting the right to development of all nations. The ideals of the Declaration remain unheeded, especially in those parts of the world where human rights are violated on a massive scale, where the peoples are still denied their right to self-determination, where colonialism, apartheid and racism reign. All states are required, as a matter of priority, to display firm political will in opposing such human rights violations, notably those perpetrated by the apartheid regime in southern Africa. The socialist countries have always actively supported the struggle of colonial peoples to achieve self determination and independence, consistent with the right of every nation to choose freely, without outside interference, the path of their political and economic development and to defend their choice. MT/Pt A/43/PV.75 8 (Mr. Stresov, Bulgaria) In tackling problems and in removing existing impediments to world-wide observance and respect for human rights, the United Nations has a special responsibility. New means of common action should be sought in the process. This is true of the enhancement of the effectiveness of the United Nations, its organs and institutions, and of the work of the various organs. The reason why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is so topical is also that its objectives have been geared to peaceful international competition, dialogue and co-operation, with recognition of different social systems, including various sets of values and perceptions of human rights. Naturally, such an approach precludes confrontation. Those are also the objectives that guide the socialist States in seeking a comprehensive approach to safeguarding international peace and security and to the solution of global problems confronting humanity. International co-operation in the humanitarian and human rights fields is an indispensable element in this effort, involving as it does the need to enhance mutual understanding and trust between States and peoples. Mr. DUGERSUREN (Mongolia): My delegation joins the President of the General Assembly and the previous speakers in expressing our deep sympathy and condolences to the delegation of the USSR, and through it to the Government and people of the Soviet Union, in connection with the tragic loss of life and extensive material damage caused by a severe earthquake in several regions of Soviet Armenia. I should like to read a message from the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Mongolian People's Republic addressed to the participants in this commemorative meeting of the General Assembly on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The message reads as follows: MT/pt A/43/PV.75 9-10 (Mr. Dugersuren , Mongolia) “His Excellency Mr. Dante M. Caputo, President of the forty-third session of the United Nations General Assembly “His Excellency Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, Secretary-General of the United Nations "On behalf of the Government of the Mongolian People's Republic and in my own name may I extend sincere greetings to you and to the participants of the commemorative meeting of the forty-third session of the United Nations General Assembly on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. "The universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed the common concept of human rights and fundamental freedoms and laid down the foundation for the development of international co-operation in this field. EH/rv A/43/PV.75 11 (Mr. Dugersuren, Mongolia) "On this commemorative occasion I am pleased to note that the United Nations has since then assiduously promoted the objectives of the Declaration and has been instrumental in elaborating treaties and covenants aimed at Protecting and guaranteeing fundamental human rights in political, economic, social, civil and cultural spheres, and particularly at eliminating all forma of mass and gross violations of human rights. The important human rights instruments developed within the framework of the Organization are gaining growing recognition and application, it is essential to ensure the universality of these documents and the effective implementation of their provisions throughout. "The Mongolian People's Republic believes that in the nuclear and space era the realization of all the provisions of the Declaration, particularly those on the right of peoples to life end peace, takes on exceptional importance. Mongolia, in its foreign policy activities, proceeds from the urgent need to reach disarmament objectives, especially nuclear disarmament, and to develop measures for safeguarding peace, security and fundamental human rights on a comprehensive basis. "The promotion of the purposes and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the full guaranteeing of the political, economic, social and cultural rights of its citizens have been primary objectives of the policy of the Mongolian Government and will remain so in the future. Here I wish to stress that my country has acceded to the many important international legal instruments on human rights and works to secure the full implementation of their provisions. "I am pleased to take this opportunity to reaffirm my Government's support for united Nations activities in the humanitarian field and its commitment to make its own contribution towards enhancing their effectiveness." EH/rv A/43/PV. 75 12 (Mr. Dugersuren, Mongolia) That message is signed by Damaging Sodnom, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Mongolian Peoples Republic. I take this opportunity to announce that Mongolia has become a sponsor of draft resolution A/43/L.47. Mrs. DIALLO (Senegal) (interpretation from French): On behalf of the Government and people of Senegal, I should like to join preceding speakers in expressing to the Soviet Union our sincere sympathy in the tragedy with which it is afflicted. I should like to read to the Assembly the text of a message from President Abdou Diouf of Senegal to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the occasion of the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “The celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affords me a happy occasion to pay tribute on behalf of the people and Government of my country and on my own behalf to the normative action taken by the United Nations since 1948 in the promotion and protection of human rights. "Thus in 1966 the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Optional Protocol, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were put together under what is commonly referred to as the International Bill of Human Rights. The right of peoples to self-determination, the struggle against apartheid and racial discrimination, the rights of women, the rights of children, the rights of refugees and the right to development have also enriched the wide range of human rights. EH/rv A/43/PV.75 13 (Mrs. Diallo, Senegal) "Yet although we can justifiably be gratified by such good results, we must recognize that much remains to be done, indeed, in South Africa the a special tribute regime continues its destructive work. In Namibia and in Palestine, which are still under occupation, the right to self-determination and independence remains unrealized. Throughout the world human rights are constantly being violated and trampled upon. "Senegal, which has made respect for fundamental human rights a major Principle of its policy, would like this fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to be an occasion for the international community to renew and strengthen its commitment to ensuring respect for, and promoting more effectively and resolutely, human rights and fundamental freedoms in all countries. By ratifying and acceding to the international instruments on human rights, Member States ensure the universality of such instruments and further enrich regional contributions in this field, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. "Because of its political convictions and its commitment to the United nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of 1789, the bicentenary of which will be marked next year, and the various international instruments on human rights and the struggle against apartheid and all forms of discrimination, my country, which is a member of the Human Rights Committee, the Committee on economic, social and cultural rights and the Commission on Human Rights, of which it has the honour and privilege to hold the chairmanship this year, will continue to join in any action likely to strengthen the protection and promotion of fundamental freedoms. "In conclusion, it is a pleasure for me to pay a special tribute to you, EH/rv A/43/PV.75 14-15 (Mrs. Diallo, Senegal) Mr. Secretary-General, for your constant efforts, undertaken in a dedicated and self-effacing way, in the cause of human rights and, better still, in the cause of humanity." That message is signed “"Abdou Diouf, President of the Republic of Senegal”. JSM/PLJ V43/PV.75 16 Mr. ELIASSON (Sweden): I have the honors to make this statement on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. First, sir, let me address the Soviet delegation and offer our Government's deep and sincere regrets and condolences to the people and Government of the Onion of Soviet Socialist Republics on the tragic earthquake affecting so many people in their country. Let me also through you, Mr. President, convey our condolences to the many afflicted families. This occasion, celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is primarily one for reflection on what we have achieved over the past 40 years and what remains to be done in the field of human rights. After the massive atrocities committed against human beings before and during the Second World War, the question of human rights emerged for the first time in history through the creation of the united Nations as a concern not only within nation States but as a common responsibility for the international community. The United Nations Charter established that one of the main purposes of the Organization is to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. This was shortly followed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted 40 years ago, "as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations". The Declaration enumerates the rights of all individuals in all societies which all States are obliged to respect. The implementation of the principles of the Declaration is thus the responsibility of all states Members of the United Nations. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has a dynamic influence, it has inspired a number of nations which have incorporated its JSM/PLJ A/43/PV. 75 17 (Mr. Eliasson, Sweden) principles into their constitutions and national legislation. The Declaration continues to be a moral, political and legal basis for our work. Today, the United Nations can look back with pride at an impressive record for setting standards in the field of human rights. The question we must ask ourselves today, however, is: how have we lived up to these standards? Human rights violations continue across the world, running a sad gamut from summary or arbitrary executions, torture, involuntary disappearances, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners, detention without trial, restrictions on freedom of movement, religious intolerance, curtailments of the right to association, racial discrimination, and discrimination against women and minorities to the non-realization of economic, social and cultural rights. Sadly this enumeration is not even exhaustive. We must now concentrate on the implementation of the standards that we have developed. The Charter highlights in Article 55 the need to promote universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. In Article 56 of the Charter all Member States pledge to take joint and separate action in co-operation with the Organization for the achievement of this purpose. The machinery is there in the special implementation procedures instituted by several human rights instruments; it is there in the body of rapporteurs or working groups dealing with specific themes or with the human rights situation in certain countries. It is important that this implementation machinery function effectively. There are, however, also other ways and procedures in which the United Nations can promote respect for human rights, in this connection, we should like to mention the valuable work of the programme of advisory services, which we hope will be more widely used. Furthermore, dissemination of information about human rights and fundamental freedoms is of vital importance. Bach individual has the right to know and act JSM/PLJ A/43/PV.75 18 (Mr. Eliasson, Sweden) upon his human rights, it is therefore timely that the world campaign for human rights is being intensified in connection with the anniversary of the Universal Declaration. Non-governmental organizations effectively contribute to the dissemination of information about human rights and should be given an important role in the campaign. They also call attention to human rights violations. Human rights violations can cause internal strife and even constitute a threat to peace. On the other hand, we notice that human rights and fundamental freedoms are often violated during internal disturbances and international conflicts. Some of the log-standing regional conflicts in the world are now on the verge of a solution. The Nordic countries hope that this development will also lead to an improvement in the human rights situation. The promotion and protection of human rights is a long-term enterprise. There is a need for concerted action with the participation of individuals, groups, non-governmental organizations, States, the United Nations and other intergovernmental bodies. The united Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have set the standard, it is our common task to live up to this standard. Mr. BELONOGOV (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (interpretation from Russian): First allow me, Sir, to express our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the delegations and representatives of groups of States who, in this Hall, have expressed, or are yet to express, to the people and Government of the USSR their feelings of solidarity and sympathy on the tragic earthquake which has claimed thousands of victims and caused huge destruction in Armenia and other republics in the trans-Caucasian Republics. We are very grateful to all Members for the sympathy they have extended to the relatives and friends of those killed and injured. JSM/PLJ A/43/PV. 75 19-20 (Mr. Belonogov. USSR) The solemn commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not just a tribute paid by all of us to this jubilee. As was stated yesterday by Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev, the Declaration retains its relevancy to this day. Moreover, it reflects the universal character of the united Nations' goals and objectives. It is particularly evident today that without universal respect for and implementation of the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Declaration, mankind has neither a civilized present nor future. AE/SY A/43/PV.75 21 (Mr. Belonogov, soviet Union) The unfading importance of the Declaration is explained by the fact that it has reflected the historic experience of humanity and has consolidated the generally accepted principles and standards of respect for human rights. Its adoption was preceded by such milestones of democratic evolution as the British Magna Carta, the American Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. The principles of freedom and equal rights were inscribed on the banners of the Great October Socialist Revolution. They inspired Peoples to fight against Hitler's tyranny, and they formed a basis for the United Nations Charter. Now that the international community is entering a peaceful period of stable development and the establishment of normal and truly human relations free of confrontation, the ideals of humanism require that respect for the dignity of every individual constitute the centerpiece of all our Joint efforts. The world community is becoming increasingly aware that, notwithstanding the dissimilarity of social systems and State regimes, man, wherever he lives, always remains man - that is, the highest, the primary, asset of civilization, perhaps the only civilization in the whole universe. The Declaration contains a uniform list of civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights that are to be respected by every State, it is on this foundation that the united Nations has built a well-structured system of norms, embodied in the international covenants on human rights and international conventions against genocide, apartheid, discrimination and torture. These are the guiding stars that are relied upon to lead mankind, through all turbulence, storms and ideological differences, to the eternal, everlasting values. Furthering universal recognition and practical implementation of the single set of civil, political, social and cultural rights embodied in the Universal AE/SY A/43/PV.75 22 (Mr. Belonogov, Soviet Union) Declaration of Human Rights and other human-rights instruments is a major area of United Nations activities. The Soviet Union intends to broaden its involvement in the human-rights control mechanisms within both the United Nations and the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, it is essential that the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in respect of interpretation and application of human-rights accords be binding on all States. Our universal Organization should act as a guarantor of the realization of generally accepted human rights and see to it that nobody attempts to distort their essence, no matter what lofty motives are invoked to justify such attempts. After all, nations are made up of individuals, and those who trample individual rights also infringe the interests of the nations. In the words of famous Russian writer and humanist Dostoyevsky, "There can be no harmony where there is even one ruined and humiliated soul." The Soviet Union shares the objectives and principles of the Universal Declaration. it has ratified the pacts and other international conventions on human rights. We are making our laws and practice fully compatible with international norms in this area. This is one of the most important purposes of perstroika, which applies the human dimension to all political and socio-economic changes going on in our country. Recently we witnessed a nationwide public discussion of the draft laws on changes in the Constitution and on elections. Three hundred thousand concrete proposals and comments were advanced during the discussion, after which the Supreme Soviet of the USSR passed these laws. They have turned a new page in the development of the Soviet State on the basis of democracy and people's self-management. AE/SY A/43/PV. 75 23 (Mr. Belonogov, Soviet Union) Laws on the freedom of conscience, on glasnost, on public associations and organisations, and so on, which are already drafted, or whose drafting is being completed, will also promote deeper democracy. These laws will meet the highest standards in the observance of the rights of the individual, it is envisaged that the drafts will include additional guarantees to preclude any form of persecution or discrimination on political or religious grounds. There is no one in any Soviet corrective institution who was sentenced for his beliefs. Questions of entry to and exit from the country, including eases concerning the reunification of families, are being solved in a humane manner. Respective measures should do away with the problem of "refuseniks". The political and legal reform that has been started is designed to provide guarantees of strict respect for human dignity. The objective of this reform is to use comprehensive democratization for uniting the interests and rights of the individual with the interests of society, to place the individual at the focus of the entire political process, assuming the following concepts not the individual for the State, but the State for the individual. We do not try to conceal the difficulties and unsolved problems that we face. Other countries have them, too. Nobody holds the absolute truth in this respect, and there is nobody who is inseparable of making a mistake. But it is important for everybody to strive sincerely towards co-operation and the exchange of experience. Therefore it is imperative that we continue along the way of ridding the United Nations, and other forums working in the same realm, of confrontation and fruitless polemics, which only serve to obscure real problems and hamper their solution. The Soviet Union has advanced specific ideas on how to develop co-operation in the humanitarian field. it has proposed that a European conference devoted to these issues be convened in Moscow. We attach major importance to this proposal. AE/SY A/43/PV.75 24-25 (Mr. Belonogov, Soviet Union) We are convinced that the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration should become an impetus for the United Nations, all Governments and intergovernmental and public organizations to bring down the remaining barriers in the way of the exercise of human rights, in the way of further development of international co-operation in the humanitarian field. in conclusion, I should like sincerely to congratulate the distinguished recipients of the United Nations prize, the highest prize in the area of human rights, and to wish them success in their activities. Mr. ANSARI (India) : On behalf of the people of India, my delegation would like to extend sincere and profound sympathy to the people of the USSR on their tragedy. The observance of the fortieth anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides us all with an opportunity for reflection and re-dedication - to take stock, in all humility, of what we have achieved in the past 40 years, and to rededicate ourselves to the aims and principles enunciated in the Declaration. BCT/PLJ A/43/PV.75 26 (Mr. Ansari, India) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights marked the beginning of a new era in human history and gave to the world its first universal charter. It was drafted in broad and general terms as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. The preamble to the Universal Declaration recognizes the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as -the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world". A great deal has been achieved during these few decades. A platform for national as well as international action on human rights, the provisions of the Declaration have served as a frame of reference for national legislation and have inspired a wide range of international covenants and conventions, ranging from the two International Covenants to the Conventions against racial discrimination and apartheid and the Convention against torture. There are also hopes for the early adoption of a convention on the rights of the child as well as on migrant workers. The Universal Declaration has thus played a vital role in creating world-wide consciousness in this field. However, much more needs to be done. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights implicitly recognizes that human rights are not only civil and political but also economic, social and cultural. It follows, therefore, that equal and urgent consideration should be given to the implementation, protection and promotion of civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights. Lofty commitment to individual freedoms and personal liberty should also take into account the loss of dignity of the human person brought about by deprivation. How can one choose between political liberty, on the one hand, and economic development and social justice, on the other? Each in the absence of the other is equally dehumanizing. Human rights can never be compartmentalized, nor can primacy be given to one set of rights over the other. BCT/PLJ A/43/PV.75 27 (Mr. Ansari, India) It must also be recognized that since 1948 over 750 million people, almost one third of the world's population, in over 100 territories have expressed self-determination, mostly through national independence. Today 3 million people have yet to achieve political self-determination or independence. When the Universal Declaration was adopted, with 48 affirmative votes, over one third of the present States Members of the United Nations were still suffering from colonial domination. The principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, as set out in Article 1 of the United Nations Charter, is equally a fundamental human right, although the Universal Declaration does not specifically refer to it. the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, whose thirtieth anniversary we shall commemorate in 1990, is an important step forward in that respect. Over the past 40 years human rights jurists and activists have been striving to devise strategies to address the challenges posed by the present human rights system. One important effort is the articulation of collective rights instead of the predominantly individualistic focus in the Universal Declaration. It is for that reason that the two international Covenants, which came into force more than 20 years later, took into account economic, social and cultural rights not reflected in the Declaration. All these human rights are interdependent and indivisible and should be treated in an integrated manner. India is committed to ensuring respect for the protection and promotion of human rights. The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution were inspired by the Universal Declaration. India has demonstrated its sincerity of purpose in consistently implementing the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration. The legislature in India has implemented existing provisions and given legislative effect to these rights where necessary. The executive also respects and endeavours to protect and promote these rights. The judiciary has BCT/PLJ A/43/PV.75 28 (Mr. Ansari, India) kept a constant vigil and has unhesitatingly intervened even at the slightest encroachment on or violation of human rights. A free and vocal press zealously performs a watch-dog function, while public-spirited individuals and voluntary organizations actively espouse the cause of human rights. Both Houses of the Indian Parliament reaffirmed on 7 December 1988 their dedication to the noble principles enunciated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Members of Parliament declared their rededication to the noble task of ensuring full realization of these principles for all mankind. They stressed the urgent need to eliminate apartheid and all other forms of discrimination and all vestiges of colonialism. India is deeply honoured at the conferring of the Human Rights Award on Baba Ante for his outstanding contribution in the field of human rights. Unfortunately, he was unable to come here personally to receive the Award. Baba amte has spent the past 35 years in helping society's underprivileged sectors. At his ashram, Anandwan - "Abode of Bliss" - over 10,000 leprosy patients have been treated and trained, together with thousands of other physically handicapped people. Baba Ante, who is himself painfully crippled, is also determined to eradicate -mental leprosy", which he believes is the greatest of human limitations. In conclusion, the first step towards promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms is universal acceptance of existing international instruments, and in particular the two human rights Covenants. it is essential that those two International Covenants should become truly universal. Surely it should not be too much to ask in this anniversary year that States that have not yet done so should accept the legally binding obligations of the two Covenants by ratifying and acceding to them. BCT/PLJ A/43/PV.75 29 Mr. HUSAIN (Pakistan): I should like to begin by extending the heartfelt condolences and sympathy of the Pakistan delegation to the delegation of the USSR on the tragic loss of human life and material destruction resulting from the recent earthquake. The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948 was a landmark in mankind's efforts to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. The fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration provides us with an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the ideals enshrined in it and other international instruments in the field of human rights. The Universal Declaration is a reflection of the conviction and determination of the peoples of the world to reaffirm faith in -fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women" and to promote "social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom". The Declaration has provided a stimulus and inspiration towards the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms both within and outside the United Nations, with far-reaching results. The principles enshrined in the Declaration were further elaborated and given legal status by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the international Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which came into effect in 1976. It is noteworthy that both Covenants gave pride of place to the right of all peoples to self-determination, which forms the very basis of the enjoyment of other human rights and fundamental freedoms. Article 1 of each of the two Covenants states: BCT/PLJ A/43/PV.75 30 (Mr. Husain, Pakistan) "Ml peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development" (resolution 2200 (XXI), annex, article 1) Pakistan has consistently supported the struggle of peoples under colonial and alien domination or under foreign occupation for national liberation and for the exercise of their right to self-determination. FMB/8 A/43/PV.75 31 (Mr. Husain, Pakistan) In our view, equal attention should be paid to the protection and promotion of civil and political rights and to the protection and promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, it is not possible to choose between civil and political liberty the one hand, and economic and social justice on the other, because one in the absence of the other is equally dehumanizing. Human rights are indivisible and one set of rights cannot be given precedence over the other. An integrated approach to the promotion of all human rights is of central importance. We also firmly believe that the right to development is a human right, both Individual and collective. Every individual, every people has the inherent right to be provided with opportunities and with the proper environment for self-development. only by protecting and promoting the right to development in all its aspects can we create the conditions necessary for the continued progress of mankind on the road to higher stages of human evolution. Pakistan supports the demand for the establishment of a new international economic order to provide equitable opportunities for development to the developing and the developed countries. Pakistan attaches the highest importance to the protection and promotion of human rights in accordance with its commitments under various international instruments and in accordance with the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of its people. There is a separate, detailed chapter in our Constitution guaranteeing to the citizens of Pakistan human rights and fundamental freedoms. I should like to mention, in particular, the constitutional provision that all citizens are equal before the law, entitled to the equal protection of the law. The Constitution ensures the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of movement, the right to acquire property, freedom to follow. a vocation, freedom of religion, protection against retrospective punishment, EMB/8 A/43/PV.75 32 (Mr. Husain, Pakistan) prohibition of forced labour and slavery, and protection of languages, scripts and cultures. The Constitution also requires the State to take measures to ensure fair treatment to minorities, humane conditions of work, the well-being of the people, the opportunity to gain an adequate livelihood, and the provision of the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical relief. In free and fair elections last month, the people of Pakistan voted a new government into power, headed by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Immediately after assuming office, Prime Minister Bhutto laid special stress on her Government's commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. It is distressing to note that despite the adoption of the Declaration and other international instruments in the field of human rights, mass and flagrant violations of human rights arising from apartheid and other forms of racial discrimination continue in South Africa. The right to self-determination continues to be denied to peoples around the world. A high percentage of the world's population continues to suffer from extreme poverty, deprivation, malnutrition, disease and under-development. other violations of human rights continue to be reported from various parts of the world. It is time, therefore, to re-dedicate ourselves to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in various international instruments and to the adoption of measures for putting an end to their violation, it is our earnest hope that the fortieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will provide an impetus towards attainment of the noble goal of the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all individuals and peoples throughout the world. FMB/8 A/43/PV. 75 33 Mr. PEJIC (Yugoslavia): May I begin by expressing our deepest sympathy to the Government and peoples of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and our solidarity with them in the grave and tragic loss of life and the suffering caused by the catastrophic earthquake that struck their country yesterday. Our age is characterized by the emancipation of peoples and countries everywhere, as well as by the need and struggle for the full realization of human tights. The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 40 years ago provided a strong impetus to the promotion of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms within the United Nations, conceived after the horrors of the Second World war, the Declaration represented the conscience of mankind finally restored to itself, clearly aware of the need to strengthen the foundations of freedom, justice and peace in the world, its clarity, force and authority are as striking now as they were 40 years ago. The Declaration represented only the first part of the projected International Bill of Human Rights. That document, which was of a declaratory and programmatic nature, was supplemented by the International Covenants adopted in 1966. It also served as a conceptual basis for the adoption of a series of important declarations and conventions. All these international treaties were drawn up in pursuance of the aims set forth in the Charter of the united Nations and conform to the complex system of defining and protecting human rights which was developed within the United Nations and which has radically changed international law. Taking individual human beings in their uniqueness and wholeness, the Declaration, together with the Covenants, establishes the indivisibility and interdependence of their civil and political rights on the one hand, and their economic, social and cultural, on the other. We are living at a time in which human rights are seen as a part of the common heritage of mankind: not that they FMB/8 A/43/PV. 75 34 (Mr. Pejic, Yugoslavia) are observed or guaranteed all over the world - far from it - but they exist in our awareness regardless of our political positions, our social, cultural or moral background, or our beliefs, pitted against all forms of oppression and injustice. We may not always have succeeded in promoting and protecting each and every human right in each and every corner of the world for the obstacles have often proved too great and the resistance too stubborn, but our struggle against the massive and most flagrant violations of these rights, such as apartheid, racism and racial discrimination, will not cease, regardless of the obstacles we may encounter, until those evils are eradicated from the face of the earth. The struggle for human rights cannot be defined. With the progress of society and the emancipation of the human person, all the rights that have been achieved and defined begin to be seen as incomplete and inadequate. Thirty-eight years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 20 years after the adoption of the Covenants, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Right to Development on 4 December 1986. Any interpretation of the Declaration should proceed from the basic premise that the right to development is an independent human right. It has a catalytic effect on the realization of all other human rights defined in the Universal Declaration and in the Covenants. The concept of development is conceived as a comprehensive economic, political and cultural process which aims at constant improvement of the well-being of all individuals and of entire populations on the basis of their free, active and meaningful participation in decision-making for development. Those *** elements give us an important platform for further activities relating to the implementation of the Declaration and further enhancement of the right to development. FMB/8 V43/PV.75 35 (Mr. Pejic, Yugoslavia) The noble goals set forth in the united Nations Charter continue to remain our lodestar in the efforts to solve the burning issues facing the world today. it is therefore necessary to ensure unreserved implementation of those goals, among which respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms represents one of the most important tasks. JP/pt A/43/PV.75 36 Mr. SALAZAR SANCISI (Ecuador) (interpretation from Spanish): On behalf of the Government and people of Ecuador, I wish first to express our deep regret at the human and material loss resulting from yesterday's earthquake and our feelings of solidarity with the people and Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Ecuador is honoured to take part in these solemn meetings celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose adoption was one of the most significant acts in the annals of the United Nations. For the first time in history the international community agreed on a body of ethical values and humanitarian principles to govern relations between individuals, society and the State. The Declaration was thus a historic milestone on the universal march towards the reaffirmation of the dignity of man, peaceful coexistence and the development of international law, which finds in human rights one of its most fruitful sources and one that enhances and illuminates it. The Declaration proclaimed not only civil and political liberties, but also economic, social and cultural rights, without which the concept of human rights would be meaningless. It thus created a conceptual framework, which has been constantly growing, from which it derives ever greater recognition of the indivisibility and interdependence of human rights, as well as the consequent recognition of the need to give the same attention to the promotion and protection of all those rights. At the same time, the Universal Declaration began the productive process of drawing up the International Bill of Human Rights, which became a reality with the entry into force of the International Covenants on human rights, and which helped provide a more comprehensive perception of those rights, whose universal observance has now become a prominent factor in international politics and in operation JP/pt A/43/PV.75 37 (Mr. Salazar Sancisi, Ecuador) between nations. In turn, the Bill was a starting point for the determination of new concepts in this field, including the paramount concept of the right to development as an inalienable human right, which the General Assembly proclaimed in 1986. That is why it is important to ensure that the provisions of the Universal Declaration are respected. This celebration gives Governments throughout the world an opportunity to renew their expressions of faith in this vital instrument and awaken the conscience of the world to the need to continue to promote and observe human rights, because, notwithstanding past achievements, those rights continue to be violated, sometimes flagrantly and on a large scale. The promotion and protection of human rights is not a theoretical or abstract exercise, but is an essential part of daily life, entailing, together with the codification of norms and their most effective supervision, the task of teaching and instilling an appreciation of human rights in all institutions of learning, especially schools. This is necessary to bring about a true human rights culture and make the world a better place in which to live, a world in which man's life can truly become human. Ecuador is a fervent supporter of this noble enterprise, because respect for human rights is an essential part of our most precious traditions and because Ecuador is convinced that respect for human rights goes hand in hand with the genuine democracy that we practise and live. That is the commitment the Government of President Rodrigo Borja has made in this field, because freedom and the observance of human rights reflect, beyond borders and ideologies, indivisible ethical values; and when these are violated anywhere we ourselves feel violated. There are obvious reasons for this in that human rights are not the product of legislation, nor do they stem from any legal system, they spring from the nature of man, and the juridical personality of each JP/pt A/43/PV.75 38 (Mr. Salazar Sancisi, Ecuador) individual makes them inalienable and irrenunciable. Therefore, all states have a duty to protect them, and their violation anywhere will mobilize the international community to act to end the situation, thereby eliminating any possibility of a claim of there being intervention in internal affairs. We see a link between human rights and the possibilities of well-being, respect for man as an individual and respect for peoples as nations. Human rights must not be considered solely from the point of view of relations between those in power and individuals, for there are other factors - economic and social - that may threaten the integrity of human rights. Respect for human rights does not mean only the absence of political repression, it also means social justice, economic equity and dynamic action to provide the more vulnerable sectors of society with social benefits. The enjoyment of human rights is not, therefore, at odds with the need to make changes in society to bring about accelerated economic development and improve living standards. We believe that social justice and political freedom are compatible. without freedom, man's personality is not complete and he cannot fully realize his intellectual potential. To suppress freedom is to impede human Progress. Therefore, we believe in and support the productive power of freedom, and at the same time, seek social justice with freedom. In conclusion, I am pleased to announce that in my country, Ecuador, we have declared 10 December Human Rights Day. To celebrate the event we have planned a special program, including seminars and the award to distinguished individuals, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, of a prize - the Monsignor Leonidas Proano Prize for the defenders of peace, justice and human rights. The Prize was created in memory of the former Vice-President of the latin JP/pt A/43/PV.75 39-40 (Mr. Salazar Sancisi, Ecuador) American Association of Human Rights, who defended the peasants and indigenous inhabitants of Ecuador and the rest of the region, and who received an award here today for his outstanding human rights work. That was an honour to my country, which commits itself with renewed vigour to contributing in accordance with the Universal Declaration, to the establishment of an international social order in which the rights and freedoms proclaimed in the Declaration are fully enjoyed. RM/10 A/43/PV.75 41 Mr. TANAS IE (Romania): At the outset, I should like to extend my delegation's sincere and profound condolences and compassion to the peoples and Government of the Soviet Union for the loss of life and destruction they have suffered and to express our solidarity with them at this tragic moment. The message the Romanian delegation brings on this solemn occasion is imbued with my country's deep conviction that the whole human rights question is a major issue in contemporary international relations. The Universal Declaration whose fortieth anniversary we are celebrating today represents an important contribution to the forging of a broad concept of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is, we believe, a call to reflect collectively and responsibly on the progress achieved in its effective implementation and on the ways and means to strengthen it in the future. The 40 years that have elapsed since the adoption of the Declaration give evidence of the fact that ensuring the inalienable right of each people to decide for itself its own destiny in the light of its own aspirations and without any external interference is primary condition for the effective, universal triumph of human rights. The real assurance of human rights is based upon the need to guarantee full equality for all members of society, to create equitable economic and social relations that will make it possible for each citizen to lead a dignified life, to enjoy the right to work and free access to education, culture and science and to be able to participate directly in the management of public life. Concern for the well-being of all citizens is at the very centre of my country's policy. The profound economic and social changes that have occurred in the material and spiritual life of Romania have created a propitious framework for the flowering of the human personality in all its aspects. RM/10 A/43/PV.75 42 (Mr. Tanasie, Romania) In Romania the problem of ensuring full equality of rights for all citizens, without distinction based on race, sex, language, national origin or religion, has been genuinely solved. we believe that all Romanian citizens are citizens with equal rights but also equal duties. Romania views the question of international cooperation in the field of human rights as being based upon the same principles and the same goals that govern co-operation in all other areas. it is in that spirit that Romania has ratified the International Covenants on human rights and other international legal instruments in this field. We are convinced that the implementation of all those documents is of paramount importance for the proration and protection of basic human rights in the contemporary world. We believe that co-operation in that field will become more fruitful to the extent that it is better oriented towards the truly vital issue of our day. the sight of all peoples to development, to life and to peace. It is by acting along those lines that the United Nations will be able bo serve more effectively the principles and objectives laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is our conviction that the integral affirmation of the individuality, dignity and freedom of all human beings will contribute to the development of friendly relations among countries and to mutual respect and understanding among nations. Finally, my delegation would like to express the hope that the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be a significant landmark in the efforts of all nations to strengthen the foundations of freedom, justice and peace in the world. RM/10 A/43/PV. 75 43 Mr. DJOUDI (Algeria) (interpretation from French): The Algerian delegation was deeply saddened to learn of the earthquake that has struck the northern part of Soviet Armenia and caused a large loss of human life. On this painful occasion Algeria expresses to the Government and people of the USSR it3 sincere condolences and assures them of its full solidarity. Three years after the adoption of the San Francisco Charter, which strengthens the proclamation of the faith of nations in fundamental human rights, dignity and the value of the person, the United Nations General Assembly, on 10 December 1948, set out to restore to human beings their inalienable rights. As the starting-point for the Organization's standard-setting work in the field of human rights the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also opened the way for achievement of the underlying common goal that all peoples might enjoy the human rights it proclaimed as well as those the community of nations was attempting to enlarge, define and progressively consecrate. Unquestionably, universality is a widely held objective and a moral imperative for our community, since clearly there is no more noble or more exalting cause than the restoration to mankind of its inherent rights in accordance with the natural equality of all human beings. The United Nations has rightly enshrined the right of peoples to self-determination as a basic human right essential for the enjoyment of other human rights. That right, gradually forged in the liberation struggles of oppressed peoples, and their unflagging efforts to secure their inherent right to freedom and dignity, is today the corner-stone of the normative edifice of human rights. RM/10 A/43/PV.75 44-45 (Mr. Djoudi, Algeria) The ethical battle we are resolutely waging under Article 1 of the United Nations Charter - to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all - calls for a new approach in keeping with the demands of joint action. JB/11 A/43/PV.75 46 (Mr. Djoudi, Algeria) None the less, the effort undertaken will not be able to bear fruit without universal recognition of the determining factors of the interdependence and indivisibility of human rights of all kinds. They alone can guarantee the success of our effort to genuinely promote those rights. A realistic attitude restoring the true goals of respect for and promotion of all categories of human rights and bringing us closer to the stated ideals of our nations also requires the realization of the right to development, which our Assembly has enshrined as an inalienable human right that can only fully blossom in a stable and just economic environment. The universally accepted goal of leading the human community to the enjoyment of all human rights requires a resolute commitment by all and a harmonization of efforts so that the worst - that is, all that constitutes their very opposite -should be banished from history and future generations guaranteed a future based on the respect for and dignity of mankind. May the force of our convictions and our perseverance in carrying out our lofty purpose finally enshrine the unity of the human family, the triumph of genuine humanism and the effective safeguarding of human rights in their fullness and universality. Mr JACOBOVITS DE SZEGED (Netherlands) : on behalf of the kingdom of the Netherlands, may I first express my profound sympathy with the Government and people of the Soviet Union for the tragic loss of life and material destruction resulting from the terrible earthquake that took place in the southern Soviet Union yesterday. At an anniversary session such as this, one is tempted to draw up a balance of the past successes and failures of the Organization's work in protecting fundamental freedoms and human rights. I shall not do so. JB/11 A/43/PV.75 47 (Mr. Jacobovits de Szeged, Netherlands) It is all too well-known that the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights led to impressive standard-setting in the field of human rights, including the setting up of supervisory bodies under the various international human rights instruments. To further monitor compliance with human rights standards, the Commission on Human Rights created country rapporteurs, thematic rapporteurs and working groups. One can truly speak of an impressive body of international human rights law and of an imaginative machinery to monitor the protection of human rights. The Chairman of the twelve member States of the European Community, Ambassador Zepos, has already elaborated on the position of the Twelve with regard to the promotion of human rights world-wide. Looking at the human rights scene from the Netherlands, I should just like to highlight four additional points. First, despite the existence of an impressive number of international human rights instruments and despite the supervisory machinery provided for, human rights violations still persist. In some cases, that is due to an unfortunate lack of political will by Governments to respect the human rights of their citizens. In other cases, Governments are faced with factors that impede the implementation of their human rights policies. The United Nations should play a role in removing both causes of violation. Secondly, and in that connection, I wish to commend the tremendously valuable role of a number of non-governmental organizations in the field of monitoring the protection of human rights. Their generally accurate and unbiased reports on human rights violations are an important source of information and a constant reminder to the international community that much work remains to be done in furthering respect for human rights. 48 (Mr. Jacobovits da Szeged, Netherlands) Thirdly, In the near future less priority should be given to the further Rafting of international human rights instructs. Priority should rather be given to the task of having Governments comply with the international standards already set. Effective dissection of texts will make officials and citizens alike more aware of those standards. The universal character of human rights has clearly been accepted and it is therefore up to the international community, including the United Nations and its individual Member States, to see to it that international standards of human rights are respected. The international community should leave no situation of human rights violations unaddressed and should express its strong indignation when human rights violations take place, in several instances in the past, it became clear that such expressions of indignation actually led to improvements in human rights situations. Fourthly, the international community should strengthen the supervisory bodies as set up by the various international instruments on human rights, in order to use those bodies more effectively in monitoring human rights violations, in the course of an exercise of that Kind, means should be found to alleviate the problems that some States face in fulfilling all the different reporting obligations under the human rights instruments, m the latter field, the United Nations Advisory Services Programme could play an important role. The Netherlands circulated document A/C.3/43/5 on that matter during the current session of the Assembly, to which document I draw members, attention. Finally, it is our fervent hope that, at the next anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the General Assembly can look back at a period in which compliance by States with the international standards of human rights has become a matter of course. 49/11 A/43/PV. 75 49-50 Mr. GHEZAL (Tunisia) (interpretation from French): May I first express to the delegation, Government and peoples of the Soviet Union the sympathy and solidarity of our Government and people following the tragic earthquake that struck that friendly country. Celebrating today the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which, on 10 December 1948, enshrined the principles solemnly laid down three years before in the San Francisco Charter - such principles as faith in the value and dignity of the individual, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and the equality of all before the law - the international community is called upon to reaffirm its irreversible commitment to the noble goals and ideals contained in the Universal Declaration and its determination to guarantee the promotion and protection of the whole gamut of human rights. MLG/AP A/43/PV.75 51 (Mr. Ghezal, Tunisia) The United Nations has worked throughout the past four decades to codify the Principles and ideals proclaim by the Universal Declaration and to provide the necessary machinery for monitoring and defending human rights. The results of its work include the International Covenants on civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, which have been concluded between nations, and the international Convention against Torture and other Cruel, inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which my country ratified this year without any reservations. Thanks to the moral authority given to it by the Charter, the United Nations has thus served as an appropriate framework for codifying humanitarian law, which is now to be found in virtually all national legislations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia has already emphasized, during the general debate at this session, Tunisia's firm commitment to human rights, both at the domestic level and in the principles of its foreign policy. He mentioned the important steps taken to guarantee the effective exercise of and respect for those rights, indeed such steps were taken in the context of the historic turning point which my country experienced with the change that took place on 7 November 1987. More recently, the signing by all the political parties and social organizations of the country of a national covenant on the occasion of the first anniversary of 7 November, was an opportunity for all Tunisians, men and women from all walks of life, to reaffirm their complete commitment to consolidating democracy and legality. That Covenant specifically stipulates that; "human rights imply safeguarding the security of the individual and guaranteeing his freedom and dignity, as well as guaranteeing freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of the press and freedom of religion ... MLG/AP A/43/PV.75 52 (Mr. Ghezal, Tunisia) The protection of fundamental freedoms calls for firmly establishing the values of tolerance and eliminating all forms of violence ... The principle of equality means equality among citizens, men and women, without discrimination as to religion, colour, opinion or political conviction ...". That proclamation in effect reflects reality in Tunisia today. The Nobel Peace Prize given this year to the United Nations peace-keeping forces is a stirring tribute to the soldiers of peace, to the grand work done by the United Nations and to the meritorious action carried out with devotion and determination by the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, in furtherance of the noble causes of humanity. That is an act which we wish to hail. Yet, although there is reason to rejoice over the progress achieved in human rights, one must regrettably denounce the flagrant persistence of abuses and violations affecting entire peoples, victims of oppression to this very day, who are denied the most basic human rights, such as the right to life, the right to self-determination and the right to development. Principles and ideas are not very useful if they are not respected. In order to preserve what has been accomplished in recent years in the sphere of human rights, the international community must ensure the effective enforcement of the existing legal arsenal, while at the same time drawing up new instruments. That is the spirit in which the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries announced recently in Nicosia that the democratization of international relations and the establishment of peace could be achieved only if the international community continued its efforts to eliminate the impairment of human dignity. Mr. LEGWAILA (Botswana): Our hearts go out to the people of the Soviet Union whose Armen an region has just experienced a devastating earthquake. Our sincere condolences are extended particularly to the families that have carried the MLG/AP A/43/PV.75 53 (MR. Legwaila, Botswana) brunt of this unfortunate tragedy. May they be comforted by the knowledge that we are with them in their suffering and loss. Forty years have passed since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These have been 40 years of great transformations, reformations and cataclysms in the development of human society. The Declaration was then, as today, a statement of enormous import, value and relevance. one cannot contemplate the kind of world we would be living in if we had not had over these 40 years a universal code of human conduct, as a constant and unyielding reminder that "... recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world". (resolution 217(III)) Those words come from the Universal Declaration itself. The world of 1948 was a world of thriving empires, a world divided and polarized by racial bigotry and callous indifference to the denigrated humanity of the people of colour in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The rest of us in 1948 were non-persons, playthings of European colonialism, victims, rather than subjects, even of international law itself. we existed only as an accident of creation. The past 40 years have, however, witnessed the greatest and most far-reaching triumph of the human spirit. The entire third world, now proudly represented in this Assembly, has come into being during this period, a consequence of the stubborn determination of its peoples to be masters of their own destinies, to throw away the yoke of slavery and colonialism, and to attain their own freedom. And the role played by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was not insignificant in the conception and birth of the new nations. The rest of the so-called free world could not, after 10 December 1948, continue to mask or mangle MLG/AP A/43/PV.75 54-55 (Mr. Legwaila, Botswana) the truth about the poverty of its vaunted belief in and fidelity to the values of human freedom and liberty and justice. A world partially free and partially slave became utterly incompatible with the existence of the universal Declaration of Human Rights as a coda of civilized human conduct. And yet the world remains an unhappy place to live in for many people. The Universal Declaration is far from fully observed and implemented. Human rights enjoy little, if any, respect in many lands across the globe. Brutalization of the sacred, inherent dignity of the human person is no longer the monopoly of the heartless colonialists and imperialists. JVM/13 A/43/PV.75 56 (Mr. Legwaila, Botswana) Even the erstwhile victims of racial bigotry who have benefited so much from the implementation of the Universal Declaration in their perilous journey to independence and freedom have not become paragons of human tolerance, compassion and forbearance. Some of them have become incorrigible violators of the letter and spirit of the Declaration. I have to say this as one of those who come from the third world, but I can assure you that I speak as the representative of a country that is second to none in the observance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But those of us who come from the third world and have benefited from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have to admitt some of the mistakes we have made as we grow into mature sovereign and independent States. We have to do so in order to make sure that we can rededicate ourselves to the observance of the humanitarian injunctions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But there can be no peer to the brutal cynicism with which human rights are violated in places like South Africa and the occupied West Bank and Gaza in the Middle East. Imagine that 40 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 28 million black South Africans still live under the most severe form of internal colonialism in the country of their own birth. Imagine the sheer heartlessness with which the benign aspirations of the Palestinian people are suppressed in the Middle East - the breaking of limbs, the bulldozing of houses, the deportations, the shooting-to-kill of peaceful demonstrators in the West Bank and Gaza. To regimes like those in Israel and South Africa the Universal Declaration is evidently a worthless document to be ignored with impunity. The universal Declaration, we insist, is yet to enjoy universal respect, it is important that on this, its fortieth anniversary, we all rededicate ourselves to implementing, it, not simply to pay lip-service to it, and to exerting pressure on those who are denigrating it to become party to it and to implement its JVM/13 A/43/PV.75 57 (Mr; Legwaila, Botswana) provisions. The provisions of the Declaration cover a wide spectrum of human life. Most of these provisions can be found in truly democratic constitutions all over the world. Therefore a rededication or recommitment to the implementation of the Declaration is a rededication and recommitment to the implementation of our own domestic constitutions. There can be no peace in the world so long as the human rights contained in the Universal Declaration are continually violated and trampled underfoot. Respect for the inherent dignity and equality of the human person is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. Look at all the troubled spots in the world today - the tragedies currently defacing the reputations of nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe, the whole globe - they almost all have their etiology in the violation of the human rights of their citizens. And so long as their human rights are violated, people will always rebel to assert their humanity and to regain at any cost their inalienable rights. Mr. ONONAIYE (Nigeria): On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the Soviet Union on the tragedy of the earthquake that struck in Armenia, it is our prayer that Almighty God comfort all who have lost dear ones. The occasion of this plenary meeting is a solemn one. Our intervention will therefore be short. The Nigerian delegation is pleased to join in commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The elaboration and adoption of the Universal Declaration in 1948, just three years after the founding of the United Nations, truly marked a watershed in the annals of world history. The tenets, freedoms and rights that are embodied and codified in the Declaration are indeed intended for universal applicability without distinction as to sex, JVM/13 A/43/PV.75 58-60 (Mr. Ononaiye, Nigeria) creed, race, and religious or political belief because they are relevant to all mankind. it is therefore fit and proper that these fundamental freedoms and rights have come to represent the reference point to assess the commitment of Governments and peoples to the promotion of fundamental human rights. Palling at a time when the rapprochement between the two super-Powers is being concretized with beneficial consequences for all mankind, the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration could not have come at a more auspicious time. It is the fervent hope of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the gains that have been made for world peace in recent times will be further strengthened and expanded. International peace and security occasioned by the declared willingness of the super-Powers to coexist peacefully should be complemented and reinforced by the restoration of hitherto abridged or truncated rights of peoples at the national level. The legitimate quest for peace and tranquility at the international level will ring hollow and be tantamount to chasing a shadow if it is not accentuated by peace and tranquility at the international level. It is said that experience is the best teacher. Experience has shown time and again that whenever and wherever fundamental freedoms and human rights are trampled down, sooner or later there is bound to be a breach of the peace. AW/dsg A/43/PV.75 61 (Mr. ononaiye, Nigeria) It is the unshakeable belief of my delegation that all peoples, without exception, have a right to enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms. The right to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty and a fair hearing, and freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression and the press, peaceful assembly and association, are, among other rights and freedoms, too dear to be left to the whims and caprices of rulers. It is for this reason that successive Nigerian Constitutions since independence in 1960 have entrenched and reaffirmed these fundamental rights and freedoms. Successive Nigerian Governments, both military and civilian, have faithfully respected these provisions in our Constitution in spite of the temptations and difficulties which occur from time to time. Nigeria's credentials in the area of respect for human rights and the rule of law have been recognized and acclaimed universally. We totally reject the use of force as a means of settling international disputes and we abhor and condemn acts of genocide wherever they have or might occur. Nowhere have the freedoms and rights embodied in the Universal Declaration been more observed in the breach than in racist South Africa. Ensconced and totally deluded in its apartheid enclave, the racist regime has continued to deny the black South African majority their basic human rights. It is regrettable that the existence of such an international code of reference as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights does not carry enough moral force to discourage those Governments which continue to fraternize with apartheid South Africa from doing so. By acts of omission and commission those Governments continue to shield the apartheid regime from the full wrath of the international community at its wilful violation of the basic rights of the majority of the citizenry. he practice of racial bigotry is an affront to the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration at Human Rights. NW/dsg A/43/PV.75 62 (Mr. Ononaiye,, Nigeria) As we enter a new era of improved global undemanding and harmony, it is the earnest hope of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that there will be greater commitment to, and respect for, the universal Declaration of Human Rights. We owe it to mankind and it must remain both a duty to and a covenant with generations yet unborn to elevate the fundamental freedoms and rights enunciated in the Declaration from the level of platitudes to that of a universal moral code of conduct binding on all the human race, it is in so doing that we can ensure that the universal Declaration will yield universal fruits that can be enjoyed by one and all. Miss BYRNE (united States of America), The united States delegation wishes to join in the universal expression of profound sympathy to the Soviet Union at the terrible loss of life resulting from the natural disasters that have afflicted that nation. From time immemorial sovereign States have sought to protect their citizens from the hostile acts of foreigners. The Trojan War, for example, stemmed from a royal abduction which others thought outrageous. In the ensuing ages States began taking an intense interest in the rights of diplomats and merchants. These and similar preoccupations endured, and they eventually produced several highly technical phrases: -diplomatic immunity", "consular immunity", "consular protection". Within the last 1,000 years, States have begun protecting their own citizens from abuses of government authority. Civil and political rights have thus sprung to life. After the Second World War states linked themselve in a common endeavour which seeks to promote the rights and safeguard the dignity of all individuals everywhere. This enterprise is one of the major innovations embodied in the AW/dsg A/43/PV.75 63-65 (Miss Byrne, united States) Charter and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose fortieth anniversary we celebrate. By means of these two documents. Member States acquired the moral and political standing to review and discuss the human rights and fundamental freedoms which other nations accord their own citizens. The Universal Declaration is an ideal, a beacon nourished by the accumulated insights and discoveries of the last 1,000 years. The Universal Declaration illuminates our need to stand alone as individuals. It also attests to our need to co-operate together as brothers and sisters. In a more prosaic sense, the Universal Declaration symbolizes our social and political environment, the complexities of an interdependent and technological age. Most of our ancestors operated in a rather restricted context; they found consolation in simpler, more localized convictions. Tolerance, though, was not a characteristic they greatly valued, and collisions of interests all too often led to violence. We in the modern world must adopt the civility and mutual respect which are the Universal Declaration's hallmarks. In the final analysis, Governments which unswervingly respect the rights of their own citizens do not embark on aggressive campaigns aimed at imposing their will on other nations and their people. The human heart is one, and the Universal Declaration points the way toward a kinder, gentler, more humane world. AM/rv A/43/PV. 75 66 Mr. MOYA PALENCIA (Mexico) (interpretation from Spanish): On behalf of the people and Government of Mexico, I wish to express our condolences to the people and Government of the Soviet Union and our solidarity with them following the earthquake which struck the Armenian Republic and caused so much loss of human life and material damage in that country. On the tenth of December last year, Mr. Carlos Salinas de Gortari assumed the presidency of my country. In clear, specific language he reiterated Mexico's commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The President of Mexico had already made clear, on an earlier occasion, that respect for fundamental rights and freedoms varied according to a collective right, the right to self-determination. He also said that respect for that right was a prerequisite of other rights and freedoms of the individual. That Declaration was in line with my country's unswerving efforts dating back to 1945, when the United Nations Charter was drafted in San Francisco, the ensure that universal recognition of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the system of protection of those rights should be incorporated in the Charter. That was not possible at the time, and later, in 1948, we signed the Universal Declaration, the fortieth anniversary of which is being celebrated today. Another quarter of a century passed before we were able to establish the system protecting the aforementioned rights, including the two International Covenants and the Optional Protocol. The Mexican Constitution of 1917, which came about as a result of our revolutionary movement, enlarged the definition of human rights. It was the first Constitution to proclaim social rights. More recently, we included in the Constitution the principles of our foreign policy, which are fully in line with the principles of the Charter. PM/rv A/43/PV. 75 67 (Mr. Moya Palencia, Mexico) For all of these reasons, Mexico has actively supported the United Nations bodies which have been created to promote and protect fundamental rights, and we are a party to the Covenants and instruments which give these rights a universal character. Within the framework of the Declaration, these norms and principles have evolved in a notable way and, although we have not been able to prevent serious and systematic violations of human rights in certain parts of the world, other rights have been spelt out, and their applicability and scope have been expanded. Mexico regrets that discrimination on the basis of race, sex or religion has not been entirely eliminated. We reject the loathsome system of apartheid and regret that, as we approach the twenty-first century, there are still peoples and territories subject to colonial domination. Mexico hopes that the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will serve to awaken the conscience of the peoples of the world to the urgent need to guarantee full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in all countries of the world. Mr. DRAMAS OLIVA (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish): On behalf of the Government and people of Cuba, I wish to express our sincerest condolences to the Government and people of the Soviet Union on the tragic consequences of the natural disaster which has caused such considerable loss of human life and material damage. One of the first tasks which the united Nations set itself at the time of its founding was the drafting of an international bill of human rights, the basis for which was provided by the adoption of the universal Declaration of Human Rights. That instrument is as relevant today, after forty years, as it has ever been in the past. At the time, the Declaration embodied the aspirations of an entire generation, which was recovering from the terrible nightmare of fascism and war. It enshrined for ever universal respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms. 68 (Mr. dramas Oliva, Cuba) From that point on, as our Organization became stronger, with the added membership of numerous developing countries which had achieved their independence in the 1960s and 1970s, significant additions were made to body of human rights, important international instruments were adopted, such as the international Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the international Convention en the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid and the Convention en the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. There were also the International Covenants on Human Rights. These instruments, as well as numerous resolutions, reflected serious concerns on the Part of a large number of countries with regard to the struggle for independence, the struggle against foreign occupation, domination and aggression and threats to national sovereignty, and so on. Ideas have evolved over the past four decades, and now the indivisibility and interdependence of civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights are widely acknowledged. There is also recognition of the need to give priority to efforts to eliminate massive and flagrant violations of human rights which - as in South Africa under the system of apartheid and in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel - cause great concern to the international community, it is imperative that these violations be stamped out. It is also clear that international co-operation must be based on mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. An overall solution to the problems I have described must be sought. In a just and global approach to human rights, the need to promote one category of rights must never be used as a pretext for States not to protect or promote another category of rights. In other words, “human rights” must not be limited to certain rights which are long-established, even though they have yet to Am/rv A/43/PV.75 69-70 (Mr. Oramas Oliva, Cuba) be put into practice consistently. In addition, it must be recognized that the right to development is an inalienable human right and that international peace and security are essential elements in the full realization of human rights. In this context, it is imperative that we guarantee the most fundamental of rights, namely the right to life. Can it be said that those who do not possess the wherewithal even to feed themselves, clothe themselves, protect their health and have access to education and culture can nevertheless give priority to other kinds of rights? MT/SY V43/PV.75 71 (Mr. Oramas o1iva, Cuba) Can millions of human beings who are dying of hunger, malnutrition and epidemics in Asia, Africa and latin America claim to enjoy any other rights? Do they not first have to be allowed to survive, to live? It is not a matter of filling stomachs} it is a matter of guaranteeing the right to life. That right is the primary right, the crucial right, the priority right. Here the international community has a major responsibility, our Governments have this responsibility, but basically we are speaking of these Powers which for centuries have profited from the wealth of the peoples of the third world, if the right to development is to be a real, inalienable right of individuals and peoples, there must first be a willingness to promote international co-operation in ensuring the development of the countries of the third world. That would be a contribution to the general welfare of society and a contribution to the maintenance of just and lasting peace. let us reflect on this even as we celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Declaration. Mr. SAINT-PHARD (Haiti) (interpretation from French): The Haitian delegation wishes to express its profound sorrow at the cruel disaster which has struck the Soviet Union and we ask the Soviet delegation to be kind enough to convey our sincerest condolences to the Government and people of the USSR, together with our assurance of our feeling of solidarity at this time of tragedy. As the world prepares to join Prance in commemorating the historic date of 1789, my delegation wishes today to take the opportunity of this ceremony to emphasize Haiti's deep commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which derives directly from the revolutionary process begun by Prance in the age of enlightenment, On 22 August 1791, during the Bois-Caiman ceremony, under the auspices of Boukman, the African slaves of Santa Domingo answered the call of freedom, MT/5Y A/43/PV.75 72 (Mr. Saint-Phard, Haiti) self-determination, fraternity and equality by forging through fire, iron and blood the Republic of Haiti, which entered the annals of history on 1 January 1604, the founder being the Haitian patriot Jean-Jacques Dessalines, together with Generals Christophe and Petion. The vicissitudes of contemporary history too often obscure the epic action of 1804, the protagonists in which had already had a taste of decolonization because of what had happened to the 13 colonies of the new world. Those future Haitian generals, whose courage was unstinted, were to stand out on the battlefields of New England, and especially during the battle of Savannah, in Georgia. The victories of our ancestors of the old colony of Santa Domingo soon gathered momentum and forced the metropolitan Power to proclaim, in 1792, the general abolition of slavery, in the spirit of 1789. Those noble barefoot Africans, fighting tooth and nail, began and nourished the process of decolonization with their sweat, their blood and their resources of all kinds. After 1804, President Alexandre Petion, endorsing General Dessaline's will - itself the political expression of the generosity that characterized the long tradition of hospitality of old Africa, adopted the liberator Simon Bolivar and thus created pan-Americanism before the word was invented. The stimulating value of Haiti's example during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, like the earlier more symbolic example of Spartacus, made the steady march of colonized peoples towards the sun-drenched peaks of freedom, self-determination, independence and national sovereignty virtually irreversible. in this regard, Haiti - which, if it has not sometimes been the object of the disdain of certain ignorant people has certainly more often been the victim of MT/SY A/43/PV. 75 73 (Mr. Saint-Phard, Haiti) the morally culpable indifference of many of those that owe us their freedom and much of their present prosperity - is happy that, even in its present impoverished state, it does not have to beg from rich skinflints. It also welcomes the fact that its debtors, large and small, throughout the world are not turning a deaf ear, and have resolved to begin to settle their accounts with this nation, which was for long a creditor nation but is today ruined and impoverished. Indeed, without the ability of peoples to achieve this indispensable awareness regarding their moral debts, what would stop the citizens of Namibia, 185 years after the independence of the State of Namibia, feeling they were free, for example, from any debt to Angola? What would stop the Angolans saying that they had no debt to Cuba? What would stop the South Africans saying they had no debt to the front-line States, at least? Thus, proud of its history, borne aloft on the wings of its indestructible faith in its glorious destiny and happiness, the Republic of Haiti has resumed its long pilgrimage through the desert of international indifference towards the promised land of the full exercise of human rights, but without ever forgetting the other side of the coin; the need strictly to observe the duties and obligations of the man and the citizen. As the representative to the United Nations of the State of Haiti and its Head of Government, Lieutenant General Prosper Avril, President of the Military Government of 17 September 1988, I have the honour and great pleasure of reaffirming to the community of nations and of men our solemn commitment to pursue for our people and for all peoples the grand crusade of promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the universal Declaration of Human Rights, MT/SY A/43/PV. 75 74-75 (Mr. Saint-Phard, Haiti) that is, the common ideal to be achieved by all peoples and all nations, in the service of the advent of a world which is more humane, more just and certainly a gentler place in which to live. These are our feelings in participating in the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on this day, 8 December 1988. EH/dsg A/43/PV.75 76 Mr. STANISLAUS (Grenada): I have the great honour and the distinct privilege of speaking on behalf of the Commonwealth Caribbean States here at the United Nations on this historic occasion. Our Cover resents and peoples join in the many expressions of concern and sympathy to the Government and people of the soviet union on the tragic natural disaster which struck Soviet Armenia recently. In many faiths and cultures, Judeo-Christian as well as Islamic, the number 40 is a symbol of uniqueness, with great historical and emotional connotations. It is therefore fit, right and proper that the commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of that historic international instrument, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, be celebrated with solemnity, sincerity and good intent, for it is a landmark declaration of the highest humanitarian order to which the Latin phrase res ipso loquitur - the thing speaks for itself - can be appropriately applied. Let me take a moment to place in historical perspective and good sequence the evolution of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the antecedents of relevance. The Dumbarton Oaks proposals, which formed the basi3 of the work of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, opened in San Francisco on 25 April 1945. It is important to note that the representatives of Cuba, Mexico and Panama proposed that the Conference should adopt a declaration on the essential rights of man. Owing to time constraints the matter was deferred. When the General Assembly first convened in London in 1946 the proposal was advanced again, but was referred to the Commission on Human Rights of the Economic and Social Council, which placed a draft declaration on the agenda of the third session of the EH/dsg A/43/PV.75 77 (Mr. Stanislaus, Grenada) General Assembly, held in Paris. On 10 December 1984 the Universal Declaration of Human Right Was adopted and proclaimed as common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. Flowing from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the International Bill of Human Rights, consisting of two Covenants and an Optional Protocol. The International Bill of human Rights declares that the enjoyment of civic and political freedom and the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights are interconnected and interdependent and that when deprived of economic, social and cultural rights man does not represent the human person that Universal Declaration envisages. Al thought violations of human rights still exist, and will continue to exist, because of man’s inhumanity to man, nevertheless there have been major achievements in the field of human rights. The Universal Declaration remains the international code of conduct by which performance and compliance can be measured. Measures such as the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which has been a catalyst in the decolonization Process, the measures taken with respect to Trust and Non-Self-Governing Territories, which have had far-reaching effects and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against women are noble contributions. Measures taken to eliminate apartheid in sports, on the prohibition of slavery and torture and on the right to education, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights are only a few of the many noble and laudable efforts on behalf of human rights. Al though the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains an outstanding and historic humanitarian achievement it is really not new. It is simply the reaffirmation of something old, namely, the golden rule: do unto others as EH/dsg A/43/PV.75 78-80 (Mr. Stanislaus, Grenada) would have them do unto you. The preamble to the Declaration of Human Rights and the 30 articles it contains are basic, elementary and primordial God-given rights which, if faithfully observed by men and women in their private and personal lives, can become a code of civilized conduct which will be reflected in family, community, State, nation and the world. The statement made yesterday in the General Assembly by President Gorbachev with respect to the consideration and application of human rights in his country is an indication that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is bearing fruit world-wide. Finally, to my mind the embodiment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be summed up in the following verse: "I sought my soul, My soul I could not see. I sought my God, My God eluded me. I sought my brother, And I found all three. " JSM/Crt A/43/PV.75 81 Mr. DELPECH (Argentina) (interpretation from Spanish): On behalf of the people and Governs of Argentina, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of the Union of Soviet Socialists Republics on the loss of human life and material damage caused by the earthquake which struck with such intense force the region of Armenia, My delegation wishes to take part in the commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. That Declaration was a most important step in the consolidation of universal recognition of human rights and fundamental freedoms as generally recognized norms. However, first and foremost, the Declaration represents a development of the conscience of mankind, since the ultimate objective of the whole process is the protection of individuals and peoples from abuses of authority. The universal acceptance of these rights as obligatory norms has helped overcome differences between various legal, cultural and political systems. The Declaration led to the drafting and adoption of a whole body of international instruments in this area which today serve as a broad legal framework for action by the community of nations and represent one of the major achievements of international law in this century. This legal corpus has acquired particular importance because of the special nature of the norms involved which affect and enhance the lives of all human beings. For these reasons, the elaboration of international instruments on human rights constitutes one of the most important contributions of the United Nations to mankind, in addition, we wish to point out that the latin American countries are entitled to regard themselves as pioneers in the promotion of the very concepts that today are known as human rights and fundamental freedoms. These rights indeed found their way into the constitutions of our countries well before they became enshrined in international law. The Constitution of 1853 of my country, for JSM/crt A/43/PV.75 82 (Mr. Delpech, Argentina) example, basically contains all the rights which appear in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948. We believe that today we have a valuable framework within which equal importance is attributed to civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. We are convinced that soma rights are not more important than others. Failure to respect one of these rights must never be used as a pretext to deny any other right, for human rights can be fully enjoyed only when all of them are respected as a harmonious whole. Moveover, we are convinced that in the full enjoyment of these rights and fundamental freedoms may be found the possibility of building a world of peace and prosperity for one and all. Mr. RODRIGUEZ (Peru) (interpretation from Spanish): First of all, 1 wish to express to the people and Government of the Soviet Union the fraternal solidarity of the people and Government of Peru in the face of the loss of life and material damage caused by the earthquake which struck their country yesterday. Commemorations take place in society as the response of the human consciousness to events of exceptional significance. Forty years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the international community is most certainly celebrating an event of enormous historic significance. But social customs and practices often turn commemorations into formal affairs and ceremonies far removed from their intrinsic nature, leading to rhetoric and banal pronouncements regarding the event. But that is not true in this case, for human rights touch on the very essence of human beings as individuals and societies. For this reason, the people and Government of Peru on the occasion of this commemoration are renewing a commitment which encompasses all men without distinction and we pledge to continue to take part in this age-old struggle to humanize man and society, to make humanistic thought and practice a concrete reality. AM/AP A/43/PV.75 83 (Mr. Rodriguez, Peru) We hope that the principles of solidarity and justice, which are at the very heart of humanist thinking, will be not merely theoretical structures but a daily reality in the transformation of those social, economic and political structures which at the national and global level remain huge obstacles to the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is the legacy of the highest philosophical, political and social thought in Europe and in the developing world -that thought which from its beginnings regarded man as an end in himself - today constitutes the culmination of a long process marked by painful experiences of massive violations of human rights, extending from the chains of slavery to the acts of aggression against freedom of religious belief, which in the New World, for example, took the form of the so-called extermination of idolatry, down to the horrible prisons of racism and apartheid. We have come a long way in the struggle to give mankind its full dignity. International legal principles have been laid down to preserve human rights in an integral manner, encompassing individual rights and freedoms and political, social and economic rights. We are moving resolutely forward to reaffirm and consolidate the rights of peoples. We have even created international supervisory bodies which are a kind of international guarantee on the basis of the sovereign acceptance of States. It is undeniable that human rights, in our nuclear age, in our age of scientific and technological revolutions, are more fully respected than they were 100 or 200 years ago. There has been historic progress, and as we approach the twenty-first century there is a much better prospect for human beings to lead a truly dignified life than in the past. But much remains to be done. JSM/crt A/43/PV.75 84-85 (Mr. Rodriduez, Peru) There are millions of human beings today who cannot commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights because at this very moment they are imprisoned arbitrarily, victims of torture, religious intolerance, their political and civilian rights flouted, or because they have simply disappeared or perished in the course of summary executions. ' AE/PLJ A/43/PV.75 86 (Mr. Rodriguez, Peru) Today there are many whose human dignity and rights have been violated. They are individuals and peoples, and they are the silent recipients of the expression of our solidarity and hope - our hope in an immediate future which will return to them their full rights as human beings. Our appreciation and tribute go also to the thousands of non-governmental organizations which, day in and day out carry on the struggle for human rights. And that is indeed the best way of celebrating this event. In this context, as we note the dramatic realities of the economic and social situation of the vast majority of the developing countries, it is imperative that we draw attention to the fact that in the developing world there are more than 1,300,000,000 human beings living in poverty, and 500 million human beings suffering from chronic malnutrition. That is not compatible with human dignity or with minimal respect for human rights. Poverty and hunger are winning the battle, or so it would seem, statistics show us that there has been a dramatic regression in living standards, and a fundamental cause of this phenomenon, which violates the most elementary human rights of most of the world, is the economic policies conceived within the context of so-called structural adjustment, it is an ethical imperative, then, and a requirement of social peace, that we link policies of structural adjustment with respect for the human, social and political rights of peoples and with the need to maintain basic living standards. If this is not done we shall only blindly create explosive social situations, and in that context individual rights and fundamental freedoms will be violated ever more systematically. For all these reasons the growing disparity between the industrially advanced countries and those that are developing is today more than ever before an obstacle to the full enjoyment of human rights in the international community. AS/PDO A/43/PV.75 87 (Mr. Rodriguez, Peru) As a response to this intolerable situation, perhaps one of the best ways of celebrating this event would be to reaffirm a covenant of international solidarity, one that would return to the economies of the world their human dimension. The international economy must not be allowed to become a vehicle for the violation of human rights in the developing world. Let us give back to economics the content it should possess as a science for human dignity. As H. G Wells said, if the world is not ethical by present standards, then we must persevere and re-examine these standards and build a new type of ethics. Mr. AGUILAR (Venezuela) (interpretation from Spanish): Before beginning ay brief statement may I say that the delegation of Venezuela wishes so join in the expressions of sympathy and condolence following the violent earthquake in Armenia, which has taken such a toll in human lives and has left so many people injured and so much material destruction. We request the delegation of the Soviet Union to convey to its Government and people, and in particular to the families of the victims, our heartfelt friendship and solidarity at this trying time. On 24 November 1948, a few days prior to the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the process of developing democratic institutions in Venezuela, which had started a few years previously, was temporarily interrupted. The delegation of Venezuela, however, contributed, through its vote, to the adoption of this Declaration at the historic meeting of the General Assembly held in Paris on 10 December 1948. Fortunately, thanks to the unity of the Venezuelan people, on 23 January 1958 - more than 30 years ago - we resumed the process of affirming are strengthening our democratic system of government, it is a pleasure for us tea recall that only a few days ago - on Sunday 4 December - for the seventh consecutive time, we Venezuelans freely chose a President of the Republic, as well as representatives and senators, for the ensuing constitutional term. A/43/PV.75 88 (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) This brief reference to the recent political history of my country is intended solely to reiterate our conviction that the democratic system of government is the most appropriate for the effective and general enjoyment of the fundamental rights and freedoms of human beings. A system of government that is responsive to the will of the people “expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures" - to use the words of article 21 of the Universal Declaration - by definition offers better guarantees of respect for and protection of human rights than does any other type of government. The principles of freedom, equality with respect to dignity and rights for human beings, and consequently the absence of discrimination based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other views, national or social origin, economic position, birth or any other condition, as proclaimed in the Declaration, are the fundamental bases of any Government that prides itself on being truly democratic. While political democracy is generally associated with the enjoyment of what are called civil and political rights, there is no doubt that a Government elected by the free will of its people, freely expressed, will always bear in mind that the stalled economic, social and cultural rights are equally important. I am referring here to the right to work, social security, an adequate standard of living, health care, education and the opportunity to participate freely in the cultural life of the community. These rights are also embodied in the Declaration. we know full well that even in States that have democratic Governments, even in States that have achieved a high level of economic development, the full and universal enjoyment by each and every person of the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights provided for in the Declaration has not been achieved. AE/PLJ A/43/PV.75 89-90 (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) There is at present no country in which more or less serious and frequent violations of one or another of these rights do not take place, but in the light of experience there is no denying that the situation with respect to human rights is better in states that have democratic system of government. Freedom of opinion and expression, for example, which is inherent in a genuinely democratic system of government, is one of the most effective means of promoting human rights, preventing violations of these rights, and punishing those responsible for violations if they occur. BCT/jf A/43/PV.75 91 (Mr. Aguilar, Venezuela) To conclude this brief statement we shall merely say that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights deserves the greatest admiration not only for its contents and its sober and elegant language, but also because it is the point of departure and the basis for an impressive set of international instruments that promote and protect human rights; among those instruments I would mention in particular the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the latter Covenant. Those instruments, together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, make up the so-called international charter of human rights, we are pleased to state that Venezuela, in keeping with its strong support for the Declaration, is a party to those Covenants and the Optional Protocol and to practically all the international and regional human rights instruments. Very little remains to be done to complete this magnificent edifice of rules. We must, however, persevere with the task of ensuring that all States become parties to these instruments, while at the same time refining and consolidating the means to ensure their effective implementation. Mr. TREIKI (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) (interpretation from Arabic): On behalf of my delegation, I should like to extend our sincere condolences to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the earthquake in the Armenian Republic and some adjoining Soviet territory. I offer the sympathy of the Libyan people to the friendly Soviet people as they deal with the aftermath of this catastrophe. For more than 1,400 years the notion of equity in human rights has held a high place in Islam. Islam is a faith that upholds the dignity of the individual. Throughout history man has striven for equality, justice and freedom. One of Islam's Caliphs, Omar - may God's blessing be upon him - once said: "How, then, can you enslave people when they were born free?". That saying is BCT/jf A/43/PV.75 92 (Mr. Treiki, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) telling evidence of Islam's belief in human right and its insistence that those rights must be upheld and defended.* Many centuries later, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed. We are now commemorating its fortieth anniversary. Article 1 of the Declaration reads: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood". That Declaration was proclaimed with the purpose of reminding us all that Purpose of reminding us all that the human being's dignity and sacred fundamental right must never be violated. It was proclaimed at a time when mankind was in dire need of a world of peace, fraternity, justice and equality. Today, however, while the international community commemorates this solemn occasion. a good many of us are deprived of the most basic right and freedoms because of continued occupation, aggression, discrimination and backwardness. For example, let us think of the of the plight of the Palestinian people. They have been uprooted, displaced and expelled from their homeland. Those Palestinians who have remained under occupation suffer daily most atrocious forms of oppression, torture and divination - for the sole reason that they are Arab and ate trying to regain their usurped rights. Moreover, some of them have a different religion. Let us think also of the plight of the minions of black people in south Africa and Namibia, who are subjected to the moat atrocious forma of racial discrimination for the sole reason that they are black and are defending their dignity and basic human rights. There are many other rights. There are many other peoples that are still * Mr. Rana (Nepal), Vice-President, took the Chair. BCT/jf A/43/PV.75 93 (Mr. Treiki, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) systematically denied their rights merely because they are defending their identity, dignity and sovereignty. Many other peoples are systematically denied their rights and continue to be victims of aggression, interference in their affairs and hegemonistic designs; they are reduced to the status of dependants. The important question that must be asked in this respect is: where does humanity stand with regard to the noble objectives and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Charter and various other international instruments that deal with human rights? We must also asks what has been achieved during the past 40 years? What remains to be done in the future? That is the contest on which the international community must focus in the future. This commemoration must not be a mere ritual, it must be a genuine point of departure for serious, sincere international co-operation for the effective implementation of the provisions of the universal Declaration of Human Rights and all other international instruments relevant to human rights. If that is to happen, we must start by eliminating all the hurdles that obstruct such implementation. Above all, we must eliminate all forms of colonialism, acts of aggression, terrorism, racism and racial discrimination. Human rights, as defined in the relevant international instruments, are an integral, indivisible whole. They are interrelatedly fused together, to the point of being inseparable. He must make that our point of departure. It is neither logical nor just to speak of the rights of man and the freedoms of the individual without keeping the human rights of whole peoples in view. It is our profound belief that individual rights are sacred and must not be violated. Indeed, it is our duty to respect, maintain and protect those rights of the individual. That must not, however, be done at the expense of the rights of BCT/jf A/43/PV.75 94-95 (Mr. Treiki, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) whole groups of human beings or peoples - such as the right to self-determination, the right to development, the right to work, the right to shelter, and so forth. Thus, this commemoration must be the first step toward the achievement of international solidarity in that direction. It is not logical to speak of human rights when millions of young people in Africa are allowed to go hungry or without medicine. It is not logical to speak of human rights when whole peoples are subjected to the most atrocious forms of economic exploitation at the hands of foreign monopolies. This year, when we are commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Universal federation of Human Rights, there have been many positive developments in the field of human rights in our country - despite constant political, economic and military pressures brought to bear upon us. FMB/21 A/43/PV.75 96 (Mr. Treiki, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) In March of last year all political prisoners were set free and their basic rights and freedoms restored. There followed many practical measures to guarantee for all Libyan citizens enjoyment of their rights to free movement, to residency and employment. All administrative travel restrictions were lifted. These procedures culminated in the adoption of a human rights document in the Jamahiriya, codifying and organizing the implementation of all human rights and basic freedoms in Libya. He are intent on acting to protect what we have achieved in this sphere, we are now considering many issues relative to human rights on the international and local levels. An in-depth and objective study is being undertaken of all relevant international instruments to which we have not yet adhered, with a view to our doing so in future. On this important occasion we wish once again to express the sincere hope that what we have already achieved in the consolidation of international efforts in the field of human rights will be fruitful. Mr. PAOLILLO (Uruguay) (interpretation from Spanish): 1 wish to convey to the delegation of the Soviet Union the feelings of solidarity of the Government and people of Uruguay on the tragedy that has just befallen the Republic of Armenia. The progress achieved in the field of human rights in the last 40 years is extraordinary. Fundamental human rights have been identified, defined and declared sacred and inviolable, and mechanisms for their protection and monitoring have been created and set in motion. Many international instruments to ensure observance of and respect for human rights now govern the conduct of a large number of States, and I am proud to state that Uruguay has been among the first to ratify most of those instruments and their protocols. But perhaps what is more important still and distinguishes this period of history from previous ones is the universal, and now irreversible, acceptance that FMB/21 A/43/PV.75 97 (Mr. Paolillo, Uruguay) the protection of human rights and all related issues are no longer a domestic matter but rather international and of interest to all because the values at stake are fundamental to humanity. No one can today seriously invoke sovereignty or national interest to escape the watchful eye of the international community, Which focuses on those who violate freedoms, on those who kill, torture, imprison, discriminate against, persecute or exclude individuals on the basis of race, sex or beliefs. The life, physical being and freedom of the individual have become the concern of all. Never before has the moral imperative been so prevalent, It underlies the words of an author quoted yesterday in the Assembly: "... any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind." The point of departure and the inspiration for this new humanitarian ethic was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the moving force behind its implementation has been the United Nations. we This is a giant step in the history of man's progress, a step whose magnitude sometimes forget precisely because defence of human rights has become part of our daily routine. But we have an enormous task ahead of us. At this very time, as we celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration, millions of people in all regions of the world are suffering and dying, victims of violations of their essential rights. There remain Governments, social groups and individuals that have escaped the influence of the new humanitarian ethic and its freedoms. Difficult battles will have to be waged to end the actions of such Governments and groups and to remove the seeds of prejudice and intolerance from the hearts of those involved. New generations must act out of the conviction that human rights are sacred and inviolable. We must therefore give priority to education on human rights, their nature and their implementation. The consequences of human rights for social FMB/21 A/43/PV.75 98-100 (Mr. Paolillo. Uruguay) existence should be included in the curriculums of primary schools throughout the world so that every inhabitant of the planet may grow with the conviction that respect for and the protection of human rights are as essential to life as light, water and the air we breathe. In the task of establishing the universality of human rights, the United Nations must continue to play a fundamental role, but this is not a task for international organizations alone. We must share in the responsibility of assisting the millions suffering today because their freedoms are being ignored and their rights violated. And we must assist them not only as Members of the United Nations through the drafting and adoption of resolutions, but also as members of Governments whose political actions must at all times be aimed at strict respect for the human person, and as individuals motivated by respect for others and the need to ensure for them recognition of the rights we claim for ourselves. The PRESIDENT: In accordance with General Assembly resolution 477 (V) of 1 November 1950, I now call on the Observer of the League of Arab States. Mr. MARSOURI (League of Arab States) (interpretation from Arabic): On behalf of my delegation I should like at the outset to express to the Soviet delegation our deepest sympathy and our condolences on the tragic events in Armenia. It is my pleasure to take part in this celebration on behalf of the delegation of the League of Arab States. Forty years have passed since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an important and historic document adopted unanimously after lengthy discussion. Member States have committed themselves to respecting the principles and noble objectives of the Declaration because of their conviction that those principles and objectives are the minimum standards by which we must abide to guarantee for all citizens of the world a worthy, free life that consecrates their political, cultural, social and economic rights. JP/crt A/43/PV.75 101 (Mr. Mansouri, League of Arab States) The noble principles advocated by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights apply to mankind as a whole, at all times and in all parts of the world, without any discrimination on grounds of religion, creed or race, and they also encompass freedom of thought and expression as well as justice, legality and the right of peoples to self-determination. Unfortunately, although 40 years have passed since the adoption of the Universal Declaration, the present international situation demonstrates that racist regimes throughout the world continue to turn their backs on it and flout their international commitments. What is happening in South Africa, Namibia and occupied Palestine shows that the occupying forces there totally ignore - indeed, openly challenge - human rights. That is happening in the occupied territories, where there is rejection of the most fundamental principles of democracy, freedom and equality, just as apartheid rejects the right of peoples to self-determination, a right to be found in the United Nations Charter. We can say that the Universal Declaration, whose fortieth anniversary we are celebrating, is the essence of the values and principles hammered out by human civilization, which in their diversity consecrate all human rights in one way or another. In that context, we believe that any violation or contravention of the Declaration by the regimes of South Africa and Israel present a challenge to mankind as a whole, on which we cannot be silent. The continued military occupation of Namibian and Palestinian territory is an obstacle to the right of peoples to self-determination and a denial of human rights - primarily, the right to freedom, the sine qua non condition for human dignity, since without freedom man is not truly man. it is in freedom that the secret of his creative genius lies. That it why it is now more than ever necessary for the international community to act with a sense of responsibility to force those two regimes to put an end to JP/crt A/43/PV.75 102 (Mr. Mansouri, League of Arab States) the occupation of Namibia and Palestine, as well as to their expansionist and racist policies, particularly since the numerous expressions of condemnation by international forums are no longer sufficient. We therefore wish to take this opportunity to make a new appeal to the international community to do everything in its power to force Israel and South Africa to respect the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights immediately in order to preserve peace and security, and to reaffirm their commitment to the United Nations Charter, which aims to save mankind from the scourge of war, persecution, arbitrariness and oppression. There can be no doubt that significant progress has been made in human rights since the adoption of the Declaration in 1948. The General Assembly has several times taken note of that considerable progress, But the Organization went even further when it stated the rights that had to be recognized as human rights, by adopting the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The General Assembly has also adopted other international conventions, all of which aim at reaffirming the dignity of the human person and preserving his freedom and his right to happiness. We all hope that those rights will be implemented in the most rigorous way possible, for the greatest good of mankind. The PRESIDENT: in accordance with resolution 3237 (XXIX) of 22 November 1974, I now call on the Observer of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Mr. TERZI (Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)): when natural calamities take their toll, all that we human beings can do is to express our condolences to the survivors of the victims. So, through you, sir, I wish to give JP/crt A/43/PV.75 103 (Mr. Terzi, PLO) the following message to our colleagues of the Soviet union delegation. I ask them Please to accept our sympathy and condolences. We know that nobody can stop natural calamities, but on this fortieth anniversary of the universal Declaration of Human Rights we can say "Yes, we human beings can put an end to inhuman calamities that are carried out through the brutalities of some regimes against human beings." For 40 years, every morning and evening we have spoken about human rights and the universal Declaration of Human Rights, when peoples like the Palestinian people and the peoples of south Africa and Namibia are every day subjected to violations of those human rights. Every day we look at the International Bill of Human Rights, and what do we see there? It says: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person." (resolution 217A (III) , article 3) in Palestine and Palestinian territory under Israeli occupation we wonder whether the Israeli authorities have ever heard of that article, which says that everyone has the right to life, when children aged 5, 6, 8 or 10 and aged people of 60 and even 80 are deprived of their lives by rubber bullets or otherwise. Palestinians are deprived of their liberty, and there is no sense of security whatsoever, to the extent that in his report in January the Secretary-General expressed alarm about the deprivation and denial of those human rights to the Palestinian people. We read: "No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." (ibid; article 5) But how much more inhuman could it be than when thousands of Palestinians are thrown into the desert, deprived even of drinking water? JP/crt A/43/PV.75 104-105 (Mr. Terzi. PLO) We also reads "Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country." (ibid, article 13, para. 2) Only the other day the Assembly almost unanimously called for the exercise by the Palestinian people of their right to return to their homes and to their property. Further, we read: "Everyone has the right to a nationality." (ibid, article 15, para, 1) Yet the Palestinian people have been deprived of formal recognition of their nationality. 106 (Mr. Terzi, PLO) We overcame that when.- on 15 November 1988, the Palestine National Council declared the establishment of the State of Palestine in the land of Palestine. Oar National Council made it very clear in that Decimation, when it said: "The State of Palestine declares its commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations, to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." (A/43/827, p. 15) There, as a first step, in the Declaration of our independent State we declare our commitment to respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What else do we declare in the Declaration of Independence? We declares "The State of Palestine shall be for Palestinians, wherever they may be, therein to develop their national and cultural identity and therein to enjoy full equality of rights." I repeat: "full equality of rights". The Declaration continues: “Their religious and political beliefs and human dignity shall therein be safeguarded under a democratic parliamentary system based on freedom of opinion and the freedom to form parties, based on the heeding of the majority for minority rights and the respect of minorities for majority decisions, on social justice and equality and on non-discrimination in civil rights on grounds of race, religion or colour or as between men and women, under a Constitution ensuring the rule of law and an independent judiciary and on the basis of true fidelity of the age-old spiritual and cultural heritage of Palestine with respect to mutual tolerance, coexistence and magnanimity among religions.” (ibid.) Those are the principles that we Palestinian people have set ourselves to achieve, and we shall in good time be asking the General Assembly to support us in the pursuit of the happiness and welfare of all human beings. 107 (Mr. Terzi, PLO) What is embarrassing is that we stand here observing the fortieth anniversary of the universal Declaration of Human Rights when some members sit here, and one in particular that has no regard or respect or perhaps even knowledge, in total disregard of those rights, killing our children in the streets of Jerusalem, Nablus and Hebron. Can we hope that the Assembly can look with brighter prospects towards the year to cone when human rights will be respected, not merely talked about, when the General Assembly will make sure that it can ensure respect for those human rights? The PRESIDENT We have thus heard the last speaker at this commemorative session. I now invite members to turn their attention to draft resolution A/43/L.47. I should like to announce that the Sudan has become a sponsor of the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution without a vote? Draft resolution A/43/L;47 was adopted (resolution 43/90). The PRESIDENT: The commemorative meeting of the General Assembly devoted to observance of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, under agenda item 38, is now concluded. AGENDA ITEMS 87 TO 107, 144 and 12 (continued) IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME OF ACTION FOR THE SECOND DECADE TO COMBAT RACISM AND RACIAL DISCRIMANATION: COMBAT RACISM (a) REPORT OP THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/775) (b) REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/43/845) ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS OF POLITICAL, MILITARY, OF ECONOMIC AND OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO THE RACIST AND COLONIALIST REGIME OF SOUTH AFRICA: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/776) REGIME QUESTION OF AGING: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/808) POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES INVOLVING YOUTH: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/809) A/43/PV. 75 108 ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION: RETORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE IMPLEMENTATIOM OF WORLD PROGRAMME OP ACTION CONCERNING DISABLED PERSONS AND THE UNITED NATIONS DECADE OP DISABLED PERSONS: REPORT OP THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/30/810) CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE: (a) REPORT OP THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/811) (b) REPORT OP THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/43/824) ELEMINATION OF THE FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN: REPORT OP THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/813) FORWARD-LOOKING STRATEGIES FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN TO THE YEAR 2000: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/813) IMPORTANCE OP THE UNIVERSAL REALIZATION OP THE RIGHT OP PEOPLES TO SELF-DETERMINATION AND OF THE SPEEDY GRANTING OP INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES FOR THE EFFECTIVE GUARANTEE AND OBSERVANCE OP HUMAN RIGHTS: REPORT OP THE THIRD COMMITTEE (Parts I and II) (A/43/778 and Add.1) ELEMINATION OF THE FORMS OF RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE : REPORT OP THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/869) HUMAN RIGHTS AND SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITEE (A/43/870) QUESTION OF A CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD: REPORT OP THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/871) INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/872) REPORTING OBLIGATION OF STATES PARTIES TO UNITED NATIONS INSTRUMENTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS: (a) REFORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/873) (b) REPORT OP THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/43/937) OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISIONER FOR REFUGEES: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST TRAFFIC IN GRUGS: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/875) ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES AND WAYS AND MEANS WITHIN THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING THE EFECTIVE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/876) NEW INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ORDER: REFORT OP THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/877) A/43/PV.75 109 TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/878) FAMILIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS: REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/814) RESPONSIBILITY OF STATES TO BAN IN THEIR TERRITORY, AND TO REFRAIN FROM INSTIGATING OR SUPPORTING IN THE TERRITORY OF OTHER STATES, CHAUVINISTIC, RACIST AND OTHER MANIFESTATIONS THAT MAY CAUSE DISCORD BETWEEN PEOPLES AND INVOLVEMENT OF GOVERNMENT AND THE MASS MEDIA IN COBATING SUCH MANIFESTATIONS AND IN EDUCATING PEOPLE AND YOUTH IN THE SPIRIT OF PEACEFUL CO-OPERATION AND INTERNATIONAL ENTENTE; AND EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMATATION OF THE DECLARATION OF THE PROMOTION AMONG YOUTH OF THE IDEALS OF PEACE, MUTUAL RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PEOPLES: REPORT OF THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/815) REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (a) REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/43/868) (b) REPORT OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE (A/.43/936) The PRESIDENT: I call upon the Rapporteur of the Third Committee to introduce the Committee's reports in one statement. Mr. CASAJUANA (Spain), Rapporteur of the Third Committee (interpretation from Spanish): It is my honors to introduce the reports of the Third Committee on the various agenda items entrusted to it by the General Assembly for its consideration. With regard to agenda item 87, “Implementation of the Program of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination", the Third Committee's report is contained in document A/43/775, in that document it recommends the adoption of the draft resolution contained in paragraph 10. With regard to agenda item 88, “Adverse consequences for the enjoyment of human rights of political, military, economic and other forms of assistance given to the racist and colonialist regime of South Africa", the Committee in its report (A/43/m) recommends the adoption by the General Assembly of a draft resolution contained in paragraph 15. On agenda item 89, "Question of aging", the Third Committee's report RM/23 A/43/PV.75 110 (Mr. Casajuana, Rapporteur. Third Committee) (A/43/808) contains a draft resolution, in paragraph 10, that the Committee recommends to the General Assembly for adoption. The Committee's report (A/43/809) on agenda item 90, "Policies and programmes involving youth", contains a draft resolution in paragraph 9 that it recommends to the Assembly for adoption. On agenda item 91, "Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination", the Third Committee, in paragraph 16 of its report (A/43/777) recommends the adoption of three draft resolutions. Concerning Agenda item 92, "Implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons and the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/810) the adoption of a draft resolution contained in paragraph 7. Under agenda item 93, "Crime prevention and criminal justice", the Third Committee's report (A/43/811) recommends, in paragraph 9, the adoption of a draft resolution in that connection. The Third Committee's report on agenda item 94, "Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women", is contained in A/43/812. Paragraph 9 of that report recommends a draft resolution to the General Assembly for its adoption. With regard to agenda item 95, "Forward-looking strategies for the advancement of women to the year 2000", the Committee's report (A/43/813), in paragraphs 25 and 26, recommends the adoption of four draft resolutions and one draft decision. With regard to agenda item 96, "Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights", the Committee in its reports (A/43/778 and A/43/778/Add.1) recommends the adoption of three draft resolutions contained in paragraphs 14 and 8, respectively. JB/24 A/43/PV.75 111 (Mr. Casajuana, Rapporteur, Third Committee) Concerning agenda item 97, entitled "Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/869) the adoption of a draft resolution contained in paragraph 7 of that report. Concerning agenda item 98, entitled "Human rights and scientific and technological developments", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/870) the adoption of three draft resolutions contained in paragraph 17 of the report. Concerning agenda item 99, entitled "Question of a convention on the rights of the child" the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/871) the adoption of a draft resolution contained in paragraph 8 of that report. Concerning agenda item 100, entitled "International Covenants on Human Rights", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/872) the adoption of two draft resolutions contained in paragraph 18 of the report. Concerning agenda item 101, entitled "Reporting obligations of States parties to United Nations instruments on human rights", the Third Committee in its report (A/43/873) recommends the adoption of a draft resolution contained in paragraph 13 of that report. With regard to agenda item 102, entitled "Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/874) the adoption of four draft resolutions contained in paragraph 17 of that report. Concerning agenda item 103, entitled "International campaign against traffic in drugs", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/875) the adoption of three draft resolutions contained in paragraph 13 of that report. Concerning agenda item 104, entitled "Alternative approaches and ways and means within the United Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms", the Third Committee recommends in its JB/24 A/43/PV.75 112 (Mr. Casajuana, Rapporteur, Third Committee) report (A/43/876) the adoption of six draft resolutions contained in paragraph 25 of that report. Concerning agenda item 105, entitled "New international humanitarian order", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/877) the adoption of three draft resolutions contained in paragraph 19 of that report. Concerning agenda item 106, entitled "Torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/878) the adoption of three draft resolutions contained in paragraph 12 of that report. Concerning agenda item 107, entitled "Families in the development process", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/814) the adoption of a draft resolution contained in paragraph 12 of that report. Concerning agenda item 144, entitled "Responsibility of States to ban in their territory, and to refrain from instigating or supporting in the territory of other States, chauvinistic, racist and other manifestations that may cause discord between peoples and involvement of Governments and the mass media in combating such manifestations and in educating peoples and youth in the spirit of peaceful co-operation and international entente} and evaluation of the implementation of the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples", the Third Committee recommends in its report (A/43/815) the adoption of a draft resolution contained in paragraph 10 of that report. Finally, with regard to agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council", in paragraph 107 of the report (A//43/868) there are 23 draft resolution recommended for adoption. Paragraph 108 of the report also contains three draft decisions recommended for adoption. JB/24 A/43/PV.75 113 (Mr. Casajuana, Rapporteur, Third Committee) There is an error in paragraph 4 of the English text of draft resolution XXII in that report. The error should be corrected because Spanish is the original language for that draft resolution. In conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the members of the Third Committee for their contributions to the work of the Committee. I should also like to pay tribute to the Chairman and the two Vice-Chairman for their efforts in successfully carrying out the work of the Committee. 1 also wish to express my deep gratitude to the Secretariat staff for their dedication and co-operation. The PRESIDENT: If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Third Committee that are before the assembly today. It was so decided. The PRESIDENT: statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the various recommendations of the Third Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. I remind members that under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that when the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, that is, either in the Committee or in plenary meeting unless that delegation's vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee. JB/24 A/43/PV.75 114-115 (The President) May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to ten minutes and should be made by delegations from their seat. The Assembly will consider the report of the Third committee on agenda item 87, entitled "Implementation of the Programme, of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination", which appears in document A/43/775. I now call on those delegations wishing to make statements in explanation of vote before the vote. Miss BYRNE (United states of America): The United States will not participate in the General Assembly's action on the draft resolution entitled "Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination". MLG/MGR A/43/PV.75 116 Mr. BEN-DOV (Israel): My delegation wishes to draw attention to the fact that we shall not participate in the vote on this draft resolution on the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, for the reasons explained in the Committee. The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution relating to the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report (A/43/775). The report of the Fifth Committee on the program budget implications of this draft resolution is contained in document A/43/845. The draft resolution was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 43/91). The PRESIDENT: This concludes our consideration of agenda item 87. The Assembly will now turn to the report of the Third Committee (A/43/776) on agenda item 88, entitled "Adverse consequences for the enjoyment of human rights of Political, military, economic and other forms of assistance given to the racist and colonialist regime of South Africa". I call on the representative of Botswana who wishes to speak in explanation of vote. Mrs. MOLOJWANE (Botswana): The Botswana delegation will vote in favour of draft resolution A/C.3/43/L.11/Rev.1, in the report of the Third Committee in document A/43/776, and draft resolution II in the report of the Third Committee in document A/43/778 and Add.1. MLG/MGR A/43/PV.75 117 (Mrs. Molojwane, Botswana) However, we wish to declare our inability to implement paragraphs in those draft resolutions which call for economic sanctions against South Africa, for obvious reasons. My country will not, however, stand in the way of those that can and wish to impose economic sanctions against south Africa. The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 15 of its report (A/43/776). Separate, recorded votes have been requested on the eleventh preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 3 of the draft resolution. is there is no objection to that request, I shall put the eleventh preambular paragraph to the vote first. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Brunei, Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cape Verde, China, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, B:Jypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, (Greece, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, united States of Ai1l0rica A/43/PV. 75 118 Abstaining Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Japan, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Nepal, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Singapore, Swaziland, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zaire The eleventh preambular paragraph was retained by 82 votes 32, with 37 abstentions. * The PRESIDENT: I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 3 of the draft resolution. A recorded vote was taken In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cape Verde, China, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America intended to abstain. *Subsequently the delegation of Fiji advised the Secretariat that it had AE/SY A/43/PV.75 119 Abstaining: Argentina,, Bahamas, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Japan, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Nepal, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Swaziland, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela Operative paragraph 3 was retained by 84 votes to 32; with 36 abstentions.* The PRESIDENT: I now put to the vote the draft resolution as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote-was-taken In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Belgium, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malawi, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Zaire The draft resolution was adopted by 129 votes to 10, with 17 abstentions (resolution 43/92). " * Subsequently the delegation of Zaire advised the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against. MLG/MGR A/43/PV.75 120-125 The PRESIDENT: I call on the representative of Lesotho who wishes to speak in explanation of vote. Mr. RRLEBITSO (Lesotho): My delegation wishes to make an explanation of vote on the draft resolution in paragraph 15 of the report of the Third Committee in document A/43/776. We take this opportunity to say that this explanation of vote will apply also to the draft resolutions in the reports of the Third Committee in documents A/43/777 and A/43/778. The Kingdom of Lesotho is not only part of the region of southern Africa, which has been for years and remains one of the regions with a high concentration of man-made tragedies, but is the only State totally surrounded by the country that remains the focal point of the international community, the Republic of South Africa. The Kingdom of Lesotho has remained steadfastly and irrevocably opposed to racial discrimination and the policies of apartheid in South Africa, as a matter of fundamental principle. The problem of apartheid is a matter of great concern to my Government and the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho. We live and breathe all the undesirable effects of apartheid through no choice of our own, but as a result of the facts of history and geography. JVM/26 A/43/PV.75 126 (Mr. Ralebitso, Lesotho) Lesotho continues to state its well-known position that it does not stand in the way of the international community's exercise of its right to apply whatever measures are deemed appropriate to bring a speedy end to the existence of apartheid and will continue to remind and appeal to the international community to consider simultaneously ways and means of ensuring that Lesotho is not turned into a sacrificial lamb to the detriment of its existence as a nation. Lesotho has neither the capacity nor the ability to be a party to moves imposing sanctions against South Africa. Further, my delegation has reservations on the eleventh preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 3 of the resolution in document A/43/776 for the simple reason that only one Member State is singled out when the full list of offenders is well known, we ask ourselves: Why one and not all, if so desired? The effective resolution of southern Africa's problem demands an honest and determined political will on the part of all players on the stage of dismantling and abolishing apartheid, and without a positive and co-operative approach by primarily the super-Powers and leading interested Western countries the problem will remain a constant item on the agenda of this Assembly. Our positive vote is a sincere demonstration of Lesotho's peaceful efforts at seeking the eradication of racism, racial discrimination and apartheid in southern Africa as we continue to support all efforts for a peaceful solution through dialogue and participation of all interested parties to the problem. The PRESIDENT: This concludes our consideration of agenda item 88. The General Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 89, entitled -Question of aging", contained in document A/43/808. The Assembly will now proceed to take a decision on the draft resolution in paragraph 10 of the report of the Third Committee. It is entitled "Implementation AE/SY A/43/PV.75 127 (The President) of the International Plan of Action on Aging and related activities". The Committee adopted it without a vote, Hay I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 43/93). The PRESIDENT: This concludes our consideration of agenda item 89. We turn next to the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 90, entitled -Policies and programmes involving youth", contained in document A/43/809. The Assembly will now proceed to take a decision on the draft resolution contained in paragraph 9 of the report of the Third Committee, entitled "Question of youth". 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 43/94). The PRESIDENT: The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 90. We now turn to the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 91, entitled "Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination", contained in document A/43/777. The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 16 of its report. Draft resolution I relates to the status of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopts (resolution 43/95). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution II is entitled "Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination". 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 43/96). JVW/26 A/43/PV.75 128 The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution III relates to the status of the international Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid. A separate recorded vote has been requested on the words -State terrorism- in the fourth paragraph of the preamble, A separate, recorded vote has also been requested on the sixth paragraph of the preamble and on operative paragraphs 6, 7 and 10 of draft resolution III. If there is no objection, WE shall proceed accordingly. I shall therefore put to the vote first the words “State terrorism” in the fourth paragraph of the preamble. AE/SY A/43/PV.75 129 A recorded vote was taken. In Favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's, Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Belgium, Costa Rica, Denmark, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Samoa, Sweden, Turkey " State terrorism" in the fourth preambular paragraph in the fourth preambular paragraph. The PRESIDENTS Next I put to the vote the sixth preambular paragraph of draft resolution III. * Subsequently the delegations of Bangladesh and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines advised the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour? JVW/26 A/43/PV. 75 130 A recorded vote was taken. In Favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Finland, Iceland, Japan, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, Zaire The sixth preambular paragraph was retained by 122 votes to 15, with 15 abstention The PRESIDENT, Next I shall put to the vote operative paragraph 6 of draft resolution III. rot/26 A/43/PV. 75 131-135 A recorded vote was taken. In Favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea. Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic , Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian United Arab Emirates Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Against: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic Of, Greece , Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, united Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, Iceland, Lesotho, Malawi, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Swaziland, Sweden, Turkey Operative Paragraph 6 of draft resolution III was retained by 119 votes to 17, with 12 abstentions. AW/jf A/43/PV.75 136 The PRESIDENT. I now put to the vote operative paragraph 7 of draft resolution III. & recorded vote was taken. In favour: Against: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Paso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Onion of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Belgium, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic of, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, united States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lesotho, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey Operative paragraph 7 of draft resolution III was retained by 123 votes to a with 19 abstentions. NW//jf A/43/PV. 75 137 The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now vote on operative paragraph 10 of draft resolution III. A recorded vote was taken. In favours: Against: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Paso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, C6te d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, united States of America Abstaining: Australia, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, Iceland, Japan, Malta, New Sealand, Norway, Sweden, Turkey Operative paragraph 10 of draft resolution III was retained by 126 votes to 15 with 11 abstentions. AW/JF A/43/PV. 75 138 The President: I shall now put to the vote draft resolution III as a whole. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and B2lrbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byeloru8sian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Biss8u,GUyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Isla.tc Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, saint Kitts and Nevis, saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United R8public of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Ham, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Draft resolution III, as a whole, was adopted by 128 votes to l, with 26 abstention (resolution 43/97) AW/jf A/43/PV.75 139-145 The President: We have concluded cur consideration of agenda if. 91. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 92, entitled -Implementation of the world program of action concerning disabled persons and the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons". The report of the Third Committee is contained in document A/43/810. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 43/98). The President: That concludes our consideration of agenda item 92. The Assembly will now turn to agenda item 93, entitled -Crime prevention and criminal justice". The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution contained in paragraph 9 of the report of the Third Committee (A/43/811). The program budget implications of this draft resolution are contained in the report of the Fifth Committee (A/43/824). This draft resolution was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 43/99). AN/SY A/43/PV.75 146 The PRESIDENT: This concludes our consideration of agenda item 93. The Assembly will now turn its attention to agenda item 94, entitled "Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women". The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 9 of its report (A/43/812,. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled -Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women- without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The Draft Resolution was adopted (resolution 43/100,. The PRESIDENT: We have now concluded our consideration of agenda item 94. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 95, entitled -Forward-looking strategies for the advancement of women to the year 2000" (A/43/813,. The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions and one draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in its report on this item. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again be given an opportunity to explain their votes. Mrs. ARUNGO-OLENDE (Kenya) it has come to the attention of the sponsors of draft resolution II, entitled “united Nations Development Fund for Women" contained in document A/43/813, that there is a mistake in the last preambular paragraph of the draft resolution, which reads: "Taking note of the fund's regional priority frameworks and its increased co-operation with regional and national development banks and larger funds through which critical resources have been levied for women in development activities". AM/SY A/43/PV.75 147 (Mrs. Arungo-Olende, Kenya) The word used by the sponsors was not -levied", but "leveraged", it has been brought to our attention that this mistake might be in all translations of the document. The PRESIDENT The correction has been noted and will be reflected in the document. We shall now take decision on the four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 25 of its report (A/43/813). The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Implementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women" without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 43/101). The PRESIDENT We shall now take a decision on draft resolution II. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution, entitled "united Nations Development Fund for women", without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution IT WAS ADOPTED (resolution 43/102). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution III is entitled "Improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution in was adopted (resolution 43/103). The- PRESIDENT Draft resolution IV is entitled "Participation of women in promoting international peace and co-operation". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 43/104). AM/SY A43/PV.75 148 The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will no, consider the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 26 of its report. The draft Vision is entitled “The role of women in society". The Third Committee adopted this draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? The draft decision was adopted. The PRESIDENT: We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 95. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 96, entitled "importance of the universal realization of the tight of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights-(A/43/778 and Add.1). The Assembly will first turn to part I of the report of the committee (A/43/778). two draft resolutions are recommended by the Third Committee in Paragraph 14 of its report. The Assembly will first take a decision on draft resolution I, entitled Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution, without a vote. Hay I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 43/105). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution II is entitled -importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights". A recorded vote has been requested. AM/SY A/43/PV. 75 149-150 A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, cape Verde, Central African., Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozat1bique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, saint Lucia, saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname., Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, 'Tunisia, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Sovi9t Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, united Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Ham, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic of, Iceland, Israel, Italy, IA1xellbourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Malawi, Malta, Hew Zealand, Portugal, Samoa, Spain, Zaire Draft resolution• n• was' adopted by 124 votes to 15, with 15 abstentions (resolution 43/106). MT/dsg A/43/PV.75 151 The PRESIDENT, I call on the representative of Costa Rica, who wishes to explain her vote after the voting. Mrs. CASTRO de BARISH (Costa Rica) (interpretation from Spanish)-. My delegation did not participate in the vote on the draft resolution contained in the report of the Third Committee (A/43/776) on the "importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination", because, although we support almost all of its provisions, we do not accept the selective singling out of a State or a group of States, as found in operative paragraphs 34 and 35, which repeat the same formulas as those we previously rejected in resolutions adopted on this and other items at this and previous sessions of the General Assembly. With regard to operative paragraph 34, we wish to state that we have not participated in the so-called International Conference on the Alliance between South Africa and Israel. Hence, we cannot associate ourselves with this Paragraph. Furthermore, as I have said, we adhere to the principles and objectives of this draft resolution inspired by resolution 1514 (XV), and we reaffirm its second preambular paragraph, adding that full enjoyment of all human rights should also apply to the enjoyment of that fundamental right by persons as individuals so that the right to self-determination may be complete. The president: I NOW invite representatives to turn to part II of the report of the Third Committee contained in document A/43/778/Add.1. Before considering the draft resolution entitled -Use of mercenaries as a means to violate human rights and to impede the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination", I call on the representative of Nigeria, who has asked to speak at this time. Mrs. GARUBA (Nigeria): with reference to draft resolution III contained in document in A/43/778/Add.1, recommended by the Third Committee on the -Use of MT/dsg A/43/PV.75 152 (Mrs. Garuba. Nigeria) mercenaries as a means to violate human rights and to impede the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination", I have the honour, on behalf of all the sponsors, to propose a slight amendment to its operative paragraph 11. The last part of this paragraph after the comma, which reads "and also during the consideration of the item entitled 'Report of the A3 Hoc Committee on the Drafting of an International Convention against the Reruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries'", should be deleted and replaced by the following: "and requests the Secretary-General to make the same report available to the Ad Hoc Committee on the Drafting of an International Convention against the Recruitment, Use. Financing and Training of Mercenaries, for its information." Operative paragraph 11 would now read as follows: "Emphasizes the importance of having the Special Rapporteur present his report during the consideration of the item entitled 'Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights', and requests the Secretary-General to make the same report available to the Ad Hoc Committee on the Drafting of an International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries, for its information." Mrs.: WARZAZI (Morocco) (interpretation from French): The representative of Nigeria presented that amendment as a co-sponsor of the draft resolution, but it turns out that the part she wishes to replace was introduced by the delegation of Morocco. Hence I should like to know the reason for the change. I do not see any financial implications from the Fifth Committee with regard to the text and, therefore, I really do not understand why the representative of Nigeria is making a change to it. I should like to have an explanation. MT/dSg A/43/PV.75 153-155 The President: Does the representative of Nigeria wish to make an explanation? Mrs. GARUBA (Nigeria): The special Rapporteur will be coming to present his report to the Third Committee during the consideration of the item at the beginning of the General Assembly. All those who participated in the debates at the Third Committee will recall that we had to wait, from the beginning of the consideration of the item until later in November when the Special Rapporteur was able to come to give his report. The sponsors made a point of requesting that the item should not be presented under agenda item 12, "Report of the Economic and Social Council", but that it should be presented under agenda item 96, to which we sincerely believe it belongs, as far as the title is concerned. We consider that, if the Special Rapporteur were requested to come and give his report to the ad Hoc Committee as well as to the Third Committee during the next session of the General Assembly, it would necessitate the Special Rapporteur's having to come here twice in one session. Since the Third Committee is concerned with the humanitarian aspects of this subject matter - mercenaries - for all the reasons of which we have taken note it is important that the special Rapporteur should present his report to the Third Committee, We would not want him to have to come again in case there were any financial implications. EH/PLJ A/43/PV.75 156 (Mrs. Garuba, Nigeria) The representative of Morocco has dutifully made the recommendation for infection, for co-operation, and for dissemination of this information to all who are dealing with this matter. We had always insisted that the Sixth Committee, or the Ad Hoc Committee on Mercenaries, which is considering the drafting of a convention on this matter, needed the information: and we agree with the suggestion and applauded and accepted it. But the co-sponsors consider in all honesty that having the Special Rapporteur come at the beginning of the session to present the report and having him come again is not necessary. We cannot guarantee that the ad Hoc Committee or the Sixth Committee would be considering this report at the same time as the Third Committee we Imagine that having him come twice not necessary. We consider that whenever the Ad Hoc Committee is considering the convention - be it at the beginning of next year, as we have reason to believe - it is enough to ask the Secretary-General to transmit the same report to the Ad Hoc Committee for its information and use in drafting the convention, which would later be considered by whichever body the General Assembly might consider fit to look at it. We believe that would be the Sixth Committee. I hope that explanation will be enough, otherwise, other interested delegations might help to explain the matter further. Mrs. WARZAZI (Morocco) (interpretation from French): I should like to thank the representative of Nigeria, who has not convinced me. 1 am particularly struck by the fact that the co-sponsors of the draft resolution - which is of extraordinary importance - are above all concerned about the financial implications, which are not here in the text of the draft resolution. I should just like to have my comments noted in the record of the General Assembly's proceedings. AB/SY A/43/PV.75 157 The PRESIDENT: I shall now read out the amendment proposed by the representative of Nigeria. Paragraph 11 would read: "Emphasizes the importance of having the Special Rapporteur present his report during the consideration of the item entitled 'Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights', and requests the Secretary-General to make the same report available to the Ad Hoc Committee on the Drafting of an International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries for its information." May I take it that the Assembly agrees to that amendment? Mrs.; WARZAZI (Morocco) : Vote, please. The PRESIDENTS A recorded vote has been requested on the amendment proposed by the representative of Nigeria to paragraph 11 of draft resolution III in document A/43/778/Add.1. AE/SY. A/43/PV.75 158 A recorded vote was taken. In favour Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kaepchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Garman Republic, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, 'Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, union of Soviet Socialist Republics, united Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Equatorial Guinea, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Japan, Morocco, Portugal Abstaining: Australia, Bhutan, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland, Greece, Grenada, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Norway, Paraguay, saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United States of America The amendment to paragraph 11 was adopted by 123 votes to 6, with 21'abatentions.* * Subsequently the delegation of Iceland advised the secretariat that it had intended to abstain. BH/PLJ A/43/PV. 75 159 The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution III is entitled "Use of mercenaries as a means to violate human rights and to impede the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination'. The draft resolution is in paragraph 8 of the report (A/43/773/Add.1). The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution as amended in paragraph 11. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Against: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Paso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, C6te d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia; Zimbabwe Belgium, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic of, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, united States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, Greece, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Mauritius, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Samoa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey Draft Evolution IIl, as amended, was adopted by 125 votes to 10, with 21 abstentions (resolution 43/107) EH/PLJ A/43/PV.75 160 The PRESIDENT: The Assembly has concluded its consideration of agenda item 96. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 97, "Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance" (A/43/869). There is a draft resolution in paragraph 7 of the report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 43/108). The president: The Assembly has concluded its consideration of agenda item 97. JSM/CRT A/43/PV. 75 161 (The President) Next we turn to the report of the Third Committee (A/43/870) on agenda item 98, entitled "Human rights and scientific and technological developments". I call on the representative of the United Kingdom, who has asked to make a statement. Mr. RAVEN (United Kingdom): In paragraph five of the report (A/43/870) on this item the list of sponsors of draft resolution A/C.3/43/L.45 is incomplete. Samoa was also a sponsor but was not listed. I should be grateful if the record could be corrected. The PRESIDENT: The record will reflect that. The Assembly will now take decisions on the recommendations of the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report (A/43/870). Draft resolution I is entitled "Implications of scientific and technological developments for human rights". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 43/109). The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution II, entitled "Human rights and scientific and technological developments". A recorded vote has been requested. i JSM/CRT A/43/PV. 75 162 A' recorded' vote' was' taken. In' favours: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Ben in, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana" Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Paso, Burma, Burled, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivo1re, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic, Kampuchea, Democratic, Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indcneeil1, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, People’s, Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahir1ya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan" Panau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, saint Kitts and Nevis, saint Lucia, &lint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Social is t Republic, union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet N., Yemen, 1dJgoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: None Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Draft resolution II was adopted by 133 votes to none, with 24 abstentions (resolution 43/110). JSM/CRT A/43/PV.75 163 The President : I call on the representative of Malta, who wishes to explain his vote. Mr. BORG OLIVIER (Malta Malta voted 1n favour of the resolution just adopted because We do not object to its content, but we wish to point out that the title does does not accurately reflect its cont&l'2t, which refers to the peaceful use of science and technology rather than to human rights. The PRESIDENT: We turn not to draft resolution III, entitled Human rights and scientific and technological developments: the right to life•. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 43/111). The PRESIDENT: We have Concluded our consideration of agenda item 98. The Assembly will now turn its attention to the report of the Third Committee (A/43/871) on agenda item 99, entitled 'Question of a convention on the rights of the child•. The draft resolution recommended by the Third Democratic is in paragraph 8 of 1ts report. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'reso1ution'III'wss'adojted (resolution 43/112). The PRESIDENT: We have now concluded our consideration 0 f agenda item 98. The Assembly will now turn to the report of the Third Committee (A/43/872) on agenda item 100, entitled International covenants on human rights• and take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee In paragraph 18 of its report. JSM/CRT A/43/PV.75 164 (The President) Draft resolution I is entitled "Indivisibility and interdependence of economic, social, cultural, civil and political lights". A separate, recorded vote has been requested on the eighth preambular paragraph of draft resolution I. If there is no objection to that request I shall put the eighth preambular paragraph of draft resolution I to the vote first. JSM/CRT A/43/PV. 75 165 A recorded vote was taken. In favour; Afghanistan, Alluded, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Belgium, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining: Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden The eighth preambular paragraph of draft resolution I was retained by 133 votes to 7. with 16 abstentions. JSM/CRT A/43/PV. 75 166 The PRESIDENT: I now put to the vote draft rnse1ution I as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested. In" favours Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuoa, Argentina, Australia&, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Ben in, Bhutan, Bolivia~, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Color.bia, Comoro, Congo, Cost& Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guides, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, JamaiC2, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romains, Rwanda, saint Kitts and Nevis, saint lacier, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao 'lame and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Validate, Venezuela, Viet Ham, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: united States of America Abstaining: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, xnxe1lbour9~ tletherlll1ds, Norway, Portugal, Spain, SW8ziland, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Draft Resolution I, as a whole was adopted by 132' votes' to 1, with 23'abstentiofiS (resolution 43/113). JSM/CRT A/43/PV. 75 167-170 The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution II concerns the International Covenants on human rights, The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 43/114). AE/SY A/43/PV.75 171 The' PRESIDENT: I call on the representative of Malta for an explanation of vote. Mr. BORG OLIVIER (Malta): I wish to explain fill delegation's vote on draft resolution I, entitled "Indivisibility .,d interdependence of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights-. While my delegation voted in favour of the draft resolution, I should like to co1llftent, with regard to preambular para9raph 7, that it is the view of my delegation that the obstacles to the full realization of human rights are more widespread than is enunciated in this paragraph, and in fact the basic cause is the absence or suppression of real democracy. With regard to preambular paragraph 8, in accordance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the sovereignty referred to in this paragraph should be exercised without prejudice to any obligations arising out of international economic co-operation based upon the principle of mutual benefit and international law. The PRESIDENT : We have concluded our consideration of agenda item 100. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 101, entitled -Reporting obligations of States parties to United Nations instruments on human rights- (1./43/873). The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/43/937 . AE/SY A/43/PV.75 172 The President) The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote* May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 43/115). The PRESIDENT: We have concluded our consideration of agenda item 101. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 102, entitled "Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees" (A/43/874). I call on the representative of the United States for an explanation of vote before the voting. Miss BYRNE (United States of America): I wish to give an explanation of my delegation's position on draft resolutions I and III on refugees, contained in document A/43/874. The United States commends the Member States for demonstrating the sustained commitment of the international community to aid refugees in their plight by adopting without a vote the numerous resolutions of this issue. The challenge facing us now is to ensure protection for refugees and to alleviate their suffering. There is much work to be done. This year a number of individual-country draft resolutions that largely repeated the language of previous resolutions and called for more reports were not sponsored by us. This ritual does little to advance solutions to the refugee problem; it only uses up the scarce administrative resources of the international organizations. The United States suggests, and will agree to sponsor, an omnibus draft resolution on African refugees. This omnibus draft resolution should replace all Mr. Van Lierop (Vanuatu), Vice-President, took the Chair. AE/SY A/43/PV. 75 173 (Miss Byrne, United States) the individual-country draft resolutions. Thus we would follow the example set by the resolution on Central American refugees. With reference to Central American refugees, we believe that the matters taken up in paragraphs 6 and 8 of the draft resolution are more appropriate for discussion at the Conference itself. They should not be presented to those at the Conference as foregone conclusions. Further, we expect the cost of the Conference to be covered within existing resources. The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now take a decision on four draft resolutions of the Third Committee contained in paragraph 17 of its report. Draft resolution I, entitled "International Conference on the Plight of Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons in Southern Africa", 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 43/116). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution II is entitled "Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 43/117). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution III is entitled "International Conference on Central American Refugees". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III also without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 43/118). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution IV is entitled "International Conference on Indo-Chinese Refugees". AE/SY A/43/PV. 75 174 (The President) The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 43/119). The PRESIDENT: We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 102. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 103, entitled "International campaign against traffic in drugs" (A/43/875). I call on the representative of the Bahamas. Mrs. SHERMAN-PETER (Bahamas): The Bahamas simply wishes to propose a correction to draft resolution III. In its penultimate line the eighth preambular paragraph refers to "geographical situations". Previous resolutions referred to "geographical location". I think that the translation from the Spanish resulted in "situations" instead of "location". The Bahamas would like to see "location" restored. It is simply a matter of correction. The PRESIDENT: I thank the representative of the Bahamas. What she has said has been noted and will be reflected in the official records of the Assembly. The Assembly will now take decisions on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. Draft resolution I, entitled "Preparation of a draft convention against illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances", was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 43/120). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution II is entitled "Use of children in the illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and rehabilitation of drug-addicted minors". AE/SY A/43/PV.75 175 The President) The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 43/121). The president, Draft resolution III, entitled "International campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking", was adopted by the Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 43/122). The PRESIDENT, we have concluded our consideration of agenda item 103. BCT/PT A/43/PV.75 176 (The President) The Assembly will now consider the report (A/43/876, of the Third Committee on agenda item 104, entitled "Alternative approaches and ways and means within the United Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms". The Assembly will take decisions on the six draft resolutions recorded by the Third Committee in paragraph 25 of its report. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will have an opportunity to explain their votes. Draft resolution I is entitled "Respect for the right of everyone to own Property alone as well as in association with others and its contribution to the economic and social development of Member States". The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly also wishes to do so? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 43/123). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution II concerns the impact of property on the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We shall now take a decision en that draft resolution, A recorded has been requested. A' recorded' vote' was' taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colorbreed, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guin ea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, lran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People 's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, BCT/pt A/43/PV.75 177 Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, 1AJxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Abstaining : Malta Draft' resolution II was adopted' by 129 votes to 24 1, with 1 abstention (resolution 43/124). The ‘PRESIDENT: We turn next to draft resolution Ill, entitled III Alternative approaches and ways and means within the United Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms ". The Assembly will now take a decision on that draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Ben in, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, ~had, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Iao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libber la, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, BCT/pt A/43/PV.7S 178 Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kite and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Onion of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Prance, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Draft resolution III was adopted by 130 votes to 1. with 25 abstentions (resolution 43/125). The PRESIDENT: Next we shall take a decision on draft resolution IV, also entitled "Alternative approaches and ways and means within the United Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In Favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, C3te d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Toms and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, BCT/pt A/43/PV.75 179 Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, united Arab Bitrates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, zamia, Zimbabwe Against: Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Federal Republic of, Japan, Iuxellbourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Abstaining: Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden Draft'resolution'IV'was'adopted'by'l35'votes'bo'S,with i4'abstentions (resolution 43/126). The' PRESIDENT, Draft resolution V is entitled -Right to development-The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly also withes to do so Draft' resolution v was' adopted (resolution 43/127). The PRESIDENT: The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI, entitled -Development of public information activities in the fall of human tights- without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution V was adopted (resolution 43/128). The' PRESIDENT' I call on the representative of the United States, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote. Miss' BYRNE (United States of America), The United States did not participate in the General Assembly's action on draft resolution IV, entitled approaches and ways and means within the united Nations system for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental f:eedoms•, nor in its action on draft resolution V, entitled -Right to development-. The PRESIDENT, We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 104. BCT/pt A/43/PV.75 180 (The President) I would ask the Assembly to turn now to the report (A/43/877) of the Third Committee on agenda item 105, entitled "New international humanitarian order". The Assembly will take decisions on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 19 of its report. Draft resolution I, entitled "New international humanitarian order", was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly also wishes to adopt this draft resolution? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 43/129). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution II is entitled "Promotion of international co-operation in the humanitarian field". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly also wishes to do so? Draft resolution II was adopted (resolution 43/130). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution III is entitled "Humanitarian assistance to victims of natural disasters and similar emergency situations". It was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly also wishes to adopt the draft resolution without a vote? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 43/131). The PRESIDENT: We have new concluded our consideration of agenda item 105. The Assembly will now consider the report (A/43/878) of the Third Committee on agenda item 106, entitled "Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". We shall take decisions on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. BCT/pt A/43/PV.75 180 a-z (The President) Draft resolution I, entitled "Status of the Convention against Torture and Other cruel, inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment", was adopted by the Third committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly also wishes to do so? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 43/132). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution II is entitled -United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture". The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IT was adopted (resolution 43/133). The President Draft resolution III concerns torture and inhuman Treatment of children in detention in South Africa and Namibia. The Third Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly also wishes to do so? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 43/134). The PRESIDENT: we have concluded our consideration of agenda item 106. JP/PLJ A/43/PV.75 181 (The President) We turn now to the report (A/43/814) of the Third Committee on agenda item 107, entitled "Families in the development process". The Assembly win now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 43/135). The PRESIDENT, I call on the representative of Tunisia for an explanation of position. Ms; BACHTOBJI (Tunisia) (interpretation from French), My delegation joined in the consensus on the draft resolution in paragraph 12 of document A/43/814. However, while reiterating our support for the proclamation by the Organization of an international year of the family, we wish to emphasize that my delegation would have very much hoped to see reflected in the draft resolution a definition of the family as the natural and fundamental group unit of society, as set forth in Article 10, paragraph 1, of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, reflected in resolution 42/134, adopted by the General Assembly on 7 December 1987. In my delegation's view, that definition is most appropriate and therefore should be the corner-stone of future work by the Assembly. The PRESIDENT: We have thus concluded our consideration of agenda item 107. We new turn to the report (A/43/815) of the Third Committee on agenda item 144, entitled "Responsibility of States to ban in their territory, and to refrain from instigating or supporting in the territory of other States, chauvinistic, racist and other manifestations that may cause discord between peoples and involvement of Governments and the mass media in combating such manifestations and in educating peoples and youth in the spirit of peaceful A/43/PV.75 182 (The President) cooperation and international entente, and evaluation of the implementation of the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples". I invite members to turn their attention to the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The draft resolution was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same? The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 43/136). The PRESIDENT: we have now concluded our consideration of agenda item 144. We turn next to the report (A/43/868) of the Third Committee on agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council". Ms. BYRNE (United States): The delegations of Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom have indicated that if it were possible for their countries' names to be added to the list of sponsors of draft resolution XXI, entitled "Enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections", they would wish that that be done. We request that their wish be included in the record. The PRESIDENT: That will be done. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their votes before the voting. Mr. MORA GODOY (Cuba) (interpretation from Spanish): We should like to explain our vote on draft resolution XXI, entitled "Enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections", which the Third Committee adopted without a vote. The Cuban delegation did not oppose consensus, although the text does not reflect our main concerns with regard to the draft resolution. Indeed, it does not JP/PW A/43/PV. 75 183-185 (Mr. Mora Godoy, Cuba) clearly specify that nothing in this field can run counter to the sovereignty of States to run electoral processes in keeping with their national laws and system. Paragraph 3 tries to prescribe a model for everyone, but we wish to emphasize that nothing in it should be interpreted or used to prejudge other electoral systems. JP/MGR A/43/PV. 75 186 (Mr. Mora Godoy, Cuba) Similarly, the draft resolution does not contain even one reference to the Government of South Africa, which bears the greatest responsibility for the establishment of the system of apartheid in that country, against which the United Nations has unsuccessfully tried to apply mandatory sanctions,, Although, as the negotiating process showed, no delegation expressed difficulties about including the name of that country, the objection of a single country unfortunately meant that that was not possible. Had it been otherwise, it would perhaps have made for a more real consensus. We believe that in the future any draft resolution on the matter must reflect this concern of the whole international community. We also have reservations about including a new item on the agenda of the Commission on Human Rights and of the General Assembly, since we consider that to be unnecessary, it is not part of the rationalization that we are trying to bring to the work of the United Nations, and therefore we should reconsider including it under an item already on the agenda of both the Commission on Human Rights and the General Assembly. Mr. MAHALLATI (Islamic Republic of Iran): I should like to express our position on draft resolution I. This year, inspired by the encouraging and constructive atmosphere prevailing in the conduct of international relations, in general, and the tendency in international organizations to emphasize consensus as the preferred and naturally more effective method of decision-making, in particular, my delegation took a healthy, constructive and challenging step. I officially announced my Government's readiness fully to co-operate with the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights so as to enable him fully to carry out his mandate. I also announced by delegation's readiness to join a consensus decision designed to secure the expressed objective of the Human Rights Commission, through its Special JP/MGR A/43/PV.75 187 (Mr. Mahallati Islamic Republic of Iran) Representative, Mr. Galindo Pohl. in this connection, I engaged in special, extended consultations with Mr. Galindo Pohl, at my request. I sought the facial Representative's opinion about what he would wish the Third Committee to decide as to the future course of action. Mr. Galindo Pohl was very specific, and confirmed that his only concern was the carrying out of his mandate. He added that he could not ask for anything more. Unfortunately, against the better judgment not only of the majority of Member States but also of the majority of the sponsors of the draft resolution under consideration, who favors a consensus action, certain sponsors, whose names I shall not mention, insisted en following the same old route of antagonism and adoption of a draft resolution against the Islamic Republic of Iran. They seemed to be interested not in the positive impact of our constructive proposal, but in adopting a draft resolution against the Islamic Republic of Iran. They advanced a weak argument that, since there existed a report on alleged violation of human rights in Iran, they were duty-bound to insist on adoption of the draft resolution. Therefore, the interim report of the Special Representative became the basis of their obsession with the draft resolution against the Islamic Republic of Iran, while the author of the interim report - the Special Representative - in fact welcomed our proposal, which would have readily guaranteed the success of his mandate. This is a vicious circle, which has entrapped certain sponsors of the draft resolution, against which they have not been able to provide a reasonable response. The majority of the sponsors, of course, understood and appreciated the ™edit and pragmatic nature of our proposals, but had to remain in that vicious circle owing to their oath of fealty. in addition to this vicious circle, those sponsors who failed, both in the Committee and in my private talks with them, to advance a meaningful argument in JP/MGR A/43/PV.75 188 (Mr. Mahallati, Islamic Republic of Iran) defence of their incomprehensible persistence in building upon mere allegations of the interim report, clearly manifested their dual policy towards the rule of law in international relations, a policy which is based on a selective approach. Spending upon their perceived interests, these countries adopt different and at times grossly contradictory approaches to relevant questions. In order to be more specific, allow me to ask one of the sponsors of the draft resolution, which had first-hand experience of being victim of abhorrent chemical weapons during the First World War, and a few other delegations apparently in the vanguard of countries defending human rights, why there exists no report, let alone action or decision, for consideration of the Third Committee on the institutionalized extermination of an oppressed minority by the use of chemical weapons during preceding ninths. The delegation with direct experience of falling victim to the use of chemical weapons no doubt agrees with me that death caused by chemical weapons is the most heinous form of torture and thus the gravest violation of principles of human rights, it knows that chemical weapons kill indiscriminately and maim and inflict perpetual suffering indiscriminately. My question as to why those who appear to be staunch supporters of human rights have not introduced a draft resolution on this human tragedy has not received an answer. We all know that they have made a political decision to make a propagandistic campaign in favour of a handful of foreign elements in Iran and close their eyes to the institutional annihilation of a nation by chemical weapons. Therefore, the only logical deduction from the present situation in the Third Committee, at least as concerns our case, is that the motivation for the persistence of a few of the sponsors on their draft resolution goes well beyond human rights concerns and merges into purely political considerations of different sorts. JP/MGR A/43/PV.75 189 (Mr. Mahallati, Islamic Republic of Iran We condemn such political motivations and strongly believe that they have a serious and negative impact on the principles of human rights and particularly on their enforcement. In spite of what I have said, I have not lost hope and confidence in the collective wisdom of the group. I have held meetings with the Special Representative and provided him with a certain document, which in my opinion has had a significant role in the new outlook of the Special Representative on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, it should now be clear to everyone that misinformation provided to the Special Representative by a terrorist group whose headquarters are in the capital of a country which has been in a war of aggression against my country is devoid of any real substance and is aimed only at propagandists objectives. in conclusion, I should like to reiterate that I have not attempted to make a critique of the interim report, but have made some observations regarding the Primary sources of the baseless allegations contained in the report. In spite of what I have said, and despite our cognizance of certain political considerations on the part of a few, I made some practical, feasible and constructive proposals enabling the Special Representative to fulfil his mandate, which still stand. We will also continue our co-operation with the Special Representative, but at the same time I clearly announce that under no circumstances will we give in to political bribery. I express my profound regret about the draft resolution under consideration, which, if adopted, would create, against our desires and extensive efforts, undue obstacles to the Special Representative's success. Therefore, the responsibility for any form of lack of success or delayed success should be shouldered by those delegations insisting on the path of confrontation, when a viable co-operative JP/MGR A/43/PV.75 190 (Mr. Mahallati. Islamic Republic of Iran) solution is readily available I should also like to express my gratitude to all delegations that supported our principled position in various manners, particularly to the Chairman of the Third Committee, who made an extensive effort to reach a consensus in the Committee. I wish, therefore, to call upon all representatives to vote against the draft resolution so as to ensure the rapid, full and satisfactory implementation of the mandate of the Special Representative. Under such circumstances, the Commission on Human Rights will be in a position to pronounce itself on the facts of the issue, as investigated and verified by the special Representative. RM/36 A/43/PV.75 191 Mr. Umber (Pakistan): My delegation believes that draft resolution I, -Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran", which appears on page 33 of document A/43/868, is not only flawed in substance but also unnecessary. It is flawed because it is predicated on assumptions that have not been substantiated, it tends to invest hearsay allegations with an unjustifiable measure of veracity, which detracts from its integrity and credibility. The draft resolution also fails to take into account the serious and sincere offer of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to cooperate fully with the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights in the discharge of his mandate. in a statement made in the Third Committee on 25 November the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran said that his country was fully Prepared to join a consensus decision by the General Assembly that would enable the Special Representative to carry out his mandate fully and in the shortest possible time. He also proposed a draft decision centering around the extension of full cooperation by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Special Representative in all respects before the end of 1988 for the purpose of carrying out his mandate. That proposal provided unimpeachable evidence of Iran's good faith and should have elicited the approbation and approval of every fair-minded person. It is indeed regrettable that that important offer was disregarded, it is obvious that the adoption of the draft resolution in question, which is largely a composite of unsubstantiated allegations, will not serve the purpose for which it is intended. The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a statement the Assembly has just heard, has renewed his Government's pledge of co-operation to the Special Representative and affirmed that his earlier proposal remains valid. There still exists, therefore, an opportunity to forswear the part of acrimony and embrace an option that is sincere, constructive and conciliatory. FM/36 A/43/PV.75 192 (Mr. Umer, Pakistan) The adoption of draft resolution I currently under the consideration of the Assembly may well erode that option. We do not believe that such a course of action would be either wise or responsibly For this and the reasons mentioned earlier, my delegation will vote against the draft resolution, " Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran." Mr. ABOU-HADID (Syrian Arab Republic,: We have just heard a statement by the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran stating officially the position of his Government vis-a-vis the draft resolution, "Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran." The position is very clear and needs to be encouraged. The Islamic Republic of Iran has expressed without reserve its readiness to co-operate with the Special Representative to carry out his mandate fully, unconditionally, immediately, before the end of 1988 and in any manner he deems fit. That position is very clear to all, and by talking that official position we are sure that the goals of the Commission on Human Rights are guaranteed and that the mandate of the Special Representative will be fully implemented and that his report to the Commission at its next session will be factual. We should also like to call upon the meters of the Assembly to give this new, Positive position of the Islamic Republic of Iran a good chance, in order to avoid a confrontational approach to the situation, which will not achieve the goals of the draft resolution. We believe that what could legitimately be expected to be achieved can more readily be achieved through a new, positive approach to the matter and by avoiding premeditated political aims and allegations against Iran. My delegation will therefore vote against the draft resolution. The PRESIDENT: The Assembly will now cake a decision on the 23 draft resolutions contained in paragraph 107 of the third committees. paragraph 107 of the Third Committee's report (A/43/868}. 194/36 A/43/PV.75 193-195 (The' President) After all decisions have been taken, members will again be given an opportunity to explain their votes. We turn first to draft resolution I, "Situation of human rights in the Islamic republic of Iran". A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Canada, cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Gerl1llany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Ruanda, Saint Lucia, saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Venezuela Against: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Democratic Yemen, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Romania, Sri Lanka, Sudan" Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab animates, United Republic of Tanzania Abstaining: Bhutan, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Fiji, Gabon, Garcia, Ghana, Quinoa, Siena-Bissau, Qsyana, Haiti, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritian la, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Suriname, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Draft resolution I was adopted by 61 vote to 25, with 44 abstentions (resolution 43/137). JB/37 A/43/PV.75 196 The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution II is entitled -Status of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution II was adopts (resolution 43/138). The PRESIDENT draft resolution III is entitled "Situation of human rights in Afghanistan". I call on the representative of Afghanistan, who wishes to explain his position on draft resolution III. Mr.; MEHNAT (Afghanistan): My delegation did not participate in the decision taken by the Third Committee on draft resolution III, entitled "Situation of human rights in Afghanistan", but that was not reflected in the Committee's report (A/43/868). I therefore request that it be placed on record that my delegation does not wish to participate in the decision on draft resolution III. The PRESIDENT’S The record will reflect this. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 43/139). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution IV is entitled "Regional arrangements for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Asian and Pacific region". This draft resolution was adopted without a vote by the Third Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly also wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 43/140). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution V is entitled "Situation of refugees in the Sudan". This draft resolution was also adopted without a vote by the Third Committee. May I consider that the General Assembly also wishes to adopt it? JB/37 A/43/PV.75 197 Draft resolution v was ADOPTED (resolution 43/141). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution VI is entitled "Humanitarian assistance to refugees in Djibouti". The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VI was adopted (resolution 43/142). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution VII deals with emergency assistance to voluntary returnees and displaced persons in Chad. in the Third Committee it was adapted without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution VII was adopted (resolution 43/143). The president, The next draft resolution concerns assistance to refugees and returnees in Ethiopia. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VIII without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution VIII wag adopted (resolution 43/144), The PRESIDENT, We now turn to draft resolution IX, entitled "Situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in El Salvador". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution IX was adopted (resolution 43/145). The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution x is entitled "Measures to improve the situation and ensure the human rights and dignity of all migrant workers". The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of this draft resolution is contained in document A/43/936. A recorded vote has been requested. JB/37 A/43/PV.75 198 A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica" Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Kampuchea, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji., Finland g France, Gabon, Genoa, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, saint Kitts and Nevis, saint Aecia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian, Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad, and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Social :Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: United States of America Abstaining: Germany, Federal Republic of, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Draft resolution X was adopted by 154 votes to 1, with 2 abstentions (resolution 43/146). The PRESIDENTI Draft resolution XI concerns assistance to refugees in Somalia The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XI without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft' resolution XI was adopted (resolution 43/147). JB/37 A/43/PV.75 199 The PRESIDENT, Draft resolution XII concerns assistance to refugees and displaced persons in Malawi. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XII was adopted (resolution 43/148). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution XIII is entitled -Assistance to student refugees in southern Africa". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to likewise? Draft resolution XIII was adopted (resolution 43/149). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution XIV is entitled "Measures to be taken against Nazi, Fascist and neo-Fascist activities and all other forms of totalitarian ideologies and practices based on apartheid, racial discrimination and racism, and the systematic denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XIV was adopted (resolute 43/150). The PRESIDENT-. We come next to draft resolution XV, entitled "Summary or arbitrary executions". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XV was adopted (resolution 43/151). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution XVI deals with regional arrangements |or the promotion and protection of human rights. In the Third Committee, it was adopted without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft resolution1 XVI was adopted (resolution 43/152). JB/37 A/43/FV.75 200 The PRESIDENT: we turn next to draft resolution XVII, which concerns human rights in the administration of justice. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XVII was adopted (resolution 43/153). The PRESIDENT: We cone next to draft resolution XVIII, entitled "Human rights and mass exoduses". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XVIII was adopted (resolution 43/154). The PRESIDENT; Draft resolution XIX is entitled "International co-operation in solving international problems of a social, cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XIX was adopted (resolution 43/155). The PRESIDENT; Draft resolution XX is entitled -Improvement of social life". A recorded vote has been requested. JB/37 A/43/PV.75 200 a-z The PRESIDENT: We turn next to draft resolution XVII, which concerns human rights in the administration of justice. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution ':'1ithout a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XVII was adopted (resolution 43/153). The PRESIDENT: we come next to draft resolution XVIII, entitled "Human rights and mass exoduses". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XVIII was adopted (resolution 43/154). The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution XIX is entitled "International co-operation in solving international problems of a social, cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms". The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution with cut a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft'resolution'XIX'was'adopt!4 (resolution 43/155). The' PRESIDENT~ Draft resolution XX is entitled "Improvement of social life". A recorded vote has been requested. EMS/38 A/43/PV.75 201 The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution XXI is entitled "Enhancing the effectiveness of the. principle of periodic and genuine elections”. The Third Committee adopted this draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution 'XXI 'was adopted (resolution 43/157). The PRFSIDENT's We turn next to draft resolution XXII, which concerns the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Chile. A recorded vote has been requested. A recorded vote was taken. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Sweden, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, united Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, united Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe Against: Chile EMS/38 A/43/PV.75 202 Abstaining: Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bras.il, Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cote d'lvoir j, Democratic Kampuchea, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Thailand, Turkey, United States of America, Yemen. Zaire Draft resolution XXII was adopted by 97 votes to 1, with 55 abstentions (resolution 43/158). The PRESIDENT: We come now to draft resolution XXIII, entitled "Question of enforced or involuntary disappearances". The Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same? Draft resolution XXIII was adopted (resolution 43/159). The PRESIDENT: I now invite representatives to turn to the draft decisions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 108 of its report (A/43/868). Draft decision I is recommended by the Third Committee for Option by the Assembly. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft decision I was adopted. The PRESIDENT: Draft decision II is recommended by the Third Committee for adoption by the Assembly. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft decision II was adopted. EMS/38 A/43/PV.75 203 The PRESIDENT: Draft decision III is recommended by the third committee for adoption by the Assembly. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt it? Draft decision m was adopted. The PRESIDENT: I call now on representatives wishing to explain their votes or positions. Miss BOUM (Cameroon, (interpretation from French,, The deletion of Cameroon joined in the consensus on draft resolution XXI, "Enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections", because the principles set out in that text arc enshrined in our Constitution. Full effect was given to those principles in our country's most recent elections, held in April. Kith regard to operative paragraph 3 of the resolution, my delegation wishes to stress that for it the only valid interpretation of the reference in paragraph 3 to "an electoral process which accommodates distinct alternatives", is that given in the French text, not that which could he placed on the phrase in the English text. Miss BYRN (United states of America): It is important that the human rights situation in Afghanistan remain before the international community. Equally important. we must not forget or ignore the fundamental causes of the human right abuses in that unfortunate country, indeed, a basic improvement in the human rights environment depends on total withdrawal of Soviet forces and the restoration of an independent, broad-based and freely chosen afghan Government. The Presence of Soviet troops in Afghanistan and their support of the illegitimate Kabul regime have created . situation which has led to the dramatic decline in the human right station in that occupied country. The sooner the Soviets leave and a new political order emerges, the sooner a positive human rights environment will begin to emerge. EMS/38 A/43/PV. 75 204 (Miss Byrne, United States) Consequently, we agree that the spotlight of attention should remain focused on the widespread and persisting human rights abuses which the Kabul regime continues to inflict on the Afghan people. The human rights resolution on Afghanistan just adopted by the General Assembly does that. Among its more important findings, the General Assembly states that violations of human rights Persist with the same frequency as in the past, that over 2,000 persons remain in regime prisons for political reasons: that there are continuing allegations of torture and ill-treatment of prisoners and that disappearances of individuals continue, and, finally, that after years of conflict the economic, social and cultural situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated, and has now become critical. The resolution makes reference in some instances to some improvements in the human rights situation. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) WAS able to visit the notorious Pol-E-Charkhi prison in mid-1988, for example, after protracted negotiations, which had begun in 1987. it is with respect to a development of that sort that the United States interprets the reference in the resolution to "some improvements- in the human rights situation, but unfortunately this is only a modest, minimal gain, Indeed, the ICRC has not been able to visit other detention facilities - at least three of which exist in Kabul - where torture reportedly is routinely used. As a general proposition, the United States does not believe there has been basic or fundamental change in the human rights situation in Afghanistan in 1988. individual human rights continue to be denied and suppressed on a massive scale. Arbitrary killings and other acts of violence against suspected opponents of the regime remain commonplace. Disappearances in areas under regime control continue unabated. In many cases, unexplained disappearances of young males have been due EMS/38 A/43/PV. 75 205 (Miss Byrne. United States) to impressments into military service. Regime authorities frequently employ torture to punish or to extract information or confessions. The policy is widespread, indicating that it has official sanction. Finally, there are no legal safeguards to prevent arbitrary arrest or detention. Afghans in areas controlled by the regime face unwarranted seizure by security personnel. Often, detainees are either not told of the charges against them before trial or are simply not brought to trial. This is only a short list of the Kabul regime's more flagrant abuses of human rights. Respect for civil rights such as freedom of speech or peaceful assembly and association is sadly lacking as well. Some try to argue that the Kabul regime and the mujahidin are equally guilty of human rights violations. This is a cynical and unfortunate manoeuvre. The facts are otherwise. The Kabul regime is the principal violator of human rights in Afghanistan and is responsible for the major human rights abuses occurring in that country. EMS/39 A/43/PV.75 206 (Miss Byrne, United States) In closing, let me reiterate the importance of the international community's keeping the human rights situation in Afghanistan under close scrutiny. He are convinced - and we believe most other nations are - that the human rights conditions in that country will improve immeasurably once the Soviet occupation has ended and a legitimate, broad-based Government has been established through self-determination. It is with that perspective and interpretation that the United States joined the consensus on the 1988 human rights resolution on Afghanistan. Mr.; MEZA (El Salvador) (interpretation from Spanish): During the debate on agenda item 12, "Report of the Economic and Social Council", as it relates to El Salvador, my delegation set forth my Government's position on the matter of human rights. I think it is important today to make some comments on draft resolution IX, just adopted by the General Assembly. First of all, I wish to note that the text of the resolution was the result of talks among a group of Latin American countries with historical links to Central America, because of which they have been participating in the peace-making process in the region. That is the group best acquainted with our historic, political, social and economic development; to a greater or lesser extent they have also recognized the measures and efforts of the Government of El Salvador in recent years to protect and promote human rights. Although it was a negotiated text, we do not believe it is balanced, and we would have been glad had it been more equitable and balanced, in conformity with the observations in the report of the Special Representative, by including a direct and precise reference to the sabotage and terrorism that affect the rights of the people of El Salvador. EMS/39 A/43/PV.75 207 (Mr. Meza, EL Salvador) I consider that my delegation acted in good faith and in a spirit of co-operation, and pursued a policy based on dialogue. That could have made it Possible to elucidate the situation of El Salvador more objectively and thus achieve greater balance in the draft resolution - which, as I have said, was lacking. Some European countries, acting contrary to the will and the constructive spirit of the latin American countries - supported by their Foreign Ministers, who net in El Salvador at the Organization of American States General Assembly and declared their support for efforts at democratization in El Salvador - felt put out at not being included in the unofficial consultations and subsequently submitted draft amendments to modify and harden the draft resolution already negotiated. in our view, such behaviour and positions are regrettable, not only because they lay claim to a right not possessed, but because they constitute a bad precedent for relations among regional and subregional groups. Is there any rule that says a regional or subregional group must consult other geographical groups on matters specific to it? We feel that the truth about El Salvador cannot be understood on the sole basis of reports by journalists or by groups or individuals interested in sensationalism, because these yield only partial analysis that does not take into account all the factors and elements of our current crisis. To know the truth about El Salvador one must consider internal and external factors such as historical, economic, political, social, cultural and military factors, our power structure, the composition of our social groups, the nature of our economy, the state of international markets, and the foreign dependence we have yet to overcome. These factors are all basic to an objective and full understanding of the origin and causes of the current crisis in ray country. EMS/39 A/43/PV. 75 208 (Mr. Meza, El Salvador) The crisis now afflicting El Salvador is neither new nor momentary. It was generated through a cyclical process that gradually exacerbated our situation, principally through the lack of the exchanges necessary to confront and meet the increasing needs caused by the social dynamic of our country. That is the situation which has, unfortunately, put ray country into the world spotlight; it is the situation to which a number of spokesmen have referred, in adopting harsh positions towards a Government which, whatever its political and ideological ideas, is the product of the will of the people, it assumed power at a time of crisis and under unusual conditions, and has made efforts in various areas, especially with respect to human rights, to improve conditions for its people. Moreover, an analysis of the situation in El Salvador, especially since 1980, which marked the beginning of the process of democratization, must take account of the following factors. What has been and is the role played by the FMIN-FDR and its contribution to the process towards democracy? Facts show that its contribution has been a policy of gaining power through violence and terrorism, a policy for which there has never been popular support. We believe it is time for it to reconsider, and that, in conformity with the peace-making framework of the Esquipulas II agreements, it will give up its dogmatic, hard-line positions and become part of the lawful political process. We must repeat again that the resolution is not balanced or fair in conformity with the points made in the report of the Special Representative, since it does not refer directly to the actions of armed opposition groups, especially the means used most recently in Their policy of destabilization, such as sabotage by urban commandos including the use of car-bombs, and the outrageous and reprehensible policy of so-called executions, which the Special Representative himself includes EMS/39 A/43/PV.75 209 (Mr. Meza, El Salvador) under summary executions. Among these we should mention the recent assassination of Government officials such as the Mayor of Sensory and his secretary, and the Vice-Chairman of the Governmental Human Rights Commission, in the Oriented area. We hope that, in the light of events in the region, the Commission on Human Rights will re-evaluate the mandate on El Salvador and that instead of continuing with a special Representative it will appoint someone - even the same individual, who has knowledge and experience concerning the situation in El Salvador - as an expert, whose advisory services could fill the gaps and contribute to the formulation of a plan on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in El Salvador. The PRESIDENT: The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of the report of the Economic and Social Council allocated to the Third Committee, as well as all the reports of the Third Committee. I take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Mohammad A. Abulhasan, Permanent Representative of Kuwait and Chairman of the Third Committee, Mr. Carlos Casajuana of Spain, Rapporteur of the Third Committee, the other officers of the Committee, all members of the Third Committee, and the members of the Secretariat staff on a job very well done on behalf of mankind. The meeting rose at 9:30 p.m.