Delegates Reject Country-Specific Texts as Political Tools to Interfere in Nations’ Internal Affairs
The General Assembly adopted 51 resolutions and
1 decision recommended by its Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and
Cultural) today, covering a range of issues, from the rights children,
women, refugees and others forced to flee their homes, to combating the
glorification of Nazism.
Amid spirited debate, the Assembly adopted a draft on
combating the glorification of Nazism by a recorded vote of 120 in
favour to 50 against, with 10 abstentions (Afghanistan, Ecuador,
Myanmar, Palau, Panama, Papau New Guinea, Samoa, Switzerland, Republic
of Korea and Türkiye).
The representative of the Russian Federation, describing
the vote as shocking, said that, for the first time in the history of
the United Nations, former Axis Powers voted against a text condemning
Nazism. Criticizing a country-specific approach to a thematic
resolution, he rejected amended operative paragraph 4, which condemns
Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine.
Echoing his stance, China’s delegate opposed attempts to
distort the history of the Second World War. The practice of adding
country-specific content to thematic resolutions by means of amendments
is inconsistent with the established practice of the Third Committee,
she noted. In the same vein, Sri Lanka’s delegate criticized amended
contents for politicizing the issue of combating racism and neo-Nazism
through a country-specific approach.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s delegate stressed that operative
paragraph 4 speaks about Moscow’s endeavours to justify its military
invasion and territorial aggression on the purported basis of
eliminating neo-Nazism. “That is why we do not allow rapists to lecture
us about how to fight rape,” he emphasized, adding that the summary
executions of civilians by the Russians in Ukraine — documented in the
report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights — may
constitute the war crime of wilful killing. This is the fascism of
today — the glorification of Nazism being executed by the Russian
Federation — he asserted.
Along similar lines, the representative of the United
States stressed that Moscow’s resolution is not a serious effort to
combat Nazism and antisemitism; instead, it is a shameful ploy to
justify its war of aggression in Ukraine. In full support of the
amendment that became a part of the resolution, she categorically
rejected that the draft has turned into a country-specific resolution.
The representative of the Czech Republic, speaking on behalf of the
European Union, rejected the term denazification, used by the Russian
Federation to justify its illegal invasion of Ukraine, adding that such
distortion erodes understanding of the Holocaust.
Also today, the Assembly passed five draft resolutions on
country-specific situations. Numerous delegates broadly rejected
country-specific texts, with Iran’s delegate noting that such drafts are
supported by countries with the darkest human rights records. The
resolution on the situation in Iran does not concern the protection of
human rights; instead, it aims to exert political pressure, she
stressed, criticizing attempts to marginalize Iran through exploitation
of United Nations mechanisms.
Similarly, the representative of the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea, condemning the draft on the human rights situation in
his country, criticized the United States and Western countries for
abusing human rights issues as a political tool for interfering in
internal affairs of other countries.
Three resolutions
were adopted on questions relating to refugees, returnees and internally
displaced persons. The text on the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) — adopted by consensus — had the
Assembly express deep concern at the increasing number of people who are
forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution and climate. Stressing
the importance of responsibility-sharing, the Assembly urged States to
uphold the civilian and humanitarian character of camps for refugees and
allow unhindered access for UNHCR.
This year, the
Assembly adopted by consensus a new text on protecting children from
sexual exploitation. By its terms, the Assembly voiced concern over the
threat posed by “self-generated” child sexual abuse materials produced
through coercion, as well as linkages between child sexual exploitation
and trafficking in children for commercial sexual exploitation. It
urged States to criminalize all forms of child sexual exploitation and
abuse, including online, and provide tools to identify victims and bring
perpetrators to justice.
A draft resolution on
the world drug problem — adopted by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to
9 against (Belarus, Cameroon, Iran, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Russian
Federation, Syria and Türkiye), with 45 abstentions — sparked
controversy, with some delegates interpreting the text as a roll-over,
while others refused to recognize it as the annual omnibus resolution due to extensive revisions.
In its one decision of the day, the Assembly adopted the work programme of its Third Committee for the seventy-eighth session.
Also speaking today were representatives of Nicaragua,
Belarus, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Cuba, Syria, Venezuela,
Maldives, Philippines and Oman (on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation
Council).
The Assembly will next meet at 3 p.m. on Friday, 16 December, to continue its work.
Action on Third Committee Draft Resolutions
SHALINI GUNGARAM (Mauritius), Rapporteur of the Third Committee, introduced the following reports of that body: Social development (document A/77/455); Advancement of women (document A/77/456);
Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions
relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian
questions (document A/77/457); Report of the Human Rights Council (document A/77/458); Promotion and protection of the rights of children (document A/77/459); Rights of indigenous peoples (document A/77/460); Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (document A/77/461); and Right of peoples to self-determination (document A/77/462).
She went on to present the Committee’s reports on: Promotion and protection of human rights (document A/77/463); Implementation of human rights instruments (document A/77/463/Add.1);
Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving
the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms
(document A/77/463/Add.2); Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives (document A/77/463/Add.3); Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (document A/77/463/Add.4); Crime prevention and criminal justice (document A/77/464); Countering the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes (document A/77/465); International drug control (document A/77/466); Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly (document A/77/467); and Programme planning (document A/77/468).
The General Assembly first took up the report on Social Development, which contains five draft resolutions.
The Assembly then adopted draft resolution I on
“Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social
Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General
Assembly”. By its terms, the Assembly expressed deep concern over
persistent feminization of poverty, which increases vulnerability to
trafficking in persons in least developed countries. It also expressed
deep concern that the COVID‑19 pandemic continues to have a devastating
impact on sustainable development, disproportionately affecting people
in vulnerable situations. Further, the Assembly urged Member States to
strengthen social policies, paying attention to needs of marginalized
social groups, including people living with HIV/AIDS, Indigenous Peoples
and refugees.
Next, the Assembly adopted draft resolution II on
“Inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities” without a
vote, expressing grave concern that persons with disabilities continue
to experience intersecting forms of discrimination. It stressed the
importance of mainstreaming the rights and participation of persons with
disabilities into all relevant strategies and programmes for
sustainable development. Further, it urged Member States to ensure that
persons with disabilities and their families have access to support
services and information on how to recognize and report exploitation,
violence and abuse.
The Assembly then adopted draft resolution III on
“Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing” without a vote,
expressing concern that health systems are not prepared to respond to
the needs of the ageing population and that older persons rate of
poverty has increased due to global economic crises. The Assembly
expressed further concern that older women are at greater risk of
physical and psychological abuse and violence, reiterating that their
needs and perspectives must be considered in disaster risk reduction.
The Assembly urged Member States to develop and strengthen programmes
promoting healthy and active ageing and the prevention and control of
non-communicable diseases for older persons.
The Assembly then adopted draft resolution III on
“Follow‑up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing” without a vote,
(document A/C.3/L.10/Rev.1), expressing concern that health systems are
not prepared to respond to the needs of the ageing population and that
older persons’ rate of poverty has increased due to global economic
crises. The Assembly expressed further concern that older women are at
greater risk of physical and psychological abuse and violence,
reiterating that their needs and perspectives must be considered in
disaster risk reduction. The Assembly urged Member States to develop
and strengthen programmes promoting healthy and active ageing and the
prevention and control of non‑communicable diseases for older persons.
Adopting draft resolution IV on “Preparations for and
observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the
Family” without a vote, the Assembly called on Member States to support
working parents through, inter alia, expanded child and family benefits
as well as paid family and sick leave. It further called on Member
States and United Nations bodies to provide information on their
activities, including good practices at the national level.
The Assembly next adopted draft resolution V on “Literacy for life: shaping future agendas” without a vote, stressing the
importance of children and youth returning to school who have not yet
gone back due to the COVID‑19 pandemic. It expressed deep concern about
the gender gap in education, as nearly two‑thirds of the world’s
non-literate adults are women. The Assembly expressed further concern
that one‑third of children not attending school have disabilities and
that the literacy rate among adults with disabilities is as low as
3 per cent in some countries. It urged Member States to ensure training
for educational professionals in digital literacy and access to remote
learning platforms to provide distance learning opportunities in
developing countries.
The Assembly then turned to the report on the Advancement of Women, which contains four draft resolutions.
The Assembly adopted resolution I on “Intensification of
efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and
girls: gender stereotypes and negative social norms”, as orally
revised, by a vote of 170 in favour, 1 against (Iran) with 8 abstentions
(Algeria, Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Gabon, Libya,
Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Syria). By its terms, the Assembly
expressed deep concern that violence against women and girls is
underreported, reinforcing gender inequality and corresponding impunity,
and that historical inequalities and disregard for women’s dignity are
primary causes of marital rape and other forms of physical and
psychological violence that reinforce the lower status of girls and
adolescent girls in society.
Further, the Assembly expressed alarm that violence
against women and girls, including femicide, is among the least punished
crimes due to gender bias in the judiciary and law enforcement. It
urged States to strongly condemn all forms of violence against women and
girls on and offline and reaffirmed that traditions or religious
customs do not exempt them from its elimination. It urged States to
implement legislation empowering women by guaranteeing full and equal
access to education and health services.
Adopting draft resolution II on “Trafficking in women and
girls” without a vote, the Assembly expressed serious concern that an
increasing number of women and girls are being trafficked to both
developed and developing countries for sexual exploitation and organ
removal. It also expressed concern about use of the Internet for forced
child labour, marriage and child sexual exploitation as well as
increasing activities of transnational criminal organizations profiting
from human trafficking. Further, it strongly urged Governments to
ensure coherence between laws and measures related to migration, labour
and human trafficking to protect the human rights of migrant women and
girls throughout migration, employment and repatriation processes.
Next, the Assembly adopted draft resolution III on
“Intensifying global efforts for the elimination of female genital
mutilation” without a vote, expressing deep concern that a tremendous
gap in resources continues to severely limit programmes on the
elimination of female genital mutilation. It also called on States
parties to focus on prevention strategies eliminating harmful practices
that negatively affect women and girls, and to develop awareness-raising
campaigns on the harmful effects of female genital mutilation.
The Committee then adopted draft resolution IV titled “Intensification of efforts to end obstetric fistula” without a vote. By its terms, the Assembly stressed interlinkages between factors, including
poverty and forced marriage, as root causes of obstetric fistula, and
that it can be a cause of devastating lifelong morbidity if left
untreated. It would express deep concern about the
marginalization of women and girls, resulting in various forms of sexual
and economic exploitation and abuse, which can increase the risk of
obstetric fistula.
Further, the Assembly expressed deep concern that
significant challenges require the intensification of efforts at all
levels to end obstetric fistula, and about the insufficient resources
for addressing obstetric fistula in high-burden countries. It
would request the Secretary-General to submit a comprehensive report
with disaggregated data on obstetric fistula and challenges faced by
Member States in implementing the present resolution to the General
Assembly at its seventy-ninth session under the item “Advancement of
women”.
The Assembly next took up the Report of the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), questions relating to
refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions, which contains three draft resolutions.
Adopting draft resolution I on “Enlargement of the
Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees” without a vote, it decided
to increase the number of members of the Executive Committee of the
Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 107
to 108 States. It requested the Economic and Social Council to elect
the additional member at a meeting of its management segment in 2023.
The Assembly then adopted draft resolution II on “Office
of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees” by consensus,
expressing deep concern at the increasing number of people who are
forcibly displaced, including from conflict, persecution and climate.
It also expressed concern over challenges associated with hosting
refugees in national systems, given stretched resources, and stressed
the importance of responsibility-sharing among States. It expressed
deep concern about increasing threats to the security of humanitarian
aid workers and strongly condemned attacks on refugees and
asylum-seekers.
Further, the Assembly urged States to uphold the civilian
and humanitarian character of camps and settlements for refugees and
allow unhindered access to them for the UNHCR. It expressed grave
concern at the large number of asylum-seekers who have lost their lives
trying to reach safety and the unprecedented scale of the global food
crisis. Further, the Assembly expressed grave concern over the negative
long-term impact of continued cuts in food rations and called on donors
to ensure sustained support for the UNHCR and World Food Programme
(WFP).
Also adopting draft resolution III on “Assistance to
refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa” without a vote, the
Assembly expressed grave concern about the rising number of refugees
and displaced persons on the African continent, funding gaps in the
UNHCR and World Health Organization (WHO) budgets and deteriorating
living conditions in many refugee camps. It expressed further concern
over the decreasing trend in resettlement opportunities for displaced
persons.
Also by the text, the Assembly called on the
international community to take concrete action to meet the needs of
refugees and contribute generously to projects and programmes to create
durable solutions. It also condemned all acts that pose a threat to the
security of refugees and asylum-seekers, such as refoulement or
physical attacks. It called on UNHCR, African Union and African States
to strengthen partnerships to support the protection system for
refugees.
Turning next to the “Report of the Human Rights Council,” and a draft resolution of the same name, the Assembly adopted the text by
a recorded vote of 115 in favour to 3 against (Belarus, Israel,
Nicaragua), with 59 abstentions, taking note of the report, including
the addendum thereto, and its recommendations.
Speaking before the vote, the representative of Venezuela
stressed the importance of the Human Rights Council amid global
challenges, including reconstruction after the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Warning against politization of human rights and the negative impact of
unilateral coercive measures on such rights, he said the Body should
continue its work in a balanced and impartial way, in a spirit of
dialogue with all States. He disassociated from and rejected the
imposition of instruments and mechanisms that are established without
the consent of Venezuela.
The Assembly then took up the report on “Promotion and
protection of the rights of children”, which contains two draft
resolutions.
It adopted draft resolution I on “Protecting children
from bullying” without a vote, calling on States to protect children
from all forms of violence and provide appropriate support. It also
called on States to invest in education and digital literacy that will
ensure children’s safety online, analyse statistical data and provide
information on disabilities regarding bullying.
By further terms, the Assembly called on States to adopt
legislation to prevent bullying and strengthen the skills of
professionals working with children in early detection and response. It
urged States to ensure that schools address all forms of violence
against children, particularly girls.
The Assembly then adopted without a vote draft
resolution II on “Child, early and forced marriage”, urging States to
enact laws to end such practices and repeal provisions that enable
perpetrators of rape or abduction to escape prosecution by marrying
their victims. It also called on States to ensure the timely
registration of births and marriages and promote meaningful
participation of children and adolescents in issues affecting them.
By further terms, the Assembly urged Governments to
tackle poverty, lack of economic opportunities and other drivers of
child, early and forced marriage, including barriers to education.
Further, it urged States to address root causes of gender inequality,
drivers of violence and unequal power relations in which women and girls
are viewed as subordinate.
Next, the Assembly turned to the report on “Rights of
Indigenous Peoples” (document A/77/460), containing one draft resolution
of the same name.
Acting without a vote, it adopted the draft, expressing
deep concern that suicide rates in Indigenous Peoples’ communities are
often significantly higher than in the general population. It also
stressed the urgent need to enhance Indigenous Peoples’ adaptive
capacity to climate change and support their efforts to address it.
Also by the text, the Assembly urged States to ensure the
safety of Indigenous Peoples, promoting an enabling environment, in
which human rights violations are prevented, perpetrators held
accountable and access to justice and remedy ensured. It also urged
Governments to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are not forcibly removed
from their territories and that no relocation takes place without their
free, prior and informed consent.
The Assembly then took up its report on “Elimination of
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”,
which contains two draft resolutions.
Taking the floor before the action, the representative of Cuba
expressed his country’s commitment to the elimination of racism in all
its forms. Nazism is no exception, he said. Noting and condemning the
alarming spread of such racist ideology, he said that nothing justifies
promoting racist or xenophobic ideas. Although the delegation has
co‑sponsored the draft for many years, it must dissociate new operative
paragraph 3, he said, recalling the adoption of amendment L. 52, which
he said was divisive and targeting. The text could also highlight
neo‑Nazism in the United States, he stressed.
It then adopted draft resolution I on “Combating
glorification of Nazism, neo‑Nazism and other practices that contribute
to fueling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance” as orally revised and amended, by a
vote of 120 in favour and 50 against, with 10 abstentions (Afghanistan,
Ecuador, Myanmar, Palau, Panama, Papau New Guinea, Samoa, Switzerland,
Republic of Korea and Türkiye).
By its terms, the Assembly expressed alarm at the spread
in many parts of the world of various extremist political parties,
movements and ideologies, including neo‑Nazis and skinhead groups. It
noted with concern that the presence of extreme right-wing ideologues
can inject into political discourse the same ideologies that make
neo‑Nazism and extremism so dangerous. The Assembly also expressed deep
concern about the glorification of the Nazi movement, neo‑Nazism and
former members of the Waffen SS organization, which include erecting
monuments and holding public demonstrations on the Nazi past.
Further, the Assembly condemned incidents that glorify
Nazism, such as acts involving pro-Nazi graffiti and paintings,
including on monuments dedicated to victims of the Second World War. It
expressed alarm over the use by extremist groups, including neo-Nazi
groups, of the Internet and social media to recruit new members,
especially targeting children and young people, and disseminate their
hate-filled messages. The Assembly also condemned any denial of the
Holocaust as well as manifestation of religious intolerance or violence
based on ethnic origin or religious belief.
Speaking after the adoption, the representative of Venezuela
thanked the Russian Federation for presenting the draft on combatting
Nazism, which he said was timely. He added that the amendment to the
draft was hostile, undermining and politicizing the content of the
amendment. His delegation dissociated from operative paragraph 3, but
supports the rest of the resolution, he said.
The representative of the Russian Federation said
this generation is the last that will include living veterans of the
Second World War. He said the vote was shocking, adding that, for the
first time in the history of the United Nations, former Axis powers
voted against a text condemning Nazism. Germany, Japan and Italy have
committed blasphemy against victims of German Nazism, Italian Fascism
and Japanese militarism, he stressed.
Such fighting against members of the anti-Hitler
coalition makes clear that discussions on hostile States are premature,
he continued, asking the Assembly if these actions truly condemn the
military operation in Ukraine. Saying that it does not, he decried the
mentality of the ruling elite and noted that such delegations rewrite
history. Recalling that the resolution is thematic and not
country-specific, he rejected operative paragraph 4 condemning Moscow’s
military operation in Ukraine — where Nazism is supported at a
state-level, he added. Denazification is not a pretext, but a goal of
the military operation and the Russian Federation will lead to its very
end, he said.
The representative of China reiterated her firm
opposition to attempts to deny, distort and falsify the history of the
Second World War; her firm opposition to acts of glorifying Nazism,
fascism and militarism and acts fuelling their resurgence; and her
opposition of all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
intolerance. She said the practice of adding country-specific content
to thematic resolutions by means of amendments is inconsistent with the
established practice of the Third Committee. Among sponsors of the
respective amendment, there are certain countries that seek to falsify
the history of the Second World War and refuse to admit such war crimes
as massive sexual violence, she stressed, expressing concern about the
practice of a small number of countries creating division and
politicizing relevant agenda items. In view of the above, she
disassociated herself from the consensus on operative paragraph 3.
The representative of Nicaragua reiterated her disassociation from operative paragraph 3, which was amended and included in draft resolution I.
The representative of Belarus reiterated his
country’s vigorous efforts to preserve historic memory. He recalled
that Belarus paid with the lives of millions of its inhabitants to
eradicate Nazism. Opposing attempts to politicize this topic, he
disassociated himself from operative paragraph 4, which was introduced
as a politically motivated amendment.
The representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,
welcoming adoption of “L.5”, voiced deep concern over its amended
contents, which have nothing to do with combatting Nazism, neo-Nazism
and other forms of racism. It only seeks selective approaches by
politicizing issues and targeting individual countries. Reiterating his
country’s opposition to politicization, selectivity and double
standards, he disassociated from operative paragraph 3.
The representative of Sri Lanka stressed that it
is incumbent upon all Member States to give life to the letter and
spirit of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in all
activities. Operative paragraph 4 politicizes the issue of combatting
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and
introduces a narrow, restrictive, country-specific approach.
Disassociating with operative paragraph 4, he called on all parties to
adhere to the principles of universality, impartiality, non-selectivity
and objectivity in the promotion and protection of human rights.
The representative of Ukraine reminded all that
his country fought fascism and Nazism during the Second World War, with
millions of Ukrainians sacrificing their lives. In response to the
Russian Federation, he quoted the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights, who presented his report today. “Russian soldiers
executed civilians in makeshift places of detention. Others were
summarily executed on the spot following security checks in their
houses, yards and doorways, even where the victim had shown clearly that
they were not a threat, for example by holding their hands in the air.
There are strong indicators that the summary executions by the Russians
in Ukraine, documented in the report, may constitute the war crime of
wilful killing.” This is the fascism of today, the glorification of
fascism and Nazism being executed by the Russian Federation and what the
international community must stop, he stressed. Turning to operative
paragraph 4, he noted that it does not speak about the special operation
but rather the Russian Federation’s endeavours to justify its military
invasion and territorial aggression on the purported basis of
eliminating neo-Nazism. “That is why we do not allow rapists to lecture
us about how to fight rape”, he emphasized.
The representative of the Czech Republic, speaking
on behalf of the European Union, recalled that, for many European
countries, the end of the Second World War did not bring freedom but
further occupation and crimes against humanity by other totalitarian
regimes. Rejecting the term denazification, used by the Russian
Federation to justify its illegal invasion of Ukraine, she said such
distortion erodes understanding of the Holocaust. Reiterating her
commitment to the global fight against racism, xenophobia and temporary
forms of all extremist ideologies, including neo-Nazism, she noted that
member States of the European Union will vote against the resolution.
The representative of the United States
categorically condemned the glorification of Nazism. Describing the
resolution as an attempt to legitimize long-standing disinformation
narratives, she stressed that Moscow’s resolution is not a serious
effort to combat Nazism and antisemitism; instead, it is a shameful ploy
to justify its war of aggression in Ukraine. The United States fully
supported the amendment that passed and became a part of the adopted
resolution, she recalled, categorically rejecting the notion that the
draft has turned into a country-specific resolution.
Next, it adopted draft resolution II on “A global call
for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive
implementation of and followup to the Durban Declaration and Programme
of Action” by a vote of 129 in favour, 17 against with 36 abstentions. By
its terms, the Assembly expressed profound regret over evils inflicted
on millions as a result of slavery, colonialism, apartheid, genocide and
past tragedies, and called on States that have not already done so to
dispense reparatory justice. It also requested the Secretary-General to
include in his report on implementation of this resolution a section on
revitalizing the trust fund for the Programme for the Decade for Action
to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
The Assembly then took up the report on “Right of peoples to self-determination”, which contains three draft resolutions.
It adopted by a recorded vote of 130 in favour to
52 against, with 4 abstentions (Mexico, Liberia, Palau, Switzerland),
draft resolution I on “Use of mercenaries as a means of violating human
rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to
self-determination”. By its terms, the Assembly urged
States to take legislative measures to ensure their territories and
others under their control are not used for, and that their nationals do
not take part in, the recruitment, financing or transit of mercenaries
for activities designed to impede the right of peoples to
self-determination, destabilize or overthrow Governments or impair the
territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign States.
Further, the Assembly requested States to exercise
vigilance against any kind of hiring or financing of mercenaries by
private companies offering international military consultancy and
security services, and to impose specific bans on companies intervening
in armed conflicts to destabilize constitutional regimes.
The Assembly then adopted without a vote draft
resolution II on “Universal realization of the right of peoples to
self-determination”, expressing deep concern about acts of foreign
military intervention and occupation to suppress the right to
self-determination of peoples and nations. It expressed grave concern
that millions of people have been or are being uprooted from their homes
as refugees and displaced persons due to such interventions. It called
on those States responsible to cease their military interventions in
and occupation of foreign countries and territories as well as the
brutal methods employed against the populations during them.
Next, the Assembly adopted by a recorded vote of 167 in
favour to 6 against (Chad, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of
Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 9 abstentions (Cameroon,
Guatemala, Kiribati, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Togo,
Tuvalu), draft resolution III on “The right of the Palestinian people to
self-determination”. By the draft, it stressed the urgency of ending
Israeli occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which began in
1967, as well as a just, lasting peace settlement between the
Palestinian and Israeli sides, based on relevant resolutions of the
United Nations and the Madrid terms of reference, including the Arab
Peace Initiative and Quartet Road map to a permanent two‑State solution
to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also stressed the need to
respect the territorial integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory,
including East Jerusalem. Further, the Assembly urged all States and
the United Nations to continue to support and assist the Palestinian
people in the early realization of their right to self-determination.
The Assembly then turned to its report on “Promotion and
protection of human rights”, which contains no draft resolutions. The
Assembly took note of the report.
Next, the Assembly took up its report on “Promotion and
protection of human rights; implementation of human rights instruments”,
which contains two draft resolutions.
It adopted without a vote draft resolution I on “Torture
and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”,
condemning all forms of torture and other cruel treatment and any
attempt to legalize such acts, including on grounds of national
security, counter-terrorism or through judicial decisions. It also
emphasized that acts of torture and cruel treatment in armed conflict
are serious violations of international humanitarian law constituting
war crimes, that acts of torture can constitute crimes against humanity
and that the perpetrators must be prosecuted. Further, the Assembly
urged States not to transfer a person to another State where they would
be in danger of being subjected to torture.
Also by the text, the Assembly called on States to adopt
measures to prevent torture and cruel treatment, particularly in the
context of the use of force by law enforcement officials and in places
of detention. It would also urge States to ensure that prolonged
incommunicado detention and secret places of detention and interrogation
are abolished. The Assembly also urged States to ensure that no
authority tolerates sanctions or reprisals against any person, group or
association seeking to contact stakeholders combating torture and ensure
accountability for such acts.
The Assembly then adopted draft resolution II titled
“Human rights treaty body system”, by which it would invite the Chairs
of the human rights treaty bodies to engage in an interactive dialogue
at the Assembly’s seventy-eighth and seventy-ninth sessions. It would
encourage all stakeholders to continue their efforts for the full
implementation of resolution 68/268 on “Strengthening and enhancing the
effective functioning of the human rights treaty body system”. Also by
the text, the Assembly would note that the COVID‑19 pandemic showed the
need to strengthen the capacity of the treaty bodies to interact online
as well as the potential of digitalization for improved efficiency of
such bodies and the interaction with stakeholders.
Next, the Assembly took up the report on “Human rights
questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective
enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”, which contains 15
draft resolutions.
Speaking in explanation of position before the vote, the representative of Maldives
said that while the death penalty is a form of punishment that can be
prescribed under the laws of his country, Maldives has maintained an
informal moratorium on that. His Government will take substantial steps
to implement positive and meaningful changes to its judiciary and to
align domestic legal instruments with international obligations. While
the death penalty remains on the books, the government understands that
the country’s criminal justice system must be reformed, he said.
The representative of Oman speaking on behalf of
the Gulf Cooperation Council, stressed that it is important to respect
the sovereignty of countries as stipulated in the Charter. The death
penalty is part of many national legislations and of the sovereign
practices of the countries in her group. Also highlighting operative
paragraph one as a cornerstone for entering into any discussions about
the death penalty, she added that all countries have the right to
implement their own domestic laws to ensure their security.
It then adopted without a vote draft resolution I on “The
right to privacy in the digital age”, calling on States to protect the
right to privacy, including in the context of digital communications and
new and emerging technologies. It also called on States to regularly
review their procedures regarding the surveillance of communications,
the use of profiling, automated decision-making, machine learning and
biometric technologies. The Assembly further called on States to
develop policies to ensure that all business enterprises respect the
right to privacy in the design of technologies.
The Assembly then adopted by a recorded vote of 132 in
favour and 25 against, with 28 abstentions, draft resolution II on “The
right to development”, stressing the need to increase
the participation of developing countries in international
decision-making. It also expressed concern about increasing cases of
human rights abuses by transnational corporations, underlined the need
to ensure justice and underscored that these entities must contribute to
the right to development.
Also by the text, the Assembly expressed deep concern
about the negative impact that the aggravated economic and social
situation has on the right to development, particularly in developing
countries. It urged developed countries to meet the targets of
0.7 per cent of their gross national product (GNP) for official
development assistance (ODA) to developing countries and 0.15 to
0.2 per cent of their GNP to the least developed countries. Further, it
emphasized the urgent need to take measures to combat corruption at all
levels.
Without a vote, the Assembly then adopted draft
resolution III on “Enhancement of international cooperation in the field
of human rights”. By the text, it urged all
international actors to reject all doctrines of exclusion based on
racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. It
emphasized the importance of the Universal Periodic Review as a
mechanism based on cooperation, and the need for a constructive approach
by all stakeholders to resolve human rights issues in international
forums. Further, the Assembly urged States to take measures necessary
to enhance bilateral, regional and international cooperation to address
the adverse impact of compounded global crises on human rights.
Next, the Assembly took up draft resolution IV on “Human
rights and unilateral coercive measures” by a recorded vote of 130 in
favour and 53 against, with 1 abstention (Brazil). By the text, it
expressed deep concern about States facing both unilateral coercive
measures and the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic. It urged States to
cease adopting unilateral measures counter to international law and
refrain from applying unilateral trade measures that impede sustainable
economic development. Further, the Assembly condemned including Member
States in unilateral lists under false pretexts, such as terrorism
sponsorship, and strongly objected to the extraterritorial nature of
measures threatening the sovereignty of States.
Also by the text, the Assembly requested the
Secretary-General and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
to provide necessary resources for the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, and
that the Rapporteur submit a report on implementation of the present
resolution and the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures to
the General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session.
By a recorded vote of 122 in favour and 54 against, with
10 abstentions (Armenia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Liberia,
Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay), the Assembly then adopted draft
resolution V on “Promotion of a democratic and equitable international
order”. By its terms, it expressed deep concern that the current global
economic, climate and food crises widen the gap between developed and
developing countries. It also expressed deep concern about uneven
access to COVID‑19 vaccines for developing countries, emphasizing that
an equitable approach enhances the capacities of all countries to have
equal access to vaccines. It urged all actors to build an order based
on inclusion, solidarity, mutual universal human rights and to reject
all doctrines of exclusion based on racism, xenophobia and related
intolerance.
Next, the Assembly adopted draft resolution VI on
“Promotion of peace as a vital requirement for the full enjoyment of all
human rights by all” by a recorded vote of 131 in favour and
53 against, with 1 abstention (Brazil), stressing that the deep fault
line dividing human society into rich and poor and ever-increasing gap
between the developed and developing worlds pose a major threat to
global prosperity, peace and security and stability. It also emphasized
that promotion of peace demands that policies of States be directed
towards elimination of the threat of war, particularly nuclear war,
renunciation of the use or threat of use of force in international
relations and settlement of international disputes by peaceful means.
Adopting draft resolution VII on “The right to food” without
a vote, the Assembly expressed deep concern that over 2.3 billion
people in the world experience moderate or severe food insecurity.
Further, it expressed alarm that, in 2021, the number of people who had
no access to adequate food rose to 3.1 billion, and that between
702 million and 828 million people faced hunger.
Also by the text, the Assembly expressed deep concern
that, while women contribute over 50 per cent of the food produced
worldwide, they represent 70 per cent of the world’s hungry. It called
on States to take measures to combat undernutrition in mothers and
children and eliminate preventable mortality and morbidity of children
under 5. Further, it called on States to combat the causes of hunger
among Indigenous Peoples.
Next, the Assembly adopted by a recorded vote of 133 in
favour and, none against, with 44 abstentions, draft resolution VIII on
“Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions,” noting
with deep concern that impunity can perpetuate extrajudicial, summary
or arbitrary executions and femicide and that such executions are
committed against persons exercising their rights, including to peaceful
assembly and freedom of expression. Further, it urged States to take
necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of national and
international humanitarian personnel. The Assembly also requested the
Secretary-General to offer appropriate resources to Special Rapporteurs
to carry out their mandates, including through country visits.
Without a vote, the Assembly then adopted draft
resolution IX on “Human Rights in the Administration of Justice”, urging
States to ensure the meaningful participation of women at all levels
and equal access to justice. It also urged States to reduce pretrial
detention and eliminate discrimination in law and practice against
persons who are in vulnerable situations or marginalized. In addition,
it urged States to ensure that neither capital punishment nor life
imprisonment without the possibility of release nor corporal punishment
is imposed for offences committed by persons under 18 years of age.
Further, it called on States to ensure effective access to justice for
persons with disabilities.
Following that, without a vote, the Assembly adopted
draft resolution X on “Missing persons”, calling on States parties to
armed conflict to prevent persons from going missing, account for
persons reported missing and ensure investigations and accountability.
It also urged States to avoid harming civilians who prevent persons from
going missing in armed conflict, including by minimizing military use
of civilian infrastructure. Further, it called on States to determine
the fate of the missing and provide family members with all information.
The Assembly then adopted without a vote draft
resolution XI on “Freedom of religion or belief”, expressing serious
concern over acts of violence based on religion and the increasing
number and intensity of such incidents. Further, it expressed concern
that State and non‑State actors encourage violence against religious
minorities as well as by an increasing number of laws that limit the
freedom of thought, religion or belief.
Also by the text, the Assembly expressed serious concern
about attacks on religious sites and shrines, including those carried
out in connection with incitement to national, racial or religious
hatred. It strongly condemned any advocacy of hatred based on religion
in any form of media.
Next, by a recorded vote of 125 in favour to 37 against, with 22 abstentions, the Assembly adopted draft resolution XII on “Moratorium on the use of the death penalty”, as amended, expressing deep concern about continued application of the death penalty. It called on States to make available information on their use of the death penalty and any scheduled executions, ensuring that trials leading to its imposition comply with internationally recognized fair-trial guarantees. Further, the Assembly called on States to progressively restrict use of the death penalty and ensure that those facing it can exercise their right to apply for pardon or commutation.
The Assembly also called on States to ensure that inmates, their children, families and legal representatives are provided with adequate information about their detention and pending execution to allow a last visit or communication, the return of the body for burial or information about where the body is located. In addition, it called on States to ensure the death penalty is not applied based on discriminatory laws, improve conditions in detention and establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty.
The Assembly then adopted draft resolution XIII on “Human rights and extreme poverty” without a vote, expressing
concern that the total number of persons living in extreme poverty
remains unacceptably high as well as over non‑income dimensions of
poverty, such as access to equitable quality education or basic health
services. It also expressed concern over the increase of people living
in poverty due to food, economic and climate crises and their negative
effect on the capacity of States to fight extreme poverty. Further, the
Assembly called on Member States to remove obstacles that people in
poverty face in areas such as housing, employment, education, health and
other social services, as well as legal frameworks that discriminate
based on socioeconomic status.
The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution XIV
on “The role of Ombudsman and mediator institutions in the promotion and
protection of human rights, good governance and the rule of law”. By
its terms, the Assembly would note with serious concern that Ombudsman
and mediator institutions experience threats to their autonomy or
security. It would stress the importance of the financial and
administrative independence of these institutions, and that they play an
important role in advising Governments’ national policies, bringing
them in line with their international human rights obligations. The
Assembly would also request the Secretary-General to report on the
implementation of the present resolution to the General Assembly at its
seventy-eighth session and to the Human Rights Council at its
fifty-fourth session.
Following that, the Assembly adopted draft resolution XV
on “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization,
discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons,
based on religion or belief” without a vote. By the text, it condemned
criminal acts committed by extremist groups against persons based on
their religion or belief, expressing deep concern about the prevalence
of impunity by perpetrators. It also expressed deep concern at
continued instances of derogatory stereotyping and stigmatization of
persons based on their religion or belief, as well as agendas pursued by
extremist individuals and organizations perpetuating negative
stereotypes about religious groups. Further, it condemned any advocacy
of religious hatred inciting hostility or violence in the media and
called on States to adopt policies to protect places of worship,
cemeteries and shrines if they are vulnerable to vandalism or
destruction.
The representative for Saint Kitts and Nevis,
explaining her country’s vote against draft resolution XII, underscored
the significance of a comprehensive and just criminal system. Her
Government applies the death penalty only as a punishment for the most
heinous crimes after extensive due process, ensures its national laws
are in line with international law provisions and firmly believes that
application of the death penalty is a criminal justice issue within its
justification. Situations of abuse, she reminded, may be treated as a
human rights issue in relevant and already established tribunals instead
of being politicized in the Third Committee. Although her country
engaged in hopes of clarifying and correcting inaccurate and misleading
assertions, it nevertheless is concerned by problematic content that
remains. She voiced hope that there will be greater flexibility in the
future in addressing such issues.
The representative for Singapore, explaining his
country’s vote against the same draft, stressed that the resolution is
inconsistent with international law by not acknowledging article VI of
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and omits the
rights of victims and families. Further, it seeks to export a
particular model of society to the rest of the world, undertakes a
“one-size-fits-all” approach and does not acknowledge or respect the
diversity of legal systems worldwide. Voicing his deep disappointment
with the resolution’s proponents, especially over their arbitrary
deletion of an operative paragraph on States’ sovereignty, he called on
them to reflect carefully on their approach, abandon their attitude of
“arrogance and cultural superiority”, show respect for the principle of
sovereignty and listen carefully to the diversity of positions on this
issue. “The ball is in their court,” he said, expressing hope that they
will change their approach.
The representative for the Philippines
disassociated from all references to the International Criminal Court
under agenda item 68. Her Government, she noted, withdrew from the Rome
Statute in 2019 out of its principled stand against those who
politicize human rights and disregard the Philippines’ independent and
well-functioning organs and agencies. Notwithstanding this withdrawal,
she reaffirmed her country’s commitment to the promotion and protection
of human rights as well as the fight against impunity for atrocity
crimes.
The Assembly then took up its report on “Human rights
situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives:
report of the Committee”, which contains five draft resolutions.
The representative of the Russian Federation,
speaking in explanation of vote before the vote, stressed that country
resolutions have little to do with the overall situation in nations
concerned. Instead, their goal is to further political agendas and wage
political wars. They are characterized by unfounded accusations, lies
and empty appeals, he said, adding that the content of these documents
is becoming increasingly divorced from reality. Moreover, they
discredit the United Nations human rights system based on the principle
of equality of States. Regarding the draft on “Situation of human
rights in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the
city of Sevastopol, Ukraine”, he condemned Kyiv’s hate-based policy
towards its Russian-speaking population as well as its egregious human
rights violations, including torture, killings and cultivation of
neo-Nazism. A vote in favour would mean supporting military escalation,
he asserted, noting that his delegation will vote against the
escalation of the crisis and against the impunity of the Kyiv regime.
The representative of Iran categorically rejected
the draft resolution concerning her country, supported by those with the
darkest human rights records. She criticized attempts to marginalize
Iran through exploitation of United Nations mechanisms and deny Iranian
women the opportunity to collaborate in the Commission on the Status of
Women. This resolution does not concern the protection of human rights;
instead, it aims to exert political pressure on Iran. The core value
of multilateralism is violated to reach unilateralist aims, she
cautioned, condemning the imposition of illegal unilateral coercive
measures against independent countries like Iran. Canada cannot play
the role of a saint regarding human rights, she said, also adding that
the Israeli regime continues the practice of forced evictions, arbitrary
detentions and torture. She called on States to adhere to the
universal principles of objectivity, impartiality and non-selectivity.
The representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
condemned in the strongest terms the draft on the human rights
situation in his country. He described the draft as a political
provocation aimed at undermining the political system in the Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea that has nothing to do with genuine
protection of human rights. The United States and Western countries are
abusing human rights issues as a political tool for overthrowing
systems of other countries. He reiterated his country’s principled
position against politization of human rights.
Without a vote, the Assembly then adopted draft
resolution I on “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea”. By its terms, it expressed deep concern at the
pervasive culture of impunity and lack of accountability for human
rights violations and abuses in that country. It expressed serious
concern about continuing reports of such abuses, including torture;
sexual and gender-based violence; extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary
executions; imposition of the death penalty for political and religious
reasons; extrajudicial and arbitrary detention; and absence of due
process and rule of law. The Assembly further expressed strong concern
about political prison camps; enforced and involuntary disappearances of
persons by arrest; and pervasive restrictions on freedoms of thought,
religion, expression, peaceful assembly and the right to privacy.
Also, by the text, the Assembly expressed deep concern
about the prevalence of chronic and acute malnutrition among persons in
the most vulnerable situations, exacerbated by a lack of access to basic
services, including health care, clean water and sanitation. It
strongly urged the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea to immediately put an end to systematic and widespread violations
of human rights; close political prison camps and release all political
prisoners; and ensure that everyone within the territory enjoys the
right to freedom of movement and is free to leave the country.
Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote draft
resolution II on “Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and
other minorities in Myanmar” , by which it condemned in the strongest
terms all violations of human rights against civilians, including
Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, perpetrated by
security and armed forces, which amount to the gravest crimes under
international law. It reiterated deep concern at continuing forced
displacement of civilians; recruitment of children; abductions;
arbitrary detentions; killings and maiming; and attacks on schools,
hospitals, places of worship and large civilian gatherings. The
Assembly further expressed deep concern over the use of hospitals and
schools for military purposes as well as landmines, making conditions in
Rakhine State unsuitable for the voluntary and safe return of refugees
and forcibly displaced persons, including the Rohingya.
Also by the text, the Assembly expressed deep concern
that, in Rakhine, more than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims remain largely
segregated and discriminated against in accessing citizenship and other
fundamental rights, many of whom remain confined in camps with no
freedom of movement. It also expressed alarm at continued attacks on
medical and humanitarian actors and the lack of safe and unhindered
humanitarian access. Further, the Assembly urgently called on Myanmar
or the Myanmar Military to end immediately all violations of
international law; ensure protection of human rights of all persons in
Myanmar; and ensure full accountability and end impunity, starting with
independent investigations. The Assembly requested the
Secretary-General to extend the appointment of the Special Envoy on
Myanmar and enable the Envoy on to discharge her mandate.
The Assembly then adopted draft resolution III on
“Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran” by a
recorded vote of 80 in favour and 29 against, with 65 abstentions. It
expressed serious concern at the significant increase in use of the
death penalty in Iran; disproportionate application of the death penalty
to persons belonging to minorities; and continuing disregard for
protections under Iranian law or internationally recognized safeguards
relating to the death penalty. It strongly urged Iran to eliminate all
forms of systemic discrimination and other human rights violations
against women and girls; ensure women’s and girls’ equal protection and
access to justice, including by prohibiting so-called honour killings
and child, early and forced marriage; lift restrictions on women’s and
girls’ equal access to primary and secondary education; and remove legal
and cultural barriers to women’s equal participation in the labour
market and all aspects of economic, cultural and political life.
The Assembly also expressed serious concern that the
enforcement of the hijab and chastity law and its violent implementation
by the Iranian morality police fundamentally undermines the human
rights of women and girls. It strongly urged Iran to cease the use of
excessive force against peaceful protestors, such as in the aftermath of
Mahsa Amini’s arbitrary arrest and subsequent death while in custody.
Further, it called on Iran to eliminate all forms of discrimination
based on thought, religion or belief, reiterating the importance of
independent investigations for all allegations of human rights
violations, including excessive use of force, arbitrary arrest,
detention and torture. The Assembly also called on Iran to cooperate
fully with the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, including by
accepting repeated requests to visit the country.
By a recorded vote of 82 in favour and 14 against, with
80 abstentions, the Assembly then adopted resolution IV on “Situation of
human rights in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea
and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine”. By the text, it condemned the
ongoing temporary occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation as well
as its unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. It also condemned the
imposition and retroactive application of the Russian Federation’s legal
system; imposition of its automatic citizenship on protected persons in
Crimea; and deportation, and effective restriction of land ownership of
those who have rejected that citizenship.
Further, the Assembly expressed deep concern about
continued reports that the law enforcement system of the Russian
Federation conducts searches and raids of private homes and businesses
in Crimea, which disproportionally affect Crimean Tatars. It also
condemned reported violations of international humanitarian law and
human rights, including extrajudicial killings, abductions, enforced
disappearances, politically motivated prosecutions, discrimination and
violence. It expressed deep concern about restrictions faced by
Ukrainians, in particular Crimean Tatars, in exercising their rights to
work, the ability to maintain their identity and culture and the right
to education in Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages.
In this context, the Assembly demanded that the Russian
Federation immediately end all violations of human rights and
international humanitarian law against residents of the temporarily
occupied Crimea; arbitrary detentions and arrests; enforced
disappearances; torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment;
sexual and gender-based violence; and compelling apprehended persons to
self-incriminate or “cooperate” with law enforcement. It also demanded
that the Russian Federation ensure fair trial, revoke all
discriminatory legislation and hold accountable those responsible for
violations by ensuring independent investigations.
Next, the Assembly adopted resolution V on “Situation of
human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic” by a vote of 92 in favour and
14 against, with 71 abstentions. By the text, it strongly condemned the
indiscriminate killing of civilians and continued indiscriminate use of
heavy weapons and aerial bombardments, which have caused more than
500,000 fatalities, including the killing of more than 29,000 children;
starvation of civilians as a method of warfare; and use of chemical
weapons. It noted with grave concern that the Office of the UNHCR has
identified 306,887 civilians who were killed in the conflict in Syria
between March 2011 and March 2022, including 26,727 women and 27,126
children.
Further, the Assembly expressed grave concern at the
remaining presence of violent extremism and terrorist groups in Syria,
expressing alarm that more than 5.6 million refugees have been forced to
flee the country, and that 11.1 million people, of whom 6.6 million are
internally displaced, require urgent humanitarian assistance, which has
resulted in an influx of Syrian refugees into neighbouring countries,
other countries in the region and beyond. It demanded that the Syrian
regime and ISIL/Da’esh immediately desist from any further use of
chemical weapons. The Assembly further called for the continuation of
cross-border humanitarian support beyond January 2023 and for at least
12 months. The Assembly also demanded that the Syrian regime cooperate
fully with the Commission of Inquiry, including by granting it immediate
and unhindered access throughout the country.
Speaking in explanation of position after adoption, the representative of Ukraine
pointed to forcible deportations, illegal detention, tortures,
executions and other massive crimes against humanity committed by the
Russian Federation. Thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war and
civilians remain in terrible conditions in detention in the temporarily
occupied territories, he said, adding that hundreds of orphans were
given for adoption to Russian families. The resolution just adopted
notes that the temporary occupation of Crimea became a blueprint for a
grave human rights crisis in other territories of Ukraine, he pointed
out.
The representative of China opposed provoking
countries and the practice of pressuring them under the pretext of human
rights. Rejecting establishment of country-specific mechanisms without
the concerned country’s consent, she said her delegation voted against
the three drafts that were voted on. Concerning the drafts on the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Myanmar, China will not join
consensus, she said.
The representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis said
resolutions under this item run counter to principles of
double-standards and non-selectivity, suggesting that the Universal
Periodic Review is the correct tool to review human rights issues in
countries. Although the country abstained from the vote, Saint Kitts
and Nevis supports the substance of the draft, she said, calling on all
countries to protect human rights.
The representative of Cuba said he does not
support politically motivated resolutions without consent from concerned
countries. Dissociating from the resolution on the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea, he added that such texts foster mistrust in general,
but that this one takes the dangerous step of involving the Security
Council, which oversteps this Committee’s mandate. Cuba will not be
complicit in attacks against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
and their rights to self-determination and development, he said. Adding
that only international cooperation and adherence to principles of
non-selectivity will allow the international community to progress on
human rights, he said his delegation favours the Universal Periodic
Review.
The representative of Nicaragua reiterated
rejection of the respective resolutions, based on politicized
selectivity, lack of objectivity and absence of consent of the country
concerned. He disassociated himself from the resolution on the human
rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,
reiterating his commitment to promotion and protection of all human
rights, opposing politicization of the matter.
The representative of Belarus reiterated his
country’s consistent opposition of selective examination of
country-specific human rights topics. Instrumentalization of human
rights through country resolutions does not resolve human rights
problems, but rather exacerbates confrontation between Member States, he
stressed. Based on this approach, Belarus voted against all country
resolutions and disassociated itself from consensus on the resolutions
on situations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Myanmar.
The representative of Syria rejected
politicization and selectivity in addressing human rights issues. She
also opposed antagonization, confrontation and attempts to isolate
countries — in double standards — aimed at covering crimes of other
States and their violation of human rights. The fact that such
resolutions are being adopted creates arenas for confrontation. She
stressed that the adoption of country-specific resolutions politicizes
promotion of human rights and constitutes a violation of the principles
of objectivity and non‑selectivity. She, thus, dissociated herself from
consensus on the resolution relating to the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea and reaffirmed voting against the three that were
voted on. She pointed out that Syria will acknowledge and accept the
mandate emanating from such resolutions when there will be 193 similar
resolutions. “What applies to others, will apply to us. What applies
to us, must also apply to others,” she stressed.
The representative of Venezuela reiterated his
country’s rejection of any report or resolution against a specific
country without that Government’s consent, since they are expressions of
politicization and selectivity. Since these mechanisms do not enter
into a dialogue with all parties and are often submitted to third and
even fourth parties, they lack objectivity, impartiality, transparency,
non-selectivity, non-politicization, non-confrontation and equality and
mutual respect for national sovereignty. He then disassociated from the
resolution on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea.
The Assembly then turned to its report, “Promotion and
protection of human rights: comprehensive implementation of and
follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action”, which
contains no draft proposals. The Assembly took note of the report.
The Assembly then took up the report, Crime Prevention
and Criminal Justice, which contains seven resolutions, all adopted
without a vote.
It adopted draft resolution I on “Follow-up to the
fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal
Justice and preparations for the fifteenth United Nations Congress on
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice”, which contains programme budget implications. By
its terms, the Assembly requested the Commission on Crime Prevention
and Criminal Justice to continue implementing the appropriate policy for
follow-up to the Kyoto Declaration and decided to hold the fifteenth
United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in
2026. The Assembly further requested the Commission on Crime Prevention
and Criminal Justice to approve at its thirty-second session the
overall theme and agenda items for the workshops of the fifteenth
Congress.
Adopting draft resolution II, “Reducing reoffending
through rehabilitation and reintegration”, the Assembly requested the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to convene a meeting of
an open-ended intergovernmental expert group to develop model
strategies on reducing reoffending that can serve as useful tools for
Member States. It requested UNODC to support efforts of Member States
to reduce reoffending through promotion of rehabilitative environments
by providing technical assistance to Member States, in particular
developing countries.
Next, the Assembly adopted draft resolution III on
“Strengthening national and international efforts, including with the
private sector, to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse”. It
noted with concern the growing threat posed by “self-generated” child
sexual abuse materials, where children are coerced into producing such
materials, as well as linkages between child sexual exploitation and
trafficking in children for commercial sexual exploitation. It further
urged Member States to criminalize all forms of child sexual
exploitation and abuse, including online, grant law enforcement agencies
authority and provide tools to identify victims and bring perpetrators
to justice.
Adopting draft resolution IV on “United Nations African
Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders”,
the Assembly urged the Institute’s member States to pay all or part of
their outstanding arrears. It further urged Member States,
non-governmental organizations and the international community to
continue to adopt measures to support the Institute in developing
requisite capacity and implementing its activities aimed at
strengthening criminal justice systems in Africa.
The Assembly then took up draft resolution V on
“Preventing and combating corrupt practices and the transfer of proceeds
of corruption, facilitating asset recovery and returning such assets to
legitimate owners, in particular to countries of origin, in accordance
with the United Nations Convention against Corruption”. By the text,
the Assembly expressed concern that corruption threatens the stability
of societies and that the impact of widespread corruption
disproportionately affects the most disadvantaged. It stressed that
preventive measures are the most effective means of avoiding corruption
and, calling on States parties to the Convention to fulfil their
commitments, such as criminalizing the bribing of foreign public
officials and preventing the acquisition, transfer and laundering of
proceeds of corruption.
Also by the text, the Assembly urged States parties to
designate a central authority for international cooperation and remove
barriers to asset recovery. It also urged States to develop effective
anti-corruption policies promoting society's participation and called on
the private sector to remain engaged in the fight against corruption.
The Assembly requested the Secretary-General to continue providing UNODC
resources to promote implementation of the Convention and fund the
accompanying review mechanism.
Next, the Assembly adopted draft resolution VI on
“Strengthening and promoting effective measures and international
cooperation on organ donation and transplantation to prevent and combat
trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal and trafficking
in human organs”. It thereby urged States to strengthen legislative
frameworks to combat trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ
removal and trafficking in human organs, including the criminalization
of these practices to ensure accountability. It also urged them to
guarantee that donation of organs is guided by clinical criteria and
ethical norms and that the removal and transplantation of human organs
take place in specifically authorized centres. It further urged the
development of regulatory oversight of medical facilities and
professionals and of registries regarding each organ recovery and
transplantation procedure and outcomes for living donors and recipients,
as well as identification systems.
The Assembly then adopted draft resolution VII on
“Strengthening the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice
programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity”, urging
States to develop strategies to effectively address transnational
organized crime and strengthen cooperation in accordance with the United
Nations Convention against Corruption for asset recovery, with the
cooperation of the UNODC. It also called on States to strengthen
cooperation to counter foreign terrorist fighters, and address
radicalization to terrorism in prisons.
Also by the text, the Assembly urged States parties to
make use of the United Nations Convention against Transnational
Organized Crime for cooperation in combating trafficking of cultural
property, especially in returning such confiscated proceeds to their
legitimate owners. It also urged States to introduce national and
international measures to combat illicit trafficking of cultural
property and take steps at the national level to eradicate the illegal
trade of wildlife.
The Assembly then turned to its report “Countering the
use of information and communications technologies for criminal
purposes”, which contains no draft proposals. The Assembly took note of
the report.
The Assembly then turned to the report “International drug control”, which contains one draft resolution.
It adopted the draft on “Addressing the world drug
problem through a comprehensive and balanced approach” by a recorded
vote of 124 in favour to 9 against (Belarus, Cameroon, Iran, Nicaragua,
Niger, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Syria and Türkiye), with
45 abstentions. By its terms, the Assembly condemned discriminatory or
violent practices by law enforcement officials against marginalized
persons, including systemic racism in law enforcement and criminal
justice systems. It also expressed deep concern that drug traffickers
are heavily armed with firearms obtained through trafficking, and
expressed concern that illicit cultivation of drug crops can cause
serious harm to the environment, deforestation and groundwater
contamination. Further, the Assembly urged Member States and other
donors to continue to fund the global drug problem response to address
the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic among people who inject drugs, and in
prisons.
Speaking in explanation of vote, the representative of the Russian Federation
noted that the old text of the consensus omnibus resolution of 2021 was
supported by all, as it reflected the outcome of many years of
negotiations to harmonize positions of delegations in New York. He
thanked those who voted against or abstained, adding that the resolution
is imbalanced and unacceptable.
The Assembly next took up the report on “Revitalization
of the Work of the General Assembly”, which contains one draft
resolution.
It adopted the draft resolution on “Draft programme of
work of the Third Committee for the seventy-eighth session of the
General Assembly” without a vote.
The Assembly then turned to its report “Programme
planning”, which contains no draft proposals. The Assembly took note of
the report. - UN Meeting Coverage
