THIRD COMMITTEE DRAFT SEEKS CONTINUED ASSEMBLY SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIANS' QUEST FOR SELF-DETERMINATION
Press Release
GA/SHC/3308
THIRD COMMITTEE DRAFT SEEKS CONTINUED ASSEMBLY SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIANS' QUEST FOR SELF-DETERMINATION
19951019 Other Texts Concern Mercenary Activity, Elimination of Racism; Debate Continues on Criminal Justice, International Drug ControlThe international community would be urged by the General Assembly to continue to support the Palestinian people in their quest for self- determination under the terms of one of six draft resolutions introduced in the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural), this afternoon.
By another draft on self-determination, the Assembly would urge all States to exercise the utmost vigilance against the menace posed by the activities of mercenaries and to take necessary measures to ensure that their territories, and other territories under their control, were not used for mercenary activities.
A further draft concerned the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination.
The Committee also heard the introduction of three draft resolutions related to the elimination of racism and racial discrimination. The first was on measures to combat contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; the second, on the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination; and the third, on the report of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Committee also continued its discussion of crime prevention and criminal justice. Representatives stressed the need for prompt exchange of information among States on transnational crime. On international drug control, the need for universal treaty adherence and implementation was emphasized.
Statements on crime and criminal justice, and international drug control, were made by the representatives of Nigeria, Kazakstan, Philippines, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Syria, Algeria, Lesotho, Swaziland, Iran, Sudan, Poland and the Russian Federation.
The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m., tomorrow, 20 October to continue its consideration of crime prevention and criminal justice as well as international drug control.
Committee Work Programme
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this afternoon to continue its discussion on Crime and Criminal Justice as well as issues related to international drug control. The Committee was also expected to hear the introduction of six draft resolutions.
On the subject of Crime and Criminal Justice, the Committee has before it a report of the Secretary-General on the African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders; the Secretary-General's report on progress made in the implementation of General Assembly resolution 49/158 on the strengthening of the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice programme; the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Naples Declaration and Global Action Plan against Organized Transnational Crime; and the report of the Secretary-General on the Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders.
On international drug control, the Committee has before it the report by the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 48/12. (For background information on reports before the Committee, see Press Release GA/SHC/3305 of 17 October.)
The Committee is also expected to hear the introduction of three draft resolutions related to the elimination of racism and racial discrimination and three others on the right of peoples to self determination.
Draft Resolutions
A draft resolution on measures to combat contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (document A/C.3/50/L.5) would have the General Assembly express its profound concern at all forms of racism and all racist violence, including related acts of random and indiscriminate violence.
It would also express its deep condemnation of manifestations of racism and related intolerance against migrant workers and members of their families, and other vulnerable groups in many societies. It would call upon all States to include in their educational curricula and social programmes, knowledge, tolerance and respect for foreign cultures, peoples and countries and to inculcate positive values of all cultures.
The text would also have the Assembly call upon governments and intergovernmental organizations, with the assistance of non-governmental organizations, to supply relevant information to the Special Rapporteur. It would urge all governments to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur to enable him to fulfil his mandate, and to consider his recommendations positively.
In addition, the draft resolution would have the Assembly request the Secretary-General, without further delay, to provide the Special Rapporteur with all the necessary human and financial assistance in carrying out his mandate.
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That text was sponsored by Mexico, Philippines and Turkey.
Another draft resolution, sponsored by the Philippines, on the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (document A/C.3/50/L.6), would have the Assembly decide that the international community and the United Nations, in particular, should intensify their efforts, during the Third Decade, to provide assistance and relief to the victims of racism and all forms of racial discrimination.
It would further call upon all Member States to consider signing and ratifying or acceding to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families as a matter of priority.
Also by that text, the Assembly would renew its invitation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to expedite the preparation of teaching materials and teaching aids to promote teaching, training and educational activities on human rights and against racism and racial discrimination, with particular emphasis on activities at the primary and secondary levels of education.
The Assembly would consider that all the parts of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade should be given equal attention and would regret that some of the activities scheduled for the Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination had not been implemented for lack of adequate resources.
The Assembly would further request the Secretary-General to ensure that the necessary financial resources were provided for the implementation of the activities of the Third Decade during the biennium 1996-1997 and that activities of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade be given priority. It would also appeal to all governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and individuals in a position to do so to contribute generously to the Trust Fund for the Programme for the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
By a draft on the report of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (document A/C.3/50/L.9) the Assembly would encourage that Committee to contribute fully to the implementation of the Third Decade and its revised Programme of Action.
Also by that text, the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to ensure adequate financial arrangements and appropriate means to enable the
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functioning of the Committee and would further call on States to submit in due time their periodic reports on measures taken to implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and to pay outstanding contributions. Also, the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to invite States that were in arrears to pay the amounts in arrears.
The draft is sponsored by Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
By the text of a draft resolution on the use of mercenaries (document A/C.3/30/L.4) the General Assembly would urge all States to exercise the utmost vigilance against the menace posed by the activities of mercenaries and ensure through legislative measures that their territories and other territories under their control were not used for mercenary activities.
The Assembly would call upon all States to take early action to sign or to ratify the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. It would further request the Centre for Human Rights of the Secretariat to publicize the adverse effects of mercenary activities on the right to self-determination and, where necessary, render advisory services to States affected by the activities of mercenaries.
That text was sponsored by Algeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Guinea, India, Kenya, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda.
By the text of a draft resolution on the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination (document A/C.3/50/L.7), the General Assembly would declare its firm opposition to acts of foreign military intervention, aggression and occupation, since those had resulted in the suppression of the right of peoples to self-determination and other human rights in certain parts of the world.
Also by that text, the Assembly would call upon the States responsible to cease immediately their military intervention in and occupation of foreign countries and territories, and all acts of repression, discrimination, exploitation and maltreatment, particularly the brutal and inhuman methods reportedly employed for the execution of those acts against the peoples concerned. It would further deplore the plight of the millions of refugees and displaced persons who have been uprooted as a result of such acts, and reaffirm their right to return to their homes voluntarily in safety and honour.
That draft resolution was sponsored by Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam, Cape Verde, Djibouti, Egypt, Honduras, Iran,
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Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
By the text of the draft resolution on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination (document A/C.3/50/L.8), the General Assembly would reaffirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and express the hope that they would soon be exercising that right in the current peace process. It would also urge the international community to continue to support the Palestinian people in their quest for self-determination.
The draft was sponsored by Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Guinea, Indonesia, Jordan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Statements
SAM OTUYELU (Nigeria) said Nigeria continued to demonstrate intense concern over the twin problems of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. That concern was manifested in its pursuit of a comprehensive National Drug Control strategy and its total commitment to international cooperation.
The year following 1994 was a very critical period for Nigeria in every aspect of its existence as a united entity. Even at that critical time, Nigeria was aware of the impression commonly held in the international community that it had become a major drug transit country. Its multiple approach to the drug war before the end of 1994 was not coordinated or adequately focused; at the same time, Nigeria received little or no cooperation from those countries that were most vocal in criticizing it on the drug war.
He said actions taken by Nigeria included the establishment of a ministerial task force on drugs and financial crimes. It also appointed a special adviser to the head of State on drugs and financial crimes and enacted a national drug, money-laundering and advance fee fraud control policy. This was to serve as short-, medium- and long-term objectives for the eradication of all drug and financially related crimes.
Nigeria did not belong to the drug producing or consuming countries, he said. It was, however, perceived by the international community as a major drug trafficking country. That perception could not be true since actual data proved otherwise, including data from the World Customs Organization for the period January until May this year.
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He said Nigeria extended its hands to all drug producing and consuming and trafficking countries, to join forces to counter that global problem.
AKMARAL KH. ARYSTANBEKOVA (Kazakstan) said fighting transnational organized crime was beyond the capability of individual States. An international response to the problem was becoming more necessary. Effectively resisting organized crime needed the cooperation of all States.
She said that there must be a comprehensive global plan of action to combat organized transnational crime. Kazakstan had tried to strengthen its fight against crime; special units had been established to combat crime and corruption, and to fight illegal narcotic trafficking, a monitoring body had been set up.
Kazakstan would soon join United Nations instruments on the fight against transnational crimes, she went on. It also planned national regulations, and had concluded bilateral agreements with a number of States to fight crime. It was useful to ensure exchange of information among regional groups in the fight against crime. Kazakstan was ready to cooperate with the United Nations and all States.
FRANCISCO S. TATAD (Philippines) said the key to combating the drug problem was "universal treaty adherence and implementation". While the creation of new international conventions was not necessary, amendments to the existing treaties were needed. His Government rejected the legalization of drugs considered by some States.
The drug law enforcement programmes in his country were aimed at eradicating cannabis plantations, neutralizing drug trafficking networks and controlling importation of illicit drugs through the rigid enforcement of customs laws. His Government was especially concerned with the effect of drug abuse on children, particularly street children. For that reason, a national education programme had been established which offered the young a more attractive and healthier drug-free environment.
He supported measures for drug abuse control, including swapping debt for alternative development and satellite imaging technology for the detection of clandestine plantations.
YONG-MIN PARK (Republic of Korea) said transit and producing States were experiencing an increase in drug consumption. Drug traffickers were looking for new markets. There had been an alarming case of heroin smuggling in his country, presumably targeting the domestic market. Cooperation at the international, regional and sub-regional levels was key to an efficient anti- drug strategy.
He said the effective gathering and dissemination of information was an indispensable element of any successful anti-drug operation. The prompt and
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reliable exchange of statistical data could significantly contribute to the establishment of an advanced crime prevention system, which could facilitate the identification of transnational criminal organizations. His country would soon ratify the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
FAYSSAL MEKDAD (Syria) said organized crime had become a major problem in many parts of the world. Exploitation of some banking laws in the laundering of money was a threat to the universal campaign to fight such crime. Syria was coordinating its national efforts and supported local efforts aimed at fighting organized transnational crimes. Those efforts were aimed at ensuring the highest standards of equity and justice.
He called for practical assistance to States to combat the crime at the national level. Efforts to fight transnational crime should take into account the historic characteristics of each State. Collection, management and dissemination of information on crime was extremely important, since that would make international cooperation more effective.
He also called for exchange of expertise and information in various fields, and for technical assistance for States needing it in the fight against organized transnational crime. Conclusion of bilateral and multilateral agreements, especially in extradition, could also contribute to consolidating efforts at facing the challenges of such crime.
He said Syria had promulgated a law to combat the illegitimate use of drugs. It harmonized Syrian national legislation with international conventions. Syria was also cooperating with the relevant international organizations to eliminate the illegitimate use of drugs.
Syria strongly condemned terrorism, he continued. However, it distinguished between terrorism and legitimate struggle of people for self- determination.
AMINA MESDOUA (Algeria) said the role of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme in solving the problem of drugs was essential. However, international efforts for improved cooperation were needed. She encouraged a dialogue between the Drug Control Programme and international financial institutions -- such as the World Bank and the regional development banks. These needed to include the drug problem within their programmes. The idea of "debt for drugs" -- to forgive the foreign debt of developing States in order to fight the drug problem -- could greatly help drug production countries. It could also be implemented in transit countries.
She said some African countries had been identified as major producers. For that reason, the Drug Control Programme needed to allocate the necessary resources to fighting the drug problem in such a vulnerable continent as Africa. Algeria had been used as a drug transit route to the North. However,
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hard core drugs were also currently being consumed locally. For that reason, a national prevention campaign had been established.
LIPUO MOTEETEE (Lesotho) said her Government supported the implementation of punitive measures against drug traffickers. Furthermore, the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders needed more financial resources. She supported the establishment of an international training centre for law enforcement and criminal justice personnel. That could be of great use to some countries such as hers, which had inherited a militant police force which "did not understand its role in a democratic society".
She said there was great need to improve the capacity of the criminal justice infrastructure in most developing countries, whose requirements included equipment to identify counterfeit money and computers to gather data.
THOMAS S. MASUKU (Swaziland) said efforts at social, economic and political development would amount to an exercise in futility, if efforts against transnational crime were not given the urgency and priority they deserved. The criminals were organized, systematic and often deadly; they had access to and were able to manipulate the latest technology. It was therefore important that all nations create a network of bilateral, multilateral, regional and international connections.
In the southern African region, there had been an upsurge in transnational crime, manifesting itself in car theft; drug trafficking; destruction of fauna, especially rhinoceros; smuggling of precious stones and arms of war; and cattle rustling. To address that problem Swaziland had had to strengthen cooperation and exchange of information with her neighbours and to negotiate treaties, but that had not been sufficient. Help was still needed in such areas as analyses of organized transnational criminal organizations, training of officers and introduction of modern telecommunications and data processing equipment.
GHOLAMHOSSEIN DEHGHANI (Iran) said Iran had participated actively in all important gatherings on crime. It attached great importance to the fight against transnational crime. Because of its influence in society, the mass media had a vital role to play in the fight.
He said that extending extradition treaties, changing outdated models and reducing red tape would improve extradition methods and enhance the efforts against organized crimes. Iran had suffered because of blind terrorist violence, the fight against which must be supported at all international levels. Iran supported United Nations conventions in that regard. It was participating with newly-independent central Asian States to combat transnational crimes.
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Iran supported the measures adopted to counter violence against women, he went on. Ethnic cleansing was the most vivid manifestation of that problem, as seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The world remained indifferent to that situation in that country. He added that Iran supported the proposal to upgrade the United Nations Crime Prevention branch into a division.
HASSAN WADI (Sudan) said the problem of crime extended beyond borders. United Nations entities dealing with the problems of crime and drugs needed to receive the necessary funds to effectively fight such problems. The establishment of international anti-crime strategies was imperative. Extra resources needed to be allocated to the African Institute so that it could implement its programmes. The gap between developed and developing countries in the field of technology and the gathering of information meant that their collaboration was not taking place quickly enough. She noted that due to its geographical location, Sudan had become a drug transit country.
Existing institutions in the fight against crime needed to act more efficiently, she said. Organized crime should not be confused with political concepts, as had occurred in a few States wishing to advance their own political purposes.
Her country had set up rehabilitation centres for prisoners. "Prisoners need to be reintegrated in the society to become productive beings", she said. The solution of social problems could be achieved through the enforcement of the family unit as the basis of society.
ZBIGNIEW SZYMANSKI (Poland) said his country had taken strong steps to protect society against organized crime through effective legal measures. Although the penal code in force in Poland included the possibility of capital punishment for the most severe crimes, in practice such a penalty had not been imposed since 1989. In 1995, the Parliament introduced a five-year moratorium on the carrying out of capital punishment.
He said it was no longer possible to approach the drug problem by simplistic division between producing, transit and consuming countries. Abuse of drugs and psychotropic substances had spread throughout the world and had become a growing source of social and economic insecurity. That challenge must be met globally through effective cooperation.
ANDREI KOLOSSOVSKI (Russian Federation) said there had been an increase in activities hindering development, among which the high level of crime was major. Transnational crime was actually a threat to international security.
He called for swift measures for strengthening the United Nations programme on crime prevention and to upgrade the Crime Prevention branch into a division.
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Commending the result of the Ninth United Nations Crime Congress, he said the international community must work to ensure the implementation of its recommendations.
He said that there was a special threat in growth of crime for States having a difficult time in transforming their economic and social situations. Russia was considering draft laws to strengthen the campaign against crime. Law enforcement bodies in Russia were striving to stem the growth of crime and to protect the individual and the State. However, the efforts of individual nations needed to be supported at the regional and international level.
Introduction of Draft Resolutions
RUTH S. LIMJUCO (Philippines), on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, introduced, as orally revised, the draft resolution on measures to combat contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
HOCINE SAHRAOUI (Algeria) introduced the draft resolution on the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. China joined the text's sponsors.
EVA TOMIC (Slovenia) introduced the draft resolution on the report of the Committee on the elimination of racial discrimination.
SAM OTUYELU (Nigeria) introduced, as orally revised, the draft resolution on the use of mercenaries to violate human rights and to impede the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination. Egypt joined in sponsoring the text.
MOHAMMAD MASOOD KHAN (Pakistan) introduced the draft resolution on the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination.
KARIM WISSA (Egypt) introduced the draft resolution on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Guinea Bissau, Mozambique and Lesotho joined in sponsoring the text.
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