NIGERIA DEFENDS RECENT EXECUTIONS AS `IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW', IN STATEMENT TO THIRD COMMITTEE
Press Release
GA/SHC/3348
NIGERIA DEFENDS RECENT EXECUTIONS AS `IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW', IN STATEMENT TO THIRD COMMITTEE
19951204 New Zealand Urges Accelerated Nigerian Democratic Transition; Committee Hears 12 Speakers, Concluding Consideration of Human Rights IssuesResponding to what he described as an "intensified campaign of disinformation" about human rights in his country, the representative of Nigeria told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) this afternoon that the execution of nine Nigerians, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, needed to be put in some perspective.
Nigeria's representative said that in the case in question, which had prompted hostile reactions from the international community, 15 Nigerians had been tried for murder and six had been acquitted after an eight-month trial that was open and witnessed by local and international observers. The imposition of the death penalty on those convicted had been the States' responsibility, to demonstrate that no one, regardless of how influential, could take the life of another without due penalty. The imposition of a death penalty in accordance with the law and the violation of human rights must be differentiated, he said.
Addressing the same issue, the representative of New Zealand expressed his concern about the human rights situation in Nigeria, adding that the action taken by the Commonwealth in suspending Nigeria had sent that country an unequivocal message. "We urge Nigeria to adhere to, and ideally to accelerate, the timetable announced on 1 October for a return to democracy", he stated.
In concluding its consideration of human rights issues, statements were also made by the representatives of Iran, Latvia, Cyprus, Kuwait, Colombia, Morocco, Israel, Pakistan, India and Greece. The Chairman of the working group of the Committee, Danilo Turk (Slovenia) also made a statement.
The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 5 December, to take action on draft resolutions related to the advancement of women, the promotion and protection of the rights of children and the programme of activities for the Decade for the World's Indigenous Peoples.
Committee Work Programme
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this afternoon to conclude its consideration of human rights questions. Those include how the provisions of human rights instruments are being carried out, as well as alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of those rights. The Committee will also examine human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives. It will also discuss the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
As part of its sub-item on the reports of special rapporteurs and representatives, the Committee has before it a note by the Secretary-General transmitting the tenth periodic report prepared by the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the territory of the former Yugoslavia (document A/50/69). In accordance with paragraph 37 of the Commission on Human Rights resolution 1994/72 of 9 March 1994, approved by Economic and Social Council decision 1994/262 of 22 July 1994, the report follows on the periodic report submitted by the Special Rapporteur to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session (A/49/641-S/1994/1252, annex).
According to the report, in implementing his mandate, the Special Rapporteur obtained extensive cooperation from the Governments of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. However, the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) continued to refuse to permit the opening of a field office of the Centre for Human Rights in Belgrade or the conducting of missions within the framework of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. Nevertheless, some channels of contact with the Federal authorities had been established. The report contains specific information on the situation of human rights in each of those Governments.
On the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the report states that, according to the Special Rapporteur, Bosnian Serb de facto authorities continued to be responsible for large-scale violations of human rights and, both directly and indirectly, for displacement of people from areas under their control, for systematic military attacks on civilians in the "safe areas" and elsewhere, and for grave disruption of humanitarian aid and medical evacuation programmes. The Special Rapporteur also concluded that certain violations of human rights were perpetrated by governmental authorities and Bosnian Croat local authorities. He welcomed the establishment of the Federation and the various reconstruction and reconciliation initiatives of the United Nations and the European Union.
Third Committee - 4 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
The Special Rapporteur's recommended, among other things, that all peace proposals entirely respect the human rights of all peoples, including those who had been displaced, and that the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia proceed swiftly with its task. With regard to the Federation, he called for full restoration of freedom of movement, enabling the return of displaced people, and for generous international support. He called upon all local and international parties to ensure delivery of adequate humanitarian aid during the winter.
The Special Rapporteur stated that, in spite of the considerable improvement in the area of human rights in Croatia, there were a number of abuses and patterns of discriminatory treatment of minority groups by the Croatian authorities that still gave rise to concern. His recommendations for improvement of the situation there included that all necessary measures be taken to strengthen the independence of the judiciary; that all evictions be suspended until a general solution was found in cooperation with all interested parties; and that the international community be reminded of the prevalent need for humanitarian assistance for refugees and displaced persons in Croatia.
On the situation in the United Nations Protected Areas (UNPAs), the Special Rapporteur took particular note of ongoing harassment and violence directed mainly against members of the minority groups remaining in UNPAs. Some serious irregularities in the work of the local militia forces and the judiciary were also reported. Recent information indicated that with regard to respect for basic human rights, the situation in UNPAs remained more or less unchanged. Although no widespread shortage of food was foreseen, distribution, processing and transport would be negatively affected by the lack of fuel. Therefore, with the onset of winter, there was a risk of hunger among the most vulnerable groups, especially among refugees, displaced persons and elderly people. The Special Rapporteur called upon the local authorities to ensure the protection of the most vulnerable members of their communities. With the onset of winter, the need to care for children, women and the elderly would become even more urgent. He emphasized that the obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Bihac enclave and the refugee camps in Batnoga and Turanj constituted a flagrant violation of fundamental humanitarian principles and called upon the leadership of the "Republic of Serb Krajina" to stop all interference with the work of relief agencies active in the region.
According to the report, the Special Rapporteur had recommended that the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) do the following: undertake immediate measures to improve discipline in the country's police forces and prevent cases of police abuse; prevent cases of evictions and dismissals that might be of a discriminatory nature; put an end to the police abuse and violent house searches in Kosovo and Sandzak and
Third Committee - 5 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
ensure that persons detained or under investigation were not subjected to ill- treatment or torture. The Special Rapporteur also urged the Government to reconsider its refusal to allow international human rights monitors to conduct
missions to the territories of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and its refusal to permit the opening of a field office of the Centre for Human Rights on its territory.
On the situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Special Rapporteur refers to the negative influence of the economic situation on the social stability of the country, owing to the losses connected with the imposition of sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and to the Greek embargo. Also, while acknowledging the efforts made by the Government to promote and respect the rights of ethnic and linguistic minorities, the Special Rapporteur urges the Government to give favourable consideration to an initiative aiming at the promotion of the educational system at the university level. He also expects that the Serbian population living in the Republic should not be prevented from enjoying, in accordance with the law, services of the religion of their choice. The report also contains information on the problem of disappearances and information on field operations.
Also before the Committee is another note by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in the territory of the former Yugoslavia (document A/50/71), more specifically, in relation to the media. It states that the media in the former Yugoslavia have been among the most important tools in propagating the military conflict in the region. In view of the gravity of the situation, the Special Rapporteur had directed his staff to prepare the present special report on the media, for presentation to the Commission on Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 37 of the Commission on Human Rights resolution 1994/72 of 9 March 1994 and Economic and Social Council decision 1994/262 of 22 July 1994. The report is based on a general survey of broadcast and print media in operation in all of the republics of the former Yugoslavia, except Slovenia.
According to the report, most of the media in the former Yugoslavia were now controlled, directly or indirectly, by Governments and ruling parties, and thus were closely bound up with the formulation and defence of their nationalist policies. The tendency had been for ownership of the most powerful media -- national television and daily newspapers -- to become concentrated in monopolies usually dominated by the State. State television, in particular, has become the most influential weapon of information and deception in the region; it was relied upon by Governments to foment popular support, quite often through the blatant manipulation of news. Well aware of television's impact on public opinion, the authorities now in power had placed the highest priority on asserting control over the airwaves, a goal which also
Third Committee - 6 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
became the object of military activities with the onset of war in areas affected by military conflict.
Nationalistic rhetoric and sweeping attacks and slurs against other peoples had been the dominant feature of news propagated in the former Yugoslavia's media since the start of the conflicts, the report continued. Not surprisingly, that phenomenon has led directly to the commission of fearful atrocities on the battlefields and throughout the territory. Yet, even as those had occurred, they had been resolutely denied by the same media, who had been guided far more by what was perceived as their nation's strategic interests than by any commitment to objective reporting. Governments had taken care to support such suppression of the news and indeed had required it, claiming that control of information in various forms was essential to wartime national security.
The report states that part of the responsibility for the widespread disregard of basic principles of freedom of expression must, however, be attributed to journalists themselves. Some had willingly accepted the restrictions placed on their profession, either because of their support for the nationalist cause or merely for reasons of self-advancement. Others had felt compelled to impose on themselves forms of "self-censorship", avoiding certain subjects quite literally for purposes of self-preservation; summary dismissal from employment or even worse consequences were always a possibility should they fail to adhere to the official line.
The republics of the former Yugoslavia were caught in a tumultuous historical moment of transformation and redefinition which they had to transcend, the report continues. Only when the will accompanied the word could the legal codes of the region do anything to support a climate of free and responsible expression. In spite of that, the situation of the media was not entirely bad, and each republic offered examples of courageous journalists, media enterprises and non-governmental organizations working to counter the forces of unremitting nationalism and deception. At present, however, those actors were vastly overpowered, and daily ran the risk of being overwhelmed by a system highly favourable to those who would manipulate expression for political purposes.
The Special Rapporteur's recommended that all republics should create and implement rules concerning equal access to the State-controlled radio and television stations; that the control over those stations should not be a consequence of electoral victory; and that expressions of hatred be eliminated from the media's vocabulary.
Third Committee - 7 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
Also under its sub-item on human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives, the Committee had before it notes by the Secretary-General transmitting the following: interim report prepared by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (document A/50/568); the Secretary-General's report on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (A/50/782); the interim report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan (document A/50/569); the interim report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cuba (document A/50/663); three reports by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Rwanda (document A/50/709); and a report on the situation of human rights in Kosovo (document A/50/767). (For background, see Press Releases GA/SHC/3333 and GA/SHC/3334 of 27 November as well as GA/SHC/3335 of 28 November and GA/SHC/3342 of 4 December.)
Under its sub-item on the implementation of human rights instruments, the Committee has before it a report of the Human Rights Committee (document A/50/40); a report of the Committee against Torture (document A/50/44); a report on the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (document A/50/512); and a report by the Secretary-General on the status of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (document A/50/469). It will also consider a report on the status of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and of the Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (document A/50/472). (For background, see Press Release GA/SHC/3331 of 24 November.)
On another sub-item, on human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the Committee has before it reports on the following: respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes (document A/50/495); the Effective Promotion of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities (document A/50/514); human rights and mass exodus (document A/50/566); human rights and terrorism (document A/50/685); assistance to States in strengthening the rule of law (document A/50/653); strengthening of the Centre for Human Rights (document A/50/678); and Geographical composition and function of the staff of the Centre for Human Rights (document A/50/682).
Also before the Committee are the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the plan of action for the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education (document A/50/698); the report of the Secretary-General on the recommendations made by his Special Representative for human rights in Cambodia (document A/50/681); the report of the Secretary- General on the role of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights in assisting the Government and people of Cambodia in the promotion and protection of human
Third Committee - 8 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
rights (document A/50/681/Add.1); the report of the Secretary-General on national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (document A/50/452); and the report of the Secretary-General on enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections (document A/50/736). (For background see Press Releases GA/SHC/3331 of 24 November, GA/SHC/3335 of 28 November and GA/SHC/3336 of 29 November.)
Under its sub-item on the implementation of the follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the Committee has before it the Secretary-General's report on the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development (document A/50/670). (For background, see Press Release GA/SHC/3335 of 28 November.)
Statements
IBRAHIM GAMBARI (Nigeria) said that despite the intensified campaign of disinformation on the human rights situation in his country, the Nigerian Government had reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action to promote human rights. The recent execution of nine Nigerians found guilty of murder, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, which had brought emotional and, in some cases, hostile reaction from the international community, needed to be put in perspective.
Fifteen Nigerians were tried for the murder of other prominent Nigerians, he continued. The trial lasted eight months. It was open and witnessed by local and international observers. The trial tribunal, set up in compliance with the Nigerian Constitution, was headed by a justice of the high court. Six of the original suspects tried were acquitted and discharged by the tribunal. The imposition of a death penalty and the execution of those convicted was the State's responsibility. It must ensure that no one, however influential, could take the life of another without due penalty and that no one was above the law. The imposition of a death penalty in accordance with the law and the violation of human rights must be differentiated.
He said that the promotion and protection of human rights should be carried out without interference in the internal affairs of Member States, especially on issues concerning the application of the rule of law within a country. Furthermore there, should be a more objective and transparent approach to the issue of human rights. The old approach, which seemed to be guided by the most powerful States using their subjective criteria, must be rejected. His Government would support all genuine efforts made to improve human rights conditions in developed and developing countries contained in existing instruments, as recommended in the Secretary-General's report.
Third Committee - 9 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
MEHDI DANESH YAZDI (Iran) said that his country attached great importance to human rights and the enhancement of human values. Once again an attempt was being made by certain quarters to politicize the Committee through adoption of another one-sided resolution against Iran. Iran had responded positively to the request of the former special representative of the Commission on Human Rights for information concerning allegations of human rights violations in Iran. Some of those responses were attached to the interim report of the special representative to the present General Assembly.
He said that Iran was making use of the advisory and technical services of the Centre for Human Rights in preparing its thirteenth periodic report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It was clear that certain countries were determined to hinder the facilitation of the visit of the special representative to Iran. They preferred to maintain the status quo. Sponsors of the draft resolution against his country wanted to make the Third Committee a rubber stamp that would repeat the resolutions of other organs, regardless of new developments and circumstances. His country would continue to uphold Islamic values and principles. It would also continue to work with all those that were genuinely interested in the promotion and protection of human rights.
INGA KARINA (Latvia) said the Vienna Conference had underlined the fact that the primary responsibility for the protection and promotion of human rights lay with governments. For that reason, her country had created a national programme for the protection and promotion of human rights. Such a programme identified the rights of vulnerable groups in society, including the physically and mentally handicapped, children and national minorities.
She said a national human rights office had also been created in her country. It was an independent institution, chartered for the purpose of promoting the protection and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with international human rights norms. The office had three main priorities: to provide the general public with information about human rights; to disseminate information on the rights and responsibilities of the State; and to inquire into and to conciliate individual grievances concerning human rights.
EURIPIDES L. EVRIVIADES (Cyprus) said the United Nations was still not adequately equipped to meet the growing demands confronting it in the field of human rights. The international community needed to focus its attention and efforts on the implementation of all existing human rights instruments. "Perpetrators of violations should not be simply identified, or even condemned, but the rule of law needs to be restored and such violations need to be prevented from being committed in the future", he said.
Third Committee - 10 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
The partition of his country had involved "ethnic cleansing", because of the "forcible expulsion of the indigenous population of the occupied part of Cyprus from their ancestral homes." His country had been a victim of ethnic cleansing before the term had achieved notoriety and had been universally condemned in the former Yugoslavia. Illegal Turkish settlers had been given the land and houses of the displaced and enslaved Cypriot people. Furthermore, illegal property titles had been distributed to them. In addition, by importing settlers to Cyprus, Turkey had violated the Fourth Geneva Convention. Article 49 of that Convention stipulated that "the occupying power shall not transfer parts of its own civilian population into
the territory it occupies". He called upon Turkey to respect the collective will of the international community and to implement the resolutions that dealt with Cyprus.
ALI SULAIMAN AL-SAEID (Kuwait) said his country's population was still victim to actions by the Iraqi Government. Kuwaiti prisoners and detainees were still in Iraq. The international community must send a clear message to Iraq that practical steps be taken to set them free. The violations of human rights by Iraq were numerous. International cooperation in the field of human rights was crucial for their full promotion and protection.
ALEJANDRO BORDA (Colombia) said that the achievement of international cooperation in promoting fundamental rights was one of the purposes of the United Nations and the United Nations Charter. The existing international legal framework for the protection of human rights covered all aspects of human rights. He was pleased that the High Commissioner for Human Rights had suggested specific action with regard to the implementation of the right to development, which required a global approach. The right to development should occupy an important position in the activities of the Centre for Human Rights.
Violence and its related phenomena were among the main problems afflicting Colombia, he said. The situation of human rights in the country had been affected by that problem. The Government had expressed a desire for peace with the various rebel groups in the country. Further, in an effort to promote and protect human rights, the Attorney-General had set up a national unit for the prosecution of human rights abuses. His Government was also continuing to develop educational programmes to ensure law and order, with a respect for human rights. The Government would not hesitate to adopt the necessary measures for ensuring the promotions and protection of human rights.
COLIN KEATING (New Zealand) said his Government was very concerned about the human rights situation in Nigeria, which was why it supported the action taken by the Commonwealth last month in suspending Nigeria's membership. The
Third Committee - 11 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
Commonwealth had sent Nigeria an unequivocal message. The message had not been merely condemnatory, but also had elements designed to encourage Nigeria to return to civilian rule as soon as possible. The military government in Nigeria should accept that well-intentioned offer. "We call on them to respect fully United Nations human rights standards", he said. "And we urge Nigeria to adhere to, and ideally to accelerate, the timetable announced on 1 October for a return to democracy."
The question of Nigeria was now actively before the Third Committee, he said. New Zealand had been active in a bridge-building role between those who agreed that the nature of the executions in Nigeria should be condemned and those who wanted to go further. In keeping with the Commonwealth decision,
the United Nations resolution should have elements that encouraged the restoration of civilian rule in Nigeria and the consequent improvement in the human rights situation.
Turning to the former Yugoslavia, he said that the international community must do everything possible to break the cycle of hate and revenge that existed in the region. That included giving practical effect to international humanitarian law obligations. Member States should also meet their obligations in terms of financial support to the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia so that investigations could proceed and individuals responsible for atrocities and gross human rights violations could be quickly brought to justice. He also reviewed the situation of human rights in Kosovo, Myanmar, Rwanda, Iraq, Iran, Cuba, Haiti and El Salvador.
YAMINA AKHAMLICH BENNANI (Morocco) said world-wide racism and excessive chauvinism were causing great tragedies. Furthermore, there were millions of homeless persons, drug addicts and victims of terrorism. The adoption of the Vienna Declaration by consensus had emphasized the international community's commitment towards the promotion and protection of human rights.
The curtain of poverty, which divided the world, needed to be removed, she continued. In addition, "no political consideration could justify the world's inaction when whole populations were massacred. The international community as a whole was responsible for guaranteeing human rights. Civil and moral education, and the promotion of human rights were "two sides of the same coin". She called for the creation of a human rights culture. As part of her country's specific steps towards the development of such a culture, the concept of human rights had been enhanced in the educational curricula.
DAFHNA SHARFMAN (Israel) said one of the most positive and important features of any democracy was its ability to withstand self-criticism. At the same time, national institutions were one of the most significant tools that a democracy could use to strengthen itself. The continuous faith of citizens in
Third Committee - 12 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
their political system was a feature of any democratic State. However, no democracy was immune from the weakening effect of unchecked governmental and public agencies. In order to improve accountability and maintain the faith of citizens greater independent oversight was needed, which should be conducted by an ombudsman, a human rights commissioner, and a State comptroller.
The role of the ombudsman was to ensure that all citizens had an avenue before which they could bring complaints against any governmental branch, agency or body, she said. A human rights commissioner could be empowered to deal with legislative aspects and human rights violations. A State comptroller could be an important avenue to create government accountability. In her country, the State comptroller conducted audits and investigated complaints from the public. He also held the position of ombudsman. In her
country, the activities that might be carried out by a human rights commissioner were carried out by non-governmental organizations.
AHMAD KAMAL (Pakistan) said the massive human rights violations in Bosnia and Herzegovina were a test case for the international community. There was no lack of evidence about the serious crimes against humanity perpetrated before the world's eyes. The international reaction to the human rights crisis there had been feeble and encouraged the aggressors to fully indulge in their orgy of genocide. After the initialling of the peace accord, some States seemed ready to wipe out the steps taken to protect human rights in the former Yugoslavia. They wanted to forgive the criminals who brutalized a whole nation with impunity. The international community must be vigilant about that development.
He said that for the past four decades, India had unsuccessfully tried to maintain its illegal occupation over the state of Jammu and Kashmir through the colonial methods of brutal suppression, deceit and invalid electoral process. More than 600,000 Indian troops were deployed in the area to terrorize, kill and break the will of the people of Kashmir. India had violated all human rights and instruments in Jammu and Kashmir. In the human rights crisis in the past five years, some 50,000 Kashmiri men, women and children had lost their lives at the hands of Indian soldiers.
He said the only solution to the crisis in Jammu and Kashmir was through the implementation of the Security Council's resolutions, which called for a free and impartial plebiscite, under the supervision of the United Nations, to determine the will of the people of Kashmir. The international community must exert pressure on India to stop its gross and massive violations and to repeal draconian laws, withdraw its troops, enter into a meaningful and substantive dialogue on Kashmir and cooperate with the international community for holding a plebiscite in accordance with the Security Council resolution.
Third Committee - 13 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
PRAKASH SHAH (India) said stone throwing in the field of human rights seemed to have become a fashionable pastime. Human rights violations did not take place only in developing countries. However, if a person from another planet heard the statements of countries of the North in the Third Committee and the Commission on Human Rights, he would conclude that xenophobia did not exist in Europe, that the indigenous people had not been decimated or, where they had not been decimated, that they had full access to human rights in countries across the globe from Canada to Australia. He might also conclude that migrant workers and immigrants from the South were not harassed, deprived of their human rights, fire-bombed or killed with the connivance and approval of local authorities, including law enforcement authorities, that discrimination on the basis of colour, race, or religion was non-existent, and that tourist groups were not taken to the countries of the South to the sexually abuse young boys and girls.
He said that the Vienna Declaration had identified new forms of intolerance and violence as major threats to the enjoyment of human rights. Among those, terrorism was the most pernicious and fastest growing threat. The Vienna Declaration and programme of action was almost 50 years late in recognizing the right to development as a fundamental, inalienable and indivisible human right. The restructuring of the human rights machinery of the United Nations should ensure that the prolonged and ongoing imbalance in addressing political and civil rights, at the cost of economic, social and cultural rights, was corrected.
DIONYSIOS KODELLAS (Greece) said that Cyprus continued to be divided into two parts as a result of the Turkish invasion of 1974. Such fundamental freedoms as the freedom of movement, settlement and acquisition of property were massively and systematically being violated and denied to the 200,000 Greek Cypriots. They were forced by Turkish troops to abandon their homes and properties and they remained refugees in their own country, due to Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus. The Greek Cypriots in the occupied territory of Cyprus suffered unacceptable living conditions of oppression, discrimination and harassment and were victims of violent acts such as robbery, theft and assault.
He said Turkey had done nothing either to comply with the innumerable resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly or to honour the commitments entered into by the signing of international conventions for the protection of human rights. Instead, it had provocatively ignored the calls of the world community. It was time for the international community to act decisively to put an end to the Turkish practices. Respect for human rights in Cyprus went hand in hand with the efforts at finding a just and viable solution to the problem. No just and viable solution could be found as long as Turkish occupying forces and
Third Committee - 14 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
settlers did not withdraw from Cyprus and fundamental freedoms and human rights were not established.
On Albania, he said that his Government constantly followed a policy of good neighbourliness and cooperation, supporting Albania's efforts to promote political and economic reform. Under the previous regime, the Greek minority in Albania had been subjected to persecution and harsh treatment. Today, both countries shared a conviction that the Greek minority constituted a bridge of friendship between them and helped further their rapprochement and cooperation. He was concerned, however, that, despite some improvements, considerable restrictions continued to be applied on the rights of the Greek minority, particularly in the field of education.
Statement by Chairman of Working Group
DANILO TURK (Slovenia) the Chairman of the working group, said the group had the task to consider the question of "implementation of the recommendations of the Vienna Declaration and the Programme of Action", as set out in paragraphs 17 and 18 of Part II of the Declaration. He said that during the forty-ninth session, the group had held four meetings. A number of delegations had contributed informal documents for consideration by the group and two unofficial texts had been prepared, one dated 7 November 1994, the other on 5 December 1994.
The latter text was a non-paper that attempted to synthesize the ideas expressed in the informal documents, he continued. Such non-paper took the form of a draft resolution "so as to enable a concise and focused discussion". It dealt with the following: the adaptation of the United Nations machinery to the current and future needs in the promotion and protection of human rights; the promotion of such rights within the framework of a balanced and sustainable development for all people; and the improvement of coordination, efficiency and effectiveness of the United Nations human rights organs. It had been agreed, last January, that the group's work would proceed on the basis of such document.
He said that amendments to the non-paper were made by the non-aligned countries and presented by the working group as a whole on 29 November. He encouraged for more comments and amendments by other States and hoped negotiations, based on the non-paper, could start in mid-January 1996.
As posed by the Committee's Chairman, UGYEN TSHERING (Bhutan), the Committee then decided to recommend to the plenary that human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, be kept open in order that the working group could continue its work in 1996.
Third Committee - 15 - Press Release GA/SHC/3348 49th Meeting (PM) 4 December 1995
* *** *