DRAFTS ON SITUATION IN HAITI, COOPERATION BETWEEN UN AND OAU INTRODUCED IN ASSEMBLY
Press Release
GA/9032
DRAFTS ON SITUATION IN HAITI, COOPERATION BETWEEN UN AND OAU INTRODUCED IN ASSEMBLY
19951211 The General Assembly this afternoon heard the introduction of draft resolutions concerning the situation in Haiti and cooperation with the Organization of African Unity (OAU).By the terms of the draft resolution on Haiti, the Assembly would state that it stands ready to extend the United Nations component of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti beyond 7 February 1996. And it would request the Secretary-General to support the Haitian Government and to continue to coordinate the efforts of the United Nations system to help provide humanitarian aid and meet Haiti's development requirements.
The recent violence in Haiti was a reminder of the still fragile nature of democratic process in that country, the representative of Barbados said, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). However, given the Government's commitment to the democratic process, CARICOM urged the international community to stay the course with Haiti.
The representative of the United States stressed the need to encourage the people, political parties and electoral authorities in Haiti to remain fully committed to the electoral process, adding that the United States stood ready to continue the Mission's mandate to assure a smooth transition of the second freely elected President of Haiti to office in an atmosphere of increasing respect for human rights.
The representative of Haiti said his country had achieved considerable progress with respect to human rights and the democratic process, but a great deal remained to be done. The forces of resistance could be seen in the recent attack in Port-au-Prince in which a deputy had been killed and another seriously wounded. In response to that incident, the Government had decided to carry out a disarmament campaign with the support of the Mission. Haiti required continued international assistance in order to consolidate democracy.
By the terms of the draft resolution regarding cooperation with the OAU, the Secretary-General would be requested to support the efforts of the OAU Secretary-General, in particular in the preparation of the first meeting of the Economic and Social Council of the African Economic Community, and in strengthening regional economic communities and supporting the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community.
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The representative of Ethiopia said the United Nations and the OAU could embark on action-oriented undertakings which included the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance, effective peace-keeping operations, peacemaking and peace-building efforts that would contribute to socio-economic progress and poverty alleviation. Field-oriented action should go beyond piles and piles of documents that would only negatively impact the environment.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, the representative of Spain said the Union was contributing much of the necessary means to assist in the development of Africa, and called on the African countries themselves to promote sustainable development and greater political stability through such measures as the establishment of democratic political systems, a responsible and transparent management of public affairs, and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Observer of the Organization of African Unity said the OAU and the United Nations could cooperate in the restoration of peace, in providing technical assistance, and in strengthening institutional and regional capacities in Africa. He supported the holding of the United Nations Conference on peace, security and stability in the Great Lakes region and called for encouragement of the moderate elements in Burundi.
The draft resolution on Haiti was introduced by the representative of Brazil. Also speaking in the debate on that subject were the representatives of Canada, Japan, Spain (on behalf of the European Union), Argentina, France and Venezuela.
The draft resolution regarding cooperation with the OAU was introduced by the representative of the Sudan. Other speakers in the debate on that item were the representatives of Egypt and Tunisia.
The Assembly will meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow, 12 December, to resume consideration of the strengthening of the coordination of United Nations humanitarian and disaster relief, and to discuss the report of the Preparatory Committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations regarding commemoration of that anniversary.
Assembly Work Programme
The General Assembly met this afternoon to consider the situation of democracy and human rights in Haiti and cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Before it were reports of the Secretary-General and draft resolutions on both questions.
By the terms of the draft resolution on Haiti (document A/50/L.53), the Assembly would request the Secretary-General to support the Haitian Government as it works towards national reconstruction, and it would also request him to continue to coordinate the efforts of the United Nations system to help provide humanitarian aid and meet the development requirements of Haiti.
Under the draft resolution, the Assembly would state that it stands ready at the appropriate time and at the request of the Haitian authorities to extend the United Nations component of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti beyond 7 February 1996. The Assembly would express its full support for that Mission and its trust that the Government of Haiti would continue to afford it timely, complete and effective cooperation. The Assembly would also reaffirm once again the commitment of the international community to increase its technical, economic and financial cooperation with Haiti, in support of its economic and social development efforts and to strengthen Haitian institutions responsible for dispensing justice and guaranteeing democracy, respect for human rights, political stability and economic development.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Haiti, United States and Venezuela.
According to the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the International Civilian Mission to Haiti (MICIVIH) (document A/50/548), in general, the considerable improvement in the human rights situation described in the Secretary-General's report of 29 June 1995 (document A/49/926) has continued, and the number of human rights violations has remained low.
Fundamental freedoms continue to be enjoyed by all sections of society, including by political opponents and critics of the President and the Government, the report continues. Efforts undertaken by the Government of Haiti to improve the justice and penal systems have proceeded apace, as have the training and deployment of the new Haitian National Police (HNP). Although acts of summary "justice" meted out by the population to individuals caught in the act of committing a crime were still prevalent, they have decreased considerably. Nevertheless, there were sporadic reports of ill treatment of detainees and of abuse of power by State agents. The weakness of the judiciary and the often arbitrary nature of decisions and actions continue to be a source of concern in the area of respect for legal and constitutional guarantees.
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The report next proceeds to detail what has been happening in the areas of crime, law enforcement, justice and human rights. It states that no political figures have been murdered since March 1995. The MICIVIH raised several cases with the authorities where it believed that excessive force may have been used by police in law enforcement operations, and several cases of abuse of power by off-duty HNP officers are also under investigation. In the area of summary "justice," those killings reached a peak in March when some 50 cases were reported; the number subsequently dropped sharply to less than 10 in August. The widespread and systematic use of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment has ceased.
Those seeking justice through the courts for past human rights violations still face considerable obstacles, the report states, although certain judges have shown more willingness to take action. Inability to locate the accused, the continuing reluctance of some judicial officials to pursue cases, and the escape from prison of several of the accused are some of the difficulties reported.
Although there has been a gradual improvement in the administration of criminal justice since the return of the constitutional Government on 15 October 1994, much remains to be done, according to the report. For instance, preventive detention continues to be the rule rather than the exception. The majority of detainees in Haiti have not been convicted by a court of law, and a considerable number of the approximately 1,500 prisoners awaiting trial have been in prison for several months. Some detainees have never been presented before a judge; others were not taken before a judge within the 48-hour period specified in the Constitution. Excessive delays in the administration of criminal justice, as well as extremely poor conditions of detention, have led to riots and other problems within various detention centres.
The report then describes the range of MICIVIH activities, including the reinforcement of the judicial system, supporting human rights, election monitoring, and providing medical assistance to victims of human rights violations. For example, in September, MICIVIH began training police cadets, focusing on international norms for law-enforcement officials. And MICIVIH has worked with the Haitian Government in the formulation of prison regulations to ensure their conformity with international standards.
During the election periods, the report continues, MICIVIH observers maintained close contact with political parties, candidates, members of popular organizations, electoral officials and others involved in the electoral process throughout the country. Observers acted to facilitate constructive dialogue and the resolution of disputes between opposing groups whenever possible. MICIVIH found that, despite isolated acts of aggression, the June elections were relatively free of political violence, with few incidents resulting in physical injury.
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The report states that since its return to Haiti in October 1994, MICIVIH has ensured the provision of medical assistance to some 600 victims of human rights violations committed under the de facto military Government. The Medical Unit undertook a study of the long-term psychological effects of human rights violations on individuals and family members.
Under the guidance of the Human Rights Education Unit, MICIVIH teams have continued to disseminate information on human rights, and the Mission has periodically made public its assessment of the human rights situation as well as relevant recommendations. In an effort to disseminate more widely its information and news of its activities, in September the Mission released the first issue of a monthly newsletter, MICIVIH News.
The report states that MICIVIH is in the process of preparing a series of recommendations for the Haitian Government. These focus on strengthening the criminal justice system, improving the treatment of detainees and the conduct of law enforcement officials, and penal reform. They will also urge the Government to ratify those international human rights and humanitarian treaties to which it is not yet a party and to create an ombudsman institution as called for by the Constitution of Haiti.
The United Nations is participating jointly with the Organization of American States (OAS) in MICIVIH, which in September 1995 included 188 observers representing 46 nationalities. In his previous report on the subject to the Assembly, Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali had noted that, in agreement with the OAS Secretary-General, he intended to recommend that the mandate of the United Nations component of the Mission be extended by a full year, until 8 July 1996. However, the Government of Haiti asked at that stage that the extension be only until 7 February 1996, the date on which, under the Constitution, the President's mandate expires. Now, after consultations with the Secretary-General of the OAS, who has expressed a readiness for a continued MICIVIH presence in Haiti after 7 February 1996, Secretary-General Boutros-Ghali intends, upon receipt of a request to that effect from the Government of Haiti, to formulate a recommendation to the General Assembly for an extension of the mandate of MICIVIH.
Should the Government of Haiti make such a request, the report states, it is recommended that the terms of reference be adjusted to place greater emphasis on technical cooperation with the Government in the area of institution-building, in particular in the judicial and penal fields, and on the promotion and protection of human rights. The size and composition of its staff would be reassessed in consultation with the Secretary-General of the OAS to reflect the new emphasis of the Mission's work.
By the terms of the draft resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU (document A/50/L.51), the Assembly would request the United Nations Secretary-General to support the efforts of the OAU Secretary- General, in particular in the preparation of the first meeting of the Economic and Social Council of the African Economic Community, and in the strengthening of the regional economic communities and supporting the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community. The Assembly would request the agencies of the United Nations system working in Africa to include in their programmes activities that would enhance regional cooperation and facilitate the
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realization of the objectives of the Treaty. The Assembly would request the relevant organs of the United Nations system to assist the OAU to strengthen its capacity for information-gathering, analysis and dissemination through the training of personnel and mobilization of technical and financial assistance.
The Assembly would also call upon the United Nations organs, in particular the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, to continue to involve the OAU closely in all their activities concerning Africa. It would also call upon the United Nations to coordinate its efforts and to cooperate with the OAU in the context of the pacific settlement of disputes and the maintenance of international peace and security in Africa. It would call upon United Nations agencies to intensify the coordination of their regional programmes in Africa in order to create interlinkages among them and to ensure the harmonization of their programmes with those of the African regional and subregional economic organizations. And it would call upon the relevant organs of the United Nations to ensure the effective, fair and equitable representation of Africa at senior and policy levels at their respective headquarters and in their regional field operations.
Further, under its terms, the draft resolution would have the Assembly urge the United Nations to facilitate the participation of the OAU in its peace-keeping and peacemaking operations and in joint fact-finding missions in Africa, by providing technical assistance and assisting in the mobilization of financial and logistical support. The Assembly would also urge the United Nations to continue to support the OAU in its efforts to manage a peaceful democratic transition in Africa, in particular in the areas of education for democracy and election observation. It would urge all Member States and regional and international organizations to provide the necessary and appropriate economic, financial and technical assistance to refugees and displaced persons, as well as to African countries of asylum. And it would urge the Secretary-General, Member States, regional and international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to extend their support to the operations of the African Economic Community and to assist in economic integration and cooperation in Africa.
The draft resolution is sponsored by the Sudan.
The Secretary-General's report on cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU (document A/50/575) states that in 1994, the operational expenditures of the World Food Programme (WFP) in OAU member States amounted to $872 million. Of that total, $616 million went to humanitarian assistance,
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$321 million of which was channelled towards helping the victims of both natural disasters and armed conflicts.
The report also states that, at the end of 1994, the total International Monetary Fund (IMF) credit and loans outstanding to OAU member countries amounted to SDR 6.66 billion, and the Fund continued to mobilize additional resources for the African countries in the context of multilateral conferences on aid coordination as well as debt rescheduling. Assistance of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to the African continent under the regular programme amounted to SDR 1,233.5 million in loans and grants for 165 projects in 49 countries. Under its Special Programme for Sub-Saharan African Countries Affected by Drought and Desertification, IFAD provided by the end of 1994 SDR 275.88 million for 29 projects in 19 countries.
In the area of political affairs, the report states that since 1992, electoral assistance has been provided in response to 35 requests. For preventive diplomacy, efforts are being made to help build the institutional capacity of the OAU secretariat so that it and the United Nations can maintain a structured and constant exchange of information on emerging crises. Consideration is being given to assisting the OAU in the establishment of an early-warning capability by providing technical assistance, including staff exchanges, to enhance its capability to collect and disseminate information, as well as to monitor political developments in Africa.
In general, the report reviews cooperation efforts, in particular in the area of meetings, technical assistance and the formulation of work programmes, between the OAU and a wide range of United Nations organizations, including for example, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
Among the highlights were the following:
* The Centre for Human Rights of the United Nations awarded 15 fellowships to African candidates for training and refresher training in the field of human rights in 1994.
* In addition to the relief activities cited above, the World Food Programme gave increased attention to mitigating the negative effects of structural adjustment on the very poor. A total of $47 million was spent in support of rural development activities throughout Africa.
* The joint secretariat of the OAU, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Development Bank (ADB) decided to set up a Resource
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Mobilization Committee which would recommend measures aimed at obtaining the financial resources required to support the operational activities of the African Economic Community. The ECA agreed to carry out a study on alternative solutions to the assessed contributions of member States, which are increasingly difficult to collect.
* Habitat, in association with the World Bank and with core-sponsorship from UNDP, is implementing a 10-year (1986-1996) urban management programme designed to strengthen the contribution that cities and towns in developing countries make towards human development. In the northern African Arab States, the programme has added a component on urban heritage, and regional initiatives have been planned for exchanging experience on municipal solid waste management.
* The cooperation of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with OAU is reflected in the Coordinated Multi-donor Programme for Tick and Tick-borne Disease Control in eastern, central and southern Africa. The OAU has participated in the programme's annual meetings where progress is discussed and has actively collaborated in the setting up of quality control standards for tick-borne diseases in Africa.
* In collaboration with OAU and ECA, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organized an international symposium (held at Addis Ababa in November 1994) on the definition of new strategies to promote African languages in a multilingual context.
* The World Bank supports operational cooperation with OAU via the African Capacity-Building Foundation, of which the Bank is a co-sponsor. The foundation has supported establishment of an economic policy analysis support unit within the OAU secretariat to enhance macroeconomic policy analysis capabilities, especially with respect to policies of regional integration. The Bank has sought to recruit nationals from member countries at levels of policy decision-making.
* The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) prepared and presented a background paper on the utilization of sorghum in malt and beer processing at an OAU-organized regional symposium on sorghum and related cereals, held at Ouagadougou in November 1993. The UNIDO paper contributed to the recommendations of the symposium on measures to enhance self-sufficiency in food production in Africa.
* The OAU/UNHCR Symposium on Refugees and Forced Population Movements, held at Addis Ababa in September 1994, adopted a series of recommendations covering such issues as the root causes of refugee flows and other forced population movements; emergency preparedness and response; and the relationship between humanitarian assistance and socio-economic development. The UNHCR and OAU are following up the implementation of the recommendations.
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The report also reviews the work of the Department of Political Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat in the areas of conflict-prevention, peacemaking and electoral assistance. It notes that in the Secretary- General's Agenda for Peace, he drew attention to the untapped potential of regional organizations like OAU in working for peace, and in the Supplement to that report he offered to help OAU and other regional organizations develop a capacity for preventive action, peacemaking and, where appropriate, peace-keeping. The United Nations and OAU have exchanged views on how the United Nations could help mobilize financial and logistic support to specific peacemaking activities of OAU and for the development of training programmes on the settlement of disputes. Similarly, arrangements are being made to involve OAU in devising and implementing programmes of rehabilitation and reconstruction in post-conflict peace-building efforts in Africa, as well as those that address the needs of refugees, displaced persons, demobilized combatants, and others affected by conflicts.
In playing a major role in coordinating the international observation of South Africa's first general elections in April 1994, the United Nations deployed 2,120 observers and coordinated the observation of the elections and deployment of 102 OAU observers who participated in the final polling phase of the elections. In Mozambique, 21 OAU observers worked in close cooperation with the United Nations during the final polling phase of the electoral process.
An addendum to the report (document A/50/575/Add.1) presents the conclusions and recommendations of the tenth annual meeting on cooperation between the United Nations system and the OAU held at Addis Ababa in November 1995. It states that the meeting recommended that the two organizations establish common guidelines and rules of engagement for joint peacemaking operations in Africa where necessary, with a view to facilitating and strengthening the participation of OAU in such matters. The United Nations was requested to collaborate more closely with OAU in the latter's peacemaking initiatives and to assist in the mobilization of financial and logistical support for specific OAU peacemaking activities. The United Nations was also requested to assist OAU in strengthening the institutional and operational capacity of its Conflict Management Division.
All schools in OAU member States should be requested to devote a few minutes every day to the sensitization of children to the suffering of other children, the meeting agreed. As was done in the case of the campaign against apartheid, OAU and UNICEF should cooperate in the establishment of a chain of solidarity with children in armed conflict.
Regarding the problems related to refugees, returnees and displaced persons, it was recommended that OAU and UNHCR develop a comprehensive strategy and plan of action that would, among other things, ensure that asylum and protection of refugees continue to be granted in Africa; place strong
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emphasis on durable solutions, notably voluntary repatriation of refugees and voluntary return of internally displaced persons to their places of residence; develop a more comprehensive programme of assistance and support to the host countries and communities, taking into account the enormous burden imposed on and the symptoms of fatigue of the asylum countries; and mobilize additional resources in favour of refugees from non-traditional donors.
The meeting was attended by 20 organizations and bodies including the OAU, the United Nations Secretariat, ECA, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, the World Bank and the IMF. In addition to peacemaking and refugee matters, the agenda included such issues as democratic transition in Africa, the situation of the African child, and women and development. It also included reports on the implementation of several undertakings: the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community, the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s, and Agenda 21 of the UNCED.
Concerning democratic transition, the United Nations was requested to support the OAU electoral unit in enhancing its institutional capacity for assisting countries in their electoral processes. In that context, it was recommended that both organizations cooperate in such areas as the provision of logistics, exchange of information, joint assessment of the election exercise and other related activities. The two organizations should also develop common criteria for the verification of electoral processes and for debriefing and issuance of statements relating to electoral processes.
On other matters, the meeting stressed the need to mount an effective and sustained publicity campaign throughout Africa for the Treaty, and it called on all United Nations organizations and bodies to cooperate with OAU in drawing up strategies and plans to that end. And the United Nations system was requested to support the efforts of OAU in the fight against drug trafficking and juvenile delinquency, crime prevention and disability, and to assist OAU to enhance its capacity in those areas, as well as in the promotion of employment.
Situation in Haiti
CELSO AMORIM (Brazil) introduced the draft resolution on the situation of human rights and democracy in Haiti. He expressed the hope, on behalf of the co-sponsors, that the Assembly would be able to adopt the text by consensus.
ROBERT R. FOWLER (Canada) said progress had been made in Haiti in the three key areas of strengthening and consolidating democracy, increasing respect for human rights and economic reconstruction. The first class of Haitian national police officers had graduated and been deployed throughout the country. The Justice Academy had been inaugurated in July and international development assistance had begun to flow into the country.
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However, Canada regretted that violent incidents continued to occur in Haiti, he said. The international community was dismayed by the deplorable attack on Jean-Hubert Feuille, one of the recently elected members of Parliament. As a friend of Haiti, Canada remained convinced that ensuring peace and stability for generations to come in Haiti was intimately bound up with unequivocal international support for its developing democratic and judicial institutions. Therefore, it had made long-term commitment to the country's peace and stability.
SHUNJI MARUYAMA (Japan) said that, while remarkable progress had been made, much remained to be done to ensure that democracy and respect for human rights took firm hold in Haiti. The importance of holding the upcoming presidential election could not be exaggerated. Japan sincerely hoped that the election would be carried out in a manner that was free and fair, thus ensuring the smooth transfer of the reins of government and providing a firm foundation for the consolidation of democracy in Haiti.
He said it was incumbent upon the international community to strengthen its efforts to promote the closely related goals of achieving social stability and economic prosperity. At the same time, it was important to stress that, while the international community would continue to lend its support to the Haitian people, it was only those people themselves who could ensure that democracy would flourish.
ERNESTO DE ZULUETA (Spain) praised the contribution of the Mission in paving the way for the return of President Aristide. At the new stage of the consolidation of democracy in Haiti, the Mission's work was of critical importance, he said. The establishment of a professional police force capable of maintaining public order throughout the country was essential to stability. The recent positive climate surrounding the legislative elections had shown the resolve of the Haitian people to strengthen the democratic process. The international community attached great importance to that process. The upcoming presidential elections should demonstrate agreement and tolerance so that Haiti could lay the foundation for the reconstruction of the country.
Expressing concern about recent violent acts in Haiti, he appealed to all political forces to show their commitment to free, just and peaceful presidential elections. All parties must respect the rule of law, united in their objective of achieving lasting peace, democracy and development in Haiti. The human rights situation had improved greatly, and the Mission was working to construct a State based on law. The system of justice must be strengthened, the treatment of detainees improved, and the monitoring of those charged with law enforcement increased. The consolidation of democracy in Haiti would not end with the elections; much remained to be done to ensure a secure, stable and free future in Haiti. The Haitian people themselves had primary responsibility for attaining those objectives, and they would do so with the full support of the European Union.
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JUAN JOSE CASTELLI (Argentina) said the recent municipal and legislative elections and the upcoming presidential election marked a definitive step forward in the consolidation of democracy in Haiti. He appreciated the work done under the direction of the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the OAS in helping to establish a climate of liberty and tolerance. He supported the possible extension of MICIVIH. Expressing solidarity with the suffering of the Haitian people, he urged that the draft resolution be adopted by consensus.
LANE KIRKLAND (United States) said that by this weekend, Haiti would reach the milestone that President Aristide had so often cited as the true test of establishing democracy -- the second free presidential election. "By February, the installation of a second freely elected President will find Haiti meeting that test." The work of the International Civilian Mission deserved commendation. If the Haitian people so desired, they could be on hand to help a new Government continue the course which President Aristide's return had begun.
The work of international observers, alongside the Government of Haiti, the United States Mission in Haiti, the United Nations Development Programme and others had resulted in a substantial decline in the number of human rights violations in Haiti, he said. None the less, some politically motivated violence, including murders of prominent persons, had continued. "This is unacceptable." The Mission should play a continued role in investigating politically motivated violence. It was necessary to encourage the people, political parties and electoral authorities in Haiti to remain fully committed to the electoral process. The United States stood ready to continue the Mission's mandate to assure that, as the second freely elected President took office, the transition could take place in an atmosphere of increasing respect for human rights.
CARLSTON BOUCHER (Barbados), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said he associated himself with the statement made by the representative of Brazil on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. For the first time since its independence almost 200 years ago, a culture of human rights and democracy was beginning to take root in Haiti. The recent violence was a reminder of the still fragile nature of the democratic process. However, given the Government's commitment to the democratic process, CARICOM urged the international community to stay the course with Haiti.
Progress towards democracy ought to be underpinned by corresponding progress in economic and social fields, including substantial improvement in the reduction of poverty, he said. Therefore, the continued support of the United Nations system and the international community would be critical in providing the people of Haiti with a second chance to secure a democratic future in which their political and development aspirations would be fulfilled.
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JEAN-MICHEL GAUSSOT (France) said his country was pleased by the globally favourable development of the situation in Haiti and paid tribute to the role played by MICIVIH in that progress. He called on the parties in Haiti fully to participate in the upcoming presidential elections and to respect the results. The efforts of so many to promote national reconciliation and the rule of law must not be ruined by the resort to violence of a minority which did not accept democracy.
The international community and the United Nations could not disengage themselves from Haiti on the crucial morrow of the elections, he said. France was ready to extend the mandate of the mission if the Haitian authorities so wished. France was determined to render assistance to the cause of stability and prosperity in Haiti.
ENRIQUE TEJERA-PARIS (Venezuela), reviewing developments in Haiti in the past year, said he recognized the progress made by the Government in spite of the obstacles it faced. The progress towards elections and economic and social development was welcome. The recent attack on Jean-Hubert Feuille was a worrisome development. However, any violence in the aftermath of the attack had been avoided. Venezuela was prepared to continue to cooperate with Haiti and was in favour of renewing the mandate of the international mission in Haiti. However, such a renewal ought to take place only if Haiti requested it.
ANTONIO RODRIGUE (Haiti) expressed gratitude for the international support his country had received, particularly from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Group of Friends of Haiti (Argentina, Canada, United States, France and Venezuela). Today, considerable progress had been achieved with respect to human rights and the democratic process, but great challenges still lay ahead. The political situation had been stabilized since the return of President Aristide, making it possible for the Haitian people to return to a normal life, exercising their fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression. The legislative elections held in June had been described by international observers as free and fair. On 17 December, the Haitian people would go to the polls to select a President, thus strengthening the democratic process in Haiti.
The Government had made efforts to strengthen the judicial system, he said. A professional police force had been established, and conditions in detention centres had improved. A commission on truth and justice had been constituted to investigate the crimes committed under the regime installed by the coup d'etat. A great deal remained to be done, especially in light of the forces of resistance. The recent attack in Port-au-Prince in which a deputy had been killed and another seriously wounded demonstrated the difficulty of disarming the armed forces. There had been a public outcry favouring disarmament in response to that incident. The Government had decided to carry out a disarmament campaign with the support of the Mission. Haiti continued
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to require international support to establish the structures vital to a functioning democracy.
Action on the draft resolution was deferred until a later date.
Cooperation with OAU
ALI M.O. YASSIN (Sudan), speaking on behalf of the African Group of States, introduced the draft resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU. It was common knowledge today that Africa had yet to emerge from the woods, he said. Indicators showed development stagnating or deteriorating. The number of least developed countries had increased. The OAU welcomed continued cooperation with the international community. However, in an increasingly competitive world economy in which the weak position of African countries was tantamount to marginalization, there was an urgent need to focus cooperation on critical issues facing Africa's development. African Governments were more committed than ever before to development and to increasing the competitiveness of their countries in the international economy. In order to match their efforts, the United Nations must do more than adopt the draft. It must establish appropriate machinery to implement the terms of the text.
MR. DE ZULUETA (Spain), speaking on behalf of the European Union, welcomed the role played by the OAU in promoting good governance and economic self-reliance in Africa. "Africa is witnessing a crucial moment in its history, which underlines the need for concerted action by the international community in order to overcome the devastation caused in many countries by fratricidal wars and years of mistrust, and to enable its people to embark on the path of genuine national reconciliation and to achieve peace, democracy and development", he said.
He went on to say that the Union was studying ways in which it could support the OAU's efforts to assume greater responsibility in the field of conflict prevention and resolution. For such efforts to succeed, cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU was of critical importance. The goals of the European Union in that area were to enhance the capacity of the OAU in early warning, preventive diplomacy and deployment of peace-keeping forces; to back the democratization of Africa, encouraging respect for human rights; and to contribute to national reconciliation and political stability. Cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU in the fields of preventive diplomacy and peace-keeping should be encouraged.
The European Union was contributing much of the necessary means to assist in the development of Africa, he went on. It was essential for African countries themselves to promote sustainable development and greater political stability through such measures as the establishment of democratic political systems, a responsible and transparent management of public affairs, and
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protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Union had firmly condemned the execution on 10 November of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight co- defendants, following a flawed judicial process, by the Nigerian authorities. That execution represented a clear failure by Nigeria to honour its commitments to human rights.
MULUGETA ETEFFA (Ethiopia) said cooperation between the OAU and the United Nations was one of the most effective and indispensable ways of addressing the multifaceted problems confronting the international community in today's interdependent world. The exchange of experience and information in technical development areas and the provision of financial assistance to various projects was the major aspect of cooperation. However, United Nations efforts relating to economic and social development in Africa had not brought about desired results, partly due to lack of serious commitment on the part of the international community.
The problem of refugees and displaced persons in Africa was a matter of grave concern, he said. The OAU was carrying out projects to enhance its capacity to deal with conflicts. The United Nations was called upon to enter into partnership with the OAU in the enhancement of peace and stability in Africa. Action-oriented undertakings by the United Nations and the OAU could include the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance, effective peace- keeping operations, peacemaking and peace-building efforts that would contribute to socio-economic progress and poverty alleviation. Field-oriented action should go beyond piles and piles of documents that would only negatively impact the environment.
SLAHEDDINE ABDELLAH (Tunisia) said cooperation between the OAU and the United Nations to strengthen the action of the central organ of the OAU was essential. He was gratified that the United Nations Secretary-General had decided to assign a liaison attache to the seat of the OAU. Conflict- prevention in Africa was of particular importance, and work in that area should focus on development as well as security issues. He supported the Secretary-General's proposal to create stand-by forces through partnership arrangements. Those would permit troop-providing countries lacking the necessary resources to make their troops operational to overcome their lack of materiel and logistics.
Cooperation on development between the two organizations was equally necessary, he said. The United Nations should give Africa priority when it came to following up on the plans of action agreed upon at the various international conferences and meetings regarding such issues as social development, women, desertification and international trade. And those plans should be the focus of the coordinated actions of the United Nations and the OAU.
General Assembly - 15 - Press Release GA/9032 88th Meeting (PM) 11 December 1995
The refugee problem should be given the attention it deserved, he continued. The plan of action adopted by the regional conference for assisting refugees in the Great Lakes region should be supported. There was a need for an international conference to examine all the problems of the Great Lakes. He was also concerned about the lack of progress in the real implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s.
IBRAHIMA SY, Observer for the Organization of African Unity, said the OAU and the United Nations could cooperate in the areas of sustainable development, holding of elections and peace-keeping. It had been two years since the machinery to prevent conflicts in Africa had been set up by the OAU. The organization was looking to set up an early-warning system to prevent conflicts.
He said the developing situation in Sierra Leone was a matter of concern to the OAU as was the situation in Somalia and Liberia. It was hoped that the situation in Rwanda would continue to improve. However, the plight of the refugees remained a problem for Rwanda and the neighbouring countries. The OAU supported the holding of the United Nations Conference on peace, security and stability in the Great Lakes region and invited the encouragement of the moderate elements in Burundi.
The OAU was working towards relaunching the economic and social development of Africa, he said. Its Cairo Programme of Action called for direct foreign investment in the countries of the continent. The OAU and the United Nations could cooperate in the restoration of peace, in providing technical assistance and in strengthening institutional and regional capacities.
The Acting President M. DANIEL ABIBI (Congo) said the Assembly would consider the item on cooperation between the United Nations and the OAU at a date to be announced later.
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