GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD APPEAL FOR PROTECTION OF ELECTORAL PROCESSES, IN RESOLUTION APPROVED BY THIRD COMMITTEE
Press Release
GA/SHC/3349
GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD APPEAL FOR PROTECTION OF ELECTORAL PROCESSES, IN RESOLUTION APPROVED BY THIRD COMMITTEE
19951213 Eleven Draft Texts Approved, Seven Concerning Human Rights; Rights in Iran, Electoral Aid, Freedom of Travel, Among Issues AddressedThe General Assembly would strongly appeal to all States to refrain from financing or providing any form of overt or covert support for political parties or groups and to refrain from taking actions to undermine the electoral processes in any country, under the terms of one of eleven draft resolutions, including seven on human rights, approved this morning in the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural).
The draft, approved by a recorded vote of 78 in favour to 56 against, with 19 abstentions, would also have the Assembly condemn any act of armed aggression or threat or use of force against peoples, their elected governments or their legitimate leaders. (For details of the vote, see Annex I.)
By the terms of a draft on the situation of human rights in Iran, approved by a recorded vote of 74 in favour to 26 against, with 49 abstentions, the Assembly would call upon the Government of Iran to take the necessary steps so that the visit of the Special Representative of the Human Rights Commission could take place as soon as possible and without conditions. The Assembly would also express its grave concern that there were continuing threats to the life of Salman Rushdie, as well as to individuals associated with his work, which appeared to have the support of the Government of Iran (see Annex IV).
Another draft, approved by a recorded vote of 143 in favour to none against, with 14 abstentions would have the Assembly commend the electoral assistance provided to Member States and request that such assistance continue in accordance with approved guidelines. In addition, it would request that the United Nations continue its efforts to ensure, before undertaking to provide electoral assistance, that there is adequate time to organize an effective mission for providing such assistance, that conditions exist to allow free and fair elections and that provisions can be made for comprehensive reporting (see Annex III).
Also this morning, the Committee approved a draft text on the respect for the right to universal freedom of travel and vital importance of family reunification by a recorded vote of 75 in favour to 4 against (Canada, Israel, Japan and the United States), with 74 abstentions. By the terms of that
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draft, the Assembly would call upon all States to allow, in conformity with national legislation, the free flow of financial remittances by foreign nationals residing in their territory to their relatives in the country of origin (see Annex II).
Statements on the draft on electoral processes were made by the representatives of the United States, Spain (speaking on behalf of the European Union), Chile and Costa Rica. Statements on the draft on Iran were made by the representatives of Iran and Algeria. Statements on the draft on universal travel were made by the representatives of Chile, Venezuela, Mexico and South Africa.
Acting without a vote this morning, the Committee approved human rights- related draft resolutions on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance, strengthening of United Nations action in the human rights field and the right to development.
In other action this morning, the Committee approved without a vote four draft resolutions on the advancement of women. By the terms of a draft text on the proposed merger of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the General Assembly would regret that, owing to the absence of sufficient information on the legal, technical and administrative implications of the proposed merger, it is currently unable to made a decision. In line with that, the Assembly would recommend that any proposal dealing with the institutional structure and the mandates of the different United Nations bodies dealing with the advancement of women must be considered part of the general restructuring exercise of the United Nations.
The three other drafts concerned violence against women migrant workers, traffic in women and girls, and the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
The Committee also heard the introduction of two draft resolutions. The representative of Spain introduced the draft resolution on strengthening the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights/Centre for Human Rights. The representative of Canada introduced a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Rwanda.
Also this morning, the Committee Chairman, Ugyen Tshering (Bhutan), announced that the Committee had recommended that the General Assembly take note of the Secretary-General's reports on: the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; violence against women migrant workers; the implementation of the Nairobi Forward-Looking Strategies, including the integration of older women in development; the activities of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women; and implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women.
The Committee will meet again at 3 p.m. today to hear the introduction of a draft resolution on the effective implementation of international instruments on human rights, including reporting obligations under international instruments on human rights, as well as take action on the remaining draft resolutions related to human rights.
Committee Work Programme
The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this morning to hear the introduction of draft resolutions relating to human rights and to take action on draft resolutions relating to advancement of women, the Fourth World Conference on Women and to human rights questions.
Drafts for Introduction
By the terms of a draft resolution on strengthening of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights/Centre for Human Rights (document A/C.3/50/L.62/Rev.1), the General Assembly would request the Secretary-General to make available additional human and financial resources to enhance the capability of the High Commissioner and of the Centre to fulfil effectively their respective mandates and their ability to carry out mandated operational activities and to coordinate efficiently with other relevant departments of the Secretariat, as well as other organs, bodies and specialized agencies of the United Nations system on logistical and administrative questions.
The draft text was sponsored by Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and Venezuela.
By the terms of a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Rwanda (document A/C.3/50/L.67), the General Assembly would call upon the Government of Rwanda to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of all personnel attached to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations operating in the country.
It would also have the Assembly condemn in the strongest terms the acts of genocide that occurred in Rwanda and urge all States, pursuant to Security Council resolution 978 (1995), to exert, without delay, every effort, including arrest and detention, in order to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with international principles of due process. The Assembly would also urge States to honour their obligations under international law in that regard, particularly under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Under the draft text, the Assembly would also recognize that effective action must be taken by all States concerned to ensure that the perpetrators of genocide and crimes against humanity are promptly brought to justice, and
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urges all States concerned to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible for Genocide and Other Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States between 1 January and 31 December 1994, taking into account the obligations contained in Security Council resolutions 955 (1994) and 978 (1995), and to intensify efforts for the effective functioning of the International Tribunal without delay.
The draft resolution was sponsored by Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Benin, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, France, Gabon, Hungary, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Panama, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Drafts for Action
By a draft resolution on proposed merger of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (document A/C.3/50/L.21/Rev.1), sponsored by the Philippines on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, the General Assembly would regret that, owing to the absence of sufficient information on the legal, technical and administrative implications of the proposed merger, it is currently unable to decide on the proposed merger.
It would also have the Assembly recommend that any proposal dealing with the institutional structure and the mandates of the different United Nations bodies dealing with the advancement of women must be considered part of the general restructuring exercise of the United Nations.
A draft resolution on traffic in women and girls (document A/C.3/50/L.26/Rev.1) would have the General Assembly urge concerned governments to support comprehensive, practical approaches by the international community to assist women and children victims of transnational trafficking to return home and reintegrate into their home societies.
It would also have the Assembly decide to focus the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December 1996, on the problem of trafficking in human persons, especially women and children, and to devote one meeting of the fifty-first session of the General Assembly to the discussion of the problem.
The draft resolution was sponsored by Argentina, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, India, Israel, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Thailand, Ukraine and the United Republic of Tanzania.
By the terms of another draft, the Assembly would request that the issue of violence against women migrant workers be included in the agenda of the inter-agency meeting that preceded the regular session of the Commission on the Status of Women (document A/C.3/50/L.27). Also, the Assembly would
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establish an Expert Group, including the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on violence against women and under the advisory service programme of the division for the Advancement of Women of the Secretariat, to submit recommendations for improving coordination of the various efforts of the United Nations agencies on the issue of violence against women migrant workers. In addition, trade unions would be invited to support the realization of the rights of women migrant workers by assisting them in organizing themselves.
That draft is sponsored by Argentina, Armenia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Nicaragua, Peru and Philippines.
By the terms of another draft resolution entitled amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (document A/C.3/50/L.63), the General Assembly would take note with approval of the amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women adopted by the States parties to the Convention on 22 May 1995. The Assembly would also urge States parties to take appropriate measures to ratify the amendment.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Under the terms of a draft resolution on respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes (document A/C.3/50/L.32), the Assembly would strongly appeal to all States to refrain from financing or providing, directly or indirectly, any form of overt or covert support for political parties or groups and to refrain from taking actions to undermine the electoral processes in any country.
That draft would also have the Assembly condemn any act of armed aggression or threat or use of force against peoples, their elected governments or their legitimate leaders. In addition, the Assembly would reaffirm that all countries have the obligation under the Charter to respect the right of others to self-determination and to determine freely their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
The draft text was sponsored by China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Gambia, Iraq, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libya, Myanmar, Namibia, Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam and Zimbabwe.
Also before the Committee is a draft on strengthening of United Nations action in the human rights field through the promotion of international cooperation and the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and
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objectivity (document A/C.3/50/L.34). By the terms of that text, the General Assembly would call upon Member States to base their activities for the protection and promotion of human rights on the Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other relevant international instruments.
Also by that text, all human rights bodies within the United Nations system as well as the special rapporteur and representatives, independent experts and working groups, would be requested to take duly into account the contents of the present resolution in carrying out their mandates. In addition, the Assembly would stress the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all countries. The Commission on Human Rights would be requested to give due consideration to the present resolution and to formulate concrete proposals for its implementation.
That text is sponsored by Angola, Bangladesh, China, Colombia, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libya, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Peru, Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Also before the Committee is a draft, sponsored by Cuba, on respect for the right to universal freedom of travel and vital importance of family reunification (document A/C.3/50/L.36). Under its terms, the Assembly would call upon all States to allow, in conformity with national legislation, the free flow of financial remittances by foreign nationals residing in their territory to their relatives in the country of origin.
Also by that text, all States would be also called upon to refrain from enacting, and to repeal if it already exists, legislation intended as a coercive measure against another State which discriminates against individuals or groups of legal migrants by adversely affecting family reunification and the right to send financial remittances to their relatives in the country of origin.
A draft resolution on the right to development (document A/C.3/50/L.57) would have the General Assembly reaffirm that right for every person and all peoples in all countries, particularly in developing countries, as an integral part of fundamental human rights.
By the draft, the Assembly would call upon the Commission on Human Rights to consider carefully the reports of the working group on the right to development to assess whether it had completed its mandate. The Secretary- General would also be requested to ask the Centre for Human Rights to provide a programmatic follow-up on the implementation of the development Declaration
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as part of efforts to implement the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
The Assembly would request the High Commissioner for Human Rights to promote protection of the right to development by working with the Centre for Human Rights and drawing on the expertise of the United Nations system relating to development. It would also call upon the Commission on Human Rights to make proposals to it, through the Economic and Social Council, on the future course of action on the question, in particular on practical measures to implement the Declaration on the Right to Development.
The draft is sponsored by Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Brazil, China, Colombia (on behalf of the Members of the United Nations that are members of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries), Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Mexico, Panama, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
A draft on strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections and the promotion of democratization (document A/C.3/50/L.59) would have the Assembly commend electoral assistance provided to Member States and request that such assistance continue in accordance with approved guidelines. It would also request that the United Nations continue efforts to ensure, before undertaking to provide electoral assistance, that there is adequate time to organize an effective mission for providing such assistance, that conditions exist to allow a free and fair election and that provisions can be made for comprehensive reporting.
The Assembly would recommend that the Electoral Assistance Division provide post-election assistance in order to contribute to the stability and continuity of electoral processes. It would also request the Secretary- General to provide the Electoral Assistance Division with adequate human and financial resources, under the regular budget of the Organization and within existing resources, to allow it to carry out its mandate.
The draft is sponsored by Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Belgium, Cote d'Ivoire, Federated States of Micronesia, France, Guatemala, Mali, Mauritius, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Solomon Islands and the Republic of Korea.
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A draft resolution on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (document A/C.3/50/L.35) would have the Assembly express its concern at violations of human rights in Iran, in particular: the high number of executions; cases of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the failure to meet international standards with regard to the administration of justice; the absence of guarantees of due process of law; the discriminatory treatment of minorities by reason of their religious beliefs, notably the Baha'is, whose existence as a viable religious community was threatened; lack of adequate protection for the Christian minorities, some members of which had been the target of intimidation and assassinations; excessive force in suppressing demonstrations; restrictions on the freedom of expression, thought, opinion and on the press; and widespread discrimination against women.
It would have the Assembly call upon the Government to implement existing agreements with international humanitarian organizations. It would also call upon the Government to take the necessary steps so that the visit of the Special Representative of the Human Rights Commission on the situation of those rights in Iran could take place as soon as possible and without conditions.
In addition, it would have the Assembly express its grave concern that there were continuing threats to the life of Salman Rushdie, as well as to individuals associated with his work, which appeared to have the support of the Government of Iran.
The draft resolution is sponsored by Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States and San Marino.
Introduction of draft resolutions
ALVARO RODRIGUEZ (Spain) introduced the draft resolution on strengthening of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights/Centre for Human Rights (document A/C.3/50/L.62/Rev.1). He announced that the following should be added at the end of operative paragraph 3: "having due regard to the need to finance and implement United Nations activities related to development".
He announced that Bosnia and Herzegovina, Andorra, Canada, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Republic of Korea, Guatemala, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Congo, Dominican Republic, Panama, Solomon Islands, Argentina, Colombia, Czech Republic, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Suriname and Ukraine had joined in sponsoring the draft.
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KERRY BUCK (Canada) introduced the revised draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Rwanda (document A/C.3/50/L.67). She announced that the following States had joined in sponsoring that draft: Israel, Republic of Korea, Greece, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Denmark, Italy, Cameroon, Tunisia, Belgium, Sweden, Malta, Monaco, Congo, Cambodia, Norway and the Netherlands. She also made oral revisions to that draft.
Action on draft resolutions
The Committee then took up the draft resolution on the proposed merger of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women and United Nations Development Fund for Women (document A/C.3/50/L.21/Rev.1) and approved that text without a vote.
The Committee took up the draft resolution on traffic of women and girls (document A/C.3/50/L.26/Rev.1). The Russian Federation, Indonesia, Morocco, Monaco, Bhutan, Ghana, France, Belgium, Marshall Islands, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Cote d'Ivoire, Nepal, Togo and Senegal joined in sponsoring that draft.
The Committee approved the draft without a vote.
The Committee then took up the draft on violence against women migrant workers (document A/C.3/50/L.27). Portugal, Pakistan, Belgium, Marshall Islands and Egypt joined in sponsoring that draft.
KATE NEWEL, the Secretary of the Committee, read out revisions to that draft. She said that operative paragraph 7 should begin with "Recommends" instead of "Requests". Also, operative paragraph 9 should begin with "Requests" and not "Recommends". Furthermore, on that same paragraph the words "to include among the urgent issues in their respective agendas" should be replaced by "when addressing the issue of violence against women to give particular attention to".
The Committee then approved the orally revised draft without a vote.
Next, the Committee took up the draft on amendment to article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (document A/C.3/50/L.63).
The Secretary of the Committee announced the following revisions to the draft. In operative paragraph 1, "of the resolution regarding" should be added after "takes note with approval". In operative paragraph 2 the words "to ratify the amendment" should be deleted and replaced by "so that acceptance by a two-third majority of States parties can be reached as soon as possible in order for the amendment to enter into force".
The Committee approved the orally revised text without a vote.
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Next the Committee took up the draft on respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes (document A/C.3/50/L.32).
Under the terms of the draft resolution, the General Assembly would reaffirm further that electoral assistance to Member States should be provided by the United Nations only at the request and with the consent of specific sovereign States, by virtue of resolutions adopted by the Security Council or the General Assembly in each case, in strict conformity with the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. In addition, it would strongly appeal to all States to refrain from financing or providing, directly or indirectly, any form of overt or covert support for political parties or groups and to refrain from taking actions to undermine the electoral processes in any country.
Also under the terms of that draft, the Assembly would condemn any act of armed aggression or threat or use of force against peoples, their elected governments or their legitimate leaders. In addition, the Assembly would reaffirm that all countries have the obligation under the Charter to respect the right of others to self-determination and to determine freely their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
Afghanistan joined in sponsoring that draft.
Speaking before the vote, the representative of the United States announced it had called for a vote. She said parts of the text ignored that many States welcomed electoral assistance. Furthermore, the text raised the possibility of Security Council assistance even when it was not necessary.
The representative of Spain, on behalf of the European Union, said the draft detracted from the efforts made by many States, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to organize genuine elections. He objected to any selective use of the Charter to justify any limitations to the right to vote and be elected at genuine periodic elections. Also, the principles enshrined in the Charter needed to be considered in conjunction with Articles 55 and 56 of the Charter, under which all States pledged to take joint and separate action to promote universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.
The representative of Chile said his country would abstain from voting on that draft because the text was unclear and ambiguous. Furthermore, operative paragraph 4 could lead to erroneous interpretation as to the States' ability to request assistance.
The draft on respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non- interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes
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was approved by a vote of 78 in favour to 56 against, with 19 abstentions. (For details see Annex I.)
Speaking in explanation of vote, the representative of Costa Rica agreed with the comments made by the representative of Chile and had, therefore, abstained from voting.
The Committee took up the draft resolution on strengthening of United Nations action in the human rights field through the promotion of international cooperation and the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity (document A/C.3/50/L.34).
India, Lesotho, Afghanistan, Yemen and Cameroon joined as sponsors.
JUAN ANTONIO FERNANDEZ PALACIOS (Cuba) made oral amendments to preambular paragraph 12, replacing the words "in order" with "taking into account the need". Also, he replaced operative paragraph 10 with the following: "Requests the Commission on Human Rights to take duly into account the present resolution and to consider further proposals for the strengthening of United Nations action in the human rights field through the promotion of international cooperation and importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity.".
The Committee approved the draft resolution without a vote.
The Committee took up the draft resolution on respect for universal freedom of travel and vital importance of family reunification (document A/C.3/50/L.36).
Ms. NEWEL, Committee Secretary, made a technical correction to operative paragraph 4, deleting the words "against another state".
The Chairman said that a recorded vote had been requested.
The draft resolution was approved by a recorded vote of 75 in favour to 4 against (Canada, Israel, United States and Japan), with 74 abstentions (see Annex II).
Speaking after the vote, the representative of Chile said that his country voted in favour of the draft resolution because it gave high priority to the rights of migrant workers. However, the draft resolution made no reference to the right of a migrant to freely leave one's country. That right constituted the legal and ethical basis for migration.
The representative of Venezuela said that his country voted in favour of the draft text because of the vital importance it attached to human rights.
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He drew attention to operative paragraph 4 of the draft text on legislation regarding the right of legal migrants to send money to their home countries.
The representative of Mexico said that his country voted in favour of the draft resolution because it considered it a vital element in favour of promotion of human rights. Freedom of movement was an established right and should apply to all people whether migrants or not.
The representative of South Africa said that the question of migrant workers was governed by bilateral agreements. His country abstained from the vote because limitations applied on certain rights of migrants there.
The Committee next took up L.55 on elimination of all forms of religious intolerance (document A/C.3/50/L.55).
Costa Rica, New Zealand, Philippines and South Africa joined as co- sponsors of the draft resolution.
Ms. NEWEL read out oral revisions. She inserted a new preambular paragraph 7, and amended operative paragraph 2 by adding the words "to all without discrimination". She also made minor amendments to operative paragraphs 3, 5 and 20.
India, Ukraine, Peru, Gambia, Panama, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Sierra Leone, Cyprus, Mauritius, Nigeria, San Marino, Congo, Benin, Azerbaijan and Cameroon joined as co-sponsors of the draft resolution.
The Committee approved the draft resolution, as amended, without a vote.
Next, the Committee took up the draft on the right to development (document A/C.3/50/L.57). Monaco, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Paraguay, El Salvador and Solomon Islands joined in sponsoring the draft.
The Committee then approved that draft without a vote.
The Committee took up the draft on strengthening of the role of the United Nations in enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections and the promotion of democratization (document A/C.3/50/L.59). Afghanistan, Belgium, Côte d'Ivoire, France, Guatemala, Micronesia, Mali, Mauritius, Nepal, Poland, Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Norway, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Malta, Congo and the Solomon Islands joined in sponsoring the draft.
Committee Chairman UGYEN TSHERING (Bhutan) announced that a recorded vote had been requested on the draft.
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The orally revised draft resolution was approved by a vote of 143 in favour to none against, with 14 abstentions (see Annex III).
Next, the Committee took up the draft resolution on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (document A/C.3/50/L.35). Andorra, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and the United States joined in sponsoring that text.
Speaking before the vote, the representative of Iran said the draft based itself on an "absolutely invalid report" of the former Special Representative. It had been based on cases that were already under investigation. The co-sponsors had not been consistent in regards to the report and had turned a blind eye on the annex of the report, where his Government had replied to accusations. Furthermore, a radical transformation of his country's judicial system had taken place and had not been reflected in the report. He challenged all allegations made on his country on a case-by- case basis.
In regards to the book Satanic Verses, the European Union had disregarded international law by praising Salman Rushdie. "Based upon international law and the relevant provisions of international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the constitutional laws of a considerable number of countries including some European States, Rushdie is an offender", he emphasized. He requested a recorded vote on that draft.
The representative of Algeria said parts of the draft discredited the fundamental values of Islam. Her Government was opposed to any acts of terrorism and favoured the preservation of life.
The draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran was approved by a vote of 74 in favour to 26 against, with 49 abstentions (see Annex IV).
(annexes follow)
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Third Committee Press Release GA/SHC/3349 55th Meeting (AM) 13 December 1995
ANNEX I
Vote on Respect for Electoral Processes
The draft resolution on respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes (document A/C.3/50/L.32) was approved by a recorded vote of 78 in favour to 56 against, with 19 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Against: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia,Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.
Abstaining: Bolivia, Chile, Congo, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guatemala, Lesotho, Paraguay, Philippines, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zambia.
Absent: Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Croatia, Dominica, Gabon, Grenada, Haiti, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Malawi, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX I)
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Third Committee Press Release GA/SHC/3349 55th Meeting (AM) 13 December 1995
ANNEX II
Vote on Universal Freedom of Travel
The draft resolution on respect for universal freedom of travel and vital importance of family reunification (document A/C.3/50/L.36) was approved by a recorded vote of 75 in favour to 4 against, with 74 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia.
Against: Canada, Israel, Japan, United States.
Abstaining: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Mongolia, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe.
Absent: Bahrain, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Congo, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Grenada, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX II)
Third Committee - 15 - Press Release GA/SHC/3349 55th Meeting (AM) 13 December 1995
Third Committee Press Release GA/SHC/3349 55th Meeting (AM) 13 December 1995
ANNEX III
Vote on Periodic and Genuine Elections
The draft resolution on strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections and the promotion of democratization (document A/C.3/50/L.59) was approved by a recorded vote of 143 in favour to 0 against, with 14 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia.
Against: None.
Abstaining: Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Gambia, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe.
Absent: Burundi, Chad, Dominica, Gabon, Grenada, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Vanuatu, Zaire.
(END OF ANNEX III)
Third Committee - 16 - Press Release GA/SHC/3349 55th Meeting (AM) 13 December 1995
Third Committee Press Release GA/SHC/3349 55th Meeting (AM) 13 December 1995
ANNEX IV
Vote on Human Rights in Iran
The draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran (document A/C.3/50/L.35) was approved by a recorded vote of 74 in favour to 26 against, with 49 abstentions, as follows:
In favour: Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Zambia.
Against: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Gambia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam.
Abstaining: Albania, Angola, Bahrain, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Zimbabwe.
Absent: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Chad, Croatia, Djibouti, Dominica, Gabon, Georgia, Grenada, Kuwait, Madagascar, Morocco, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zaire.
* *** *
Third Committee - 17 - Press Release GA/SHC/3349 55th Meeting (AM) 13 December 1995