ASSEMBLY TO HOLD SPECIAL SESSION IN 2000 ON FOLLOW-UP TO WORLD SOCIAL SUMMIT; SETS UP COMMITTEE TO MAKE PROPOSALS FOR SUSTAINABLE AFRICAN ECONOMIC GROWTH
Press Release
GA/9045
ASSEMBLY TO HOLD SPECIAL SESSION IN 2000 ON FOLLOW-UP TO WORLD SOCIAL SUMMIT; SETS UP COMMITTEE TO MAKE PROPOSALS FOR SUSTAINABLE AFRICAN ECONOMIC GROWTH
19951222 Adopts Resolutions on Situations in Burundi and Sudan, Budget IssuesActing this morning without a vote, the General Assembly adopted resolutions by which it decided to hold a special session in the year 2000 for an overall review of the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development, at which heads of State or government pledged earlier this year to give highest priority to national, regional and international policies to promote social progress, justice and betterment of the human condition.
The Assembly also decided to establish an ad hoc committee to prepare the mid-term review in 1996 of the implementation of the New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. The committee will also propose measures for sustainable economic growth and development in Africa beyond the 1990s.
By other resolutions, the Assembly
-- Called upon the international community to continue its assistance with a view to eliminating the intolerable conditions in prisons in Rwanda, and encouraged that country's Government to continue efforts to expedite the processing of cases;
-- Requested Member States and international organizations to cooperate with the Government of Burundi and other governments of the region in the identification and dismantling of radio stations which incite hatred and encourage acts of genocide;
-- Invited the international community to continue to provide Burundi with assistance for economic recovery and reconstruction, and to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of refugees; and
-- Appealed to all parties concerned in the Sudan to pursue dialogue and negotiations, to terminate hostilities, to allow the re-establishment of peace, order and stability, and to facilitate relief efforts.
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Also this morning, acting without a note, the Assembly adopted 11 decisions recommended by the Fifth Committee. By the terms of five of those decisions, on the financing of peace-keeping and related operations, the Assembly
-- Appropriated for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) some $22.4 million gross ($20.4 million net) previously authorized and apportioned for the period 1 October 1995 to 31 January 1996;
-- Decided that the additional $842,300 gross ($763,000 net) needed for the United Nations Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL) for 1 December 1994 to 31 May 1995 would be funded from savings from prior mandate periods, pending the submission of the final performance report for the Mission in the first quarter of 1996;
-- Retained the unencumbered balances in the accounts of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) to maintain those operations; and
-- Decided not to appropriate an additional $218,067 gross ($229,867 net) at this time for the financing of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
Other decisions recommended by the Fifth Committee and adopted by the Assembly endorsed the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ)'s recommendations on the mock-up budget for peace-keeping operations; authorized the Secretary-General to begin preparing the proposed medium-term plan for the period after 1997; took note of amendments to the 100 and 200 series of Staff Rules; and deferred consideration to the resumed Assembly session of the Secretary-General's reports on reforming the internal justice system in the Secretariat. The Assembly also adopted decisions to admit the World Tourism Organization to the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund and took note of the four chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council allocated to the Fifth Committee.
The Assembly will meet again at 4 p.m. today to continue its action on reports of the Fifth Committee as well as to take action on reports of the Third Committee.
Assembly Work Programme
The General Assembly this morning was scheduled to consider the strengthening of humanitarian assistance to Burundi and Rwanda, as well as the implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. The implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development was also to be discussed. In addition, it will consider reports of its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary). (For background information on reports concerning Burundi, Rwanda, New Agenda for African Development and World Summit for Social Development, see Press Releases GA/9041 of 19 December, GA/9010 of 27 November, GA/9022 of 4 December and GA/9027 of 7 December, respectively.)
Strengthening Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance
The Assembly has before it a revised draft resolution on special emergency assistance for the economic recovery of Burundi (document A/50/L.58/Rev.1). Under its terms, the Assembly would call upon all parties not to hinder in any way efforts by aid organizations to transport and to distribute humanitarian assistance to the people of Burundi and to ensure the safety and security of all humanitarian personnel operating in the country. Members of the international community would be invited once again to continue to provide Burundi with assistance for economic recovery and for reconstruction of the various infrastructures destroyed or damaged during the crisis, as well as to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of refugees.
Also by that text, the Assembly would request the Government of Burundi to continue its efforts geared toward the achievement of national reconciliation and the lasting maintenance of peace through, among others, adherence to the principles of the Convention on Governance. The Secretary- General would be requested, in cooperation with the Organization of African Unity (OAU), to coordinate United Nations activities to meet the needs of the people of Burundi and to mobilize international assistance towards that end.
That draft is sponsored by Algeria, Benin, Cambodia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Gabon, Guinea, India, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia and Uganda.
Situation in Burundi
Also before the Assembly was a draft on the situation in Burundi (document A/50/L.59/Rev.1). Under its terms, the Assembly would request Member States and international organizations to cooperate with the Government of Burundi and other governments of the region in the identification and dismantling of radio stations that incite hatred and encourage acts of genocide. The Assembly would urge all political parties, military leaders, the media and civil society to reject all extremism and ethnic and political
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fanaticism, to settle disputes through dialogue and to unite in order to bring about national reconciliation and respect for human rights. All people of Burundi would be strongly urged to cooperate with the coalition Government and with the security forces to promote national reconciliation and to fight extremism, particularly by armed militias.
Also by that text, the Assembly would strongly condemn all those from within or outside the country who are attacking innocent populations, arming extremists, heedlessly violating human rights and seriously undermining national peace and security. It would also condemn the June militia attack on the OAU mission in Burundi which resulted in the death of a military observer. All political partners would be invited to organize a national debate on the country's basic problems with a view to the adoption of a constitution adapted to the current socio-political requirements.
The draft is sponsored by Algeria, Burundi, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, India, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Tunisia ad Uganda.
Budget Implications of Burundi Text
A statement on the programme budget implications of the Burundi text (document A/50/836) states that should the Assembly adopt the draft, an additional appropriation not exceeding $1,872,000 would be required under the peace-keeping and special missions section of the proposed 1996-1997 programme budget.
Emergency Assistance to Sudan
Another draft (document A/50/L.43/Rev.1) on emergency assistance to the Sudan would have the Assembly appeal to all parties concerned to pursue dialogue and negotiations, to terminate hostilities, to allow the re- establishment of peace, order and stability, and to facilitate relief efforts. All parties would be urged to continue to offer assistance, including facilitating the movement of relief supplies and personnel, so as to guarantee the success of Operation Lifeline Sudan. It would call upon the international community to contribute generously to the emergency needs, recovery and development of the Sudan. The United Nations and the donor community would be called upon to provide assistance to combat malaria in the Sudan. The Secretary-General would be requested to continue mobilizing resources and support for Operation Lifeline Sudan.
That text is sponsored by China, Honduras, India, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Implementation of New Agenda for Africa in 1990s
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Also before the Assembly was a draft resolution by which the Assembly would decide to establish an ad hoc committee of the whole of the fiftieth session to prepare the 1996 mid-term review of the implementation of the United Nations New Agenda for Africa in the 1990s (document A/50/L.40/Rev.1).
By its text, the Committee of the Whole would submit its findings to the fifty-first session of the Assembly and would propose measures and recommendations for sustained economic growth and sustainable development in Africa beyond the 1990s. The Assembly would also decide to convene an organizational session of the Committee of the Whole as soon as possible but no later than 30 June 1996, for two working days, to adopt arrangements for its work and would meet for up to seven days in September 1996 to prepare a mid-term review. The review would be based on a report to be prepared by the Secretary-General, including relevant inputs from African countries and other governments, organizations and programmes of the United Nations system, as well as other intergovernmental organizations, particularly the OAU and non- governmental organizations.
The draft resolution was sponsored by the Sudan.
Implementation of Social Summit Outcome
Also before the Assembly was a draft resolution on the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development (document A/50/L.66).
The first part of the draft, which deals with the critical importance of national and international cooperation for social development, would have the Assembly endorse the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Summit's Programme of Action.
The Assembly would reaffirm the pledge by the heads of State and government at the Summit to give highest priority to national, regional and international policies and actions for the promotion of social progress, justice and the betterment of the human condition, based on full participation by all. It would recognize the necessity of creating a framework for action to place people at the centre of development and direct economies to meet human needs more effectively.
By the draft, the Assembly would emphasize that economic and social development and environmental protection are interdependent and mutually reinforcing components of sustainable development. It would recognize that social development and the implementation of the Programme of Action are primarily the responsibility of governments, although international cooperation and assistance are essential for their full implementation.
Also, the Assembly would reiterate its call to governments to define time-bound goals for reducing poverty, expanding employment and enhancing
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social integration within each national context. It would also reaffirm the need for an effective partnership and cooperation between governments and the relevant actors of civil society.
It would recognize that the implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Action in developing countries would need additional financial resources and more effective development cooperation and assistance. It would concur that substantial debt reduction is needed to enable developing countries to implement the Declaration and Programme of Action.
The second part of the resolution, which deals with the role of the United Nations system, would have the Assembly call upon all relevant organs, organizations and bodies of that system to be involved in the follow-up to the Summit. Further, it would invite specialized agencies and related organizations of the United Nations system to strengthen and adjust their activities, to take into account the follow-up to the Summit.
The General Assembly would decide to hold a special session in the year 2000 for an overall review of the implementation of the Summit recommendations and to consider further actions and initiatives. The Assembly would also reaffirm that the Economic and Social Council would provide overall guidance and oversee system-wide coordination in the implementation of the outcome of Summit recommendations and action programme. It would call upon the Commission for Social Development, a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council, to develop a multi-year programme of work to the year 2000.
The Assembly would request the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to facilitate the efforts of the United Nations system towards capacity-building at the local, national and regional levels, and to support the coordinated implementation of social development programmes through the resident coordinator system. It would call upon the Secretary-General to disseminate as widely as possible the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action, including to all competent organs of the United Nations and specialized agencies.
That text is sponsored by Australia, Benin, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, India, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Financing of United Nations Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara
The Assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) on financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) (document A/50/819), transmitting a draft decision that would have the Assembly appropriate for MINURSO some $22.4 million gross ($20.4 million net) previously authorized and apportioned for the period 1 October 1995 to 31 January 1996.
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Financing of United Nations Mission in El Salvador
The Assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee (document A/50/818) on the financing of the United Nations Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL), transmitting a draft decision that would decide that the additional $842,300 gross ($763,000 net) needed for the mission for 1 December 1994 to 31 May 1995 would be funded from savings from prior mandate periods, pending the submission of the final performance report for the Mission in 1996's first quarter.
Financing of United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus
The Assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee on financing of the United Nations Peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) (document A/50/827), transmitting a draft decision that would endorse the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) on the matter.
Financing of United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia
The assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee on financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) (document A/50/820), transmitting a draft decision that would retain the unencumbered balances in the mission's account to maintain the operation.
Financing of United Nations Observer Mission in Tajikistan
The Assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee on financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Tajikistan (UNMOT) (document A/50/828), transmitting a draft decision that would retain the unencumbered balances in the mission's account to maintain the operation.
Administrative, Budgetary Aspects of Peace-keeping
The Assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee on the administrative and budgetary aspects of financing peace-keeping operations (document A/50/821). The report transmitted a draft decision that would endorse the recommendations of the ACABQ on the mock-up budget for peace- keeping operations.
Programme Planning
The Assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee on programme planning (document A/50/795), transmitting a draft decision that would have the Assembly authorize the Secretary-General to begin preparing the proposed medium-term plan for the period after 1997, based on the recommendations of
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the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) and the views of Member States, and then submit it to the next Assembly session through the CPC.
Human Resources Management
The Assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee on human resources management (document A/50/834), transmitting two draft decisions. Draft decision I would have the Assembly take note of the amendments to the 100 and 200 series of the Staff Rules contained in document A/C.5/50/32. Draft decision II would have the Assembly defer consideration of the item on human resources management to the resumed session, particularly the Secretary- General's reports on reforming the internal justice system in the Secretariat.
Admission of World Tourism Organization to UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
The Assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee on the admission of the World Tourism Organization to the Pension Fund (document A/50/822), transmitting a draft decision that would have the Assembly admit the body to the Fund.
Economic and Social Council Report
The Assembly had before it a report of the Fifth Committee on the report of the Economic and Social Council (document A/794), transmitting a draft decision that would have the Assembly take note of chapters I, IX, XII and XIV of the Council's report.
Action on Draft Resolutions
MOHAMAD MUSTAFA SULEIMAN (Sudan), speaking on behalf of the African Group of States, introduced the drafts on assistance to Rwanda and emergency assistance to the Sudan. He expressed the hope that the drafts would be adopted without a vote.
The Assembly adopted, without a vote, the resolution on emergency assistance to the Sudan,
Belgium, China and France joined in sponsoring the draft on special emergency assistance for the recovery and reconstruction of Burundi. That resolution was adopted without a vote.
The draft on assistance to Rwanda was taken up. Brazil Costa Rica and Netherlands joined in sponsoring that text, which was adopted without a vote.
Explaining the position of the European Union, MIGUEL AGUIRRRE DE CARCER (Spain), expressed concern about the number of resolutions containing appeals for special economic assistance. While recognizing the existing needs, he
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urged States to streamline the Assembly's decision-making process. It was also necessary to biennialize the consideration of issues, unless special circumstances warranted annual consideration. Items should be clustered together in order to streamline the work.
Mr. SULEIMAN (Sudan) introduced oral revisions to the preambular part of the draft on the situation in Burundi.
The Assembly adopted the draft resolution on the situation in Burundi, as orally revised.
MULUGETA ETEFFA (Ethiopia) introduced the draft on the implementation of the New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. He requested that it be adopted unanimously.
The resolution on the implementation of the New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s was adopted without a vote.
CRISTIAN MAQUIEIRA (Chile) introduced the draft on implementation of the recommendations and action programme of the World Summit for Social Development. He said it should be adopted by consensus.
That text was adopted without a vote.
Introduction of Texts
The President of the General Assembly, DIOGO FREITAS DO AMARAL, introduced a series of Fifth Committee reports on financing of peace-keeping missions, administrative and budgetary aspects of peace-keeping operations, the mock-up budget for peace-keeping operations, programme planning, human resources management, admission of the World Tourism Organization to the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund and the report on the four chapters of the Economic and Social Council report considered by the Fifth Committee.
Action on Financing of Peace-keeping Missions
The reports of ONUSAL, UNFICYP, UNOMIG and UNMOT recommended adoption of the draft decision each contained on the respective missions' financing. Those draft decisions were each adopted without a vote.
The Assembly then took up consecutively the other reports introduced by the Assembly President, each of which contained a recommendation that the draft decision proposed in it be adopted.
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Action on Texts on Mock-up Budget for Peace-keeping, Programme Planning
The draft decision on the administrative and budgetary aspects of peace- keeping operations, containing a mock-up budget, was adopted without a vote.
Also adopted without a vote was the draft decision on the United Nations medium-term plan for the period after 1997, contained in the report on programme planning.
Action on Texts on Human Resources Management
The Committee's report on human resources management recommended the adoption of two draft decisions, one relating to amendment of the staff rules, the other deferring consideration of the issue of human resources management to the resumed fiftieth Assembly session. Both were adopted without a vote.
Action on Texts on Pension Fund, Economic and Social Council Report
The draft decision recommending the admission of the World Tourism Organization to membership in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund was adopted without a vote.
Also adopted without a vote was the draft decision contained in the Fifth Committee's report taking note of the four chapters of the Economic and Social Council report.
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