Challenging New Dimensions of Hate in Old Conflicts, General Assembly Adopts without Vote Two Resolutions Promoting Tolerance, Dialogue
Credential Committee Resolution Also Adopted without Vote
Reaffirming the need to build and promote a culture of peace in a world where hatred was adding new dimensions to old conflicts, the General Assembly today adopted without a vote two draft resolutions that stressed tolerance and dialogue.
By the terms of the text, titled “Follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace”, the General Assembly encouraged the United Nations peacebuilding architecture to continue to promote peacebuilding activities and to advance a culture of peace and non-violence in post-conflict peacebuilding efforts at the country level.
The resolution also urged the appropriate authorities to provide age-appropriate education in children’s schools that builds a culture of peace, including lessons in mutual understanding, tolerance, active citizenship and human rights and encouraged the involvement of media, especially the mass media, in promoting a culture of peace and non-violence.
The representative of Bangladesh, introducing that text, highlighted the urgency of the task at hand, saying that a culture of peace was necessary for creating a mind-set of tolerance, respect and love.
In a related resolution promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, the Assembly welcomed the adoption of the Action Plan for the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022) by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and encouraged Member States and the relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to carry out activities towards that end.
Further by that text, the Assembly also condemned any advocacy of religious hatred that constituted incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, and underlined the importance of moderation as a value within societies for countering extremism in all its aspects.
The representatives of Pakistan and the Philippines introduced that resolution, with the former saying that if the international community wanted to avoid the impending clash of civilizations it had to strengthen the mechanisms and actions that promoted dialogue and understanding. It was towards that goal, the representative of the Philippines said, that the resolution strengthened support for the work and activities of UNESCO.
Speaking for the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the representative of Brunei Darussalam pointed out that the real divide in the world today was no longer between the East and West, nor between developed and developing economies. It was also not between the rich and poor, or between different faiths. It was between the moderates and extremists.
The culture of violence was as contagious as Ebola, Iran’s delegate warned the Assembly. As violence became a global phenomenon, the solutions must also go global. He called on the international community to eliminate support for those who were responsible for the plight of Iraq and Syria.
Peace was like oxygen, the representative of Cameroon said. Taken for granted when breathed in, its absence was always felt sorely. Therefore, his country’s national programmes centred on peace and progress and taught tolerance through its national primary school system.
The representative of Kazakhstan also highlighted national efforts towards a culture of peace, such as the establishment of a unique mechanism of inter-ethnic and interfaith dialogue, known as the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. His Government was also committed to providing moral and spiritual education to children and youth.
Echoing those words, a representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stated that education was not only about developing cognition or knowledge, but also about instilling and nurturing human values and skills such as empathy, non-judgement, active listening, non-violence communication, and collaborative negotiation. The ability of “feeling yourself,” analysing situations from the humanitarian perspective was vital to a culture of peace.
The Assembly also heard an introduction by the representative of Sweden of a draft resolution on the investigation into the conditions and circumstances resulting in the death of Dag Hammarskjold. As well, it adopted without a recorded vote a resolution on the credentials of the Member States for the Credentials Committee.
Participating in the meeting were representatives of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)), Thailand, Qatar, Malaysia, Morocco, Japan, Tunisia, Benin, Cuba, Cambodia and Armenia, as well as Italy, speaking on behalf of the European Union Delegation.
The General Assembly will meet again at a later date and time to be announced.
Background
The General Assembly met this morning to consider a report on the Credentials Committee (document A/69/617). It would also consider a report of the Secretary-General on the culture of peace (document A/69/413) and take action on two related draft resolutions (documents A/69/L.34 and A/69/L.41).
Action would be taken, as well, on a draft text on the investigation into the conditions and circumstances resulting in the tragic death of Dag Hammarskjöld and of the members of the party accompanying him (document A/69/L.42).
Introduction and Action on Draft Resolutions
ABDUL MOMEN (Bangladesh), Chair of the Credentials Committee, introduced the credentials of Member States for the Committee for the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly (document A/69/617), containing a draft resolution recognizing those credentials.
The Assembly then adopted that draft text.
In explanation of position after the action, the representative of Iran said his delegation had joined the consensus on the text, but had reservations that in doing so it could be construed as recognition of the Israeli regime.
Turning to the item on the culture of peace, the Assembly then heard the introduction of the report of the Secretary-General on the subject (document A/69/413).
Mr. MOMEN (Bangladesh) then introduced the draft resolution on the culture of peace (document A/69/L.34). Noting that the text was typically adopted without a vote, he said inequalities, discrimination, misunderstanding, intolerance and hatred around the globe were generating new dimensions of conflicts. There was an urgency to build and promote a culture of peace to create a mindset of tolerance, respect and love.
Among other things, the draft text would have the Assembly urge the appropriate authorities to provide age-appropriate education in children’s schools that builds a culture of peace, including lessons in mutual understanding, tolerance, active citizenship and human rights. The Assembly would also note the importance of giving due consideration to a culture of peace in the context of the post-2015 development agenda.
MASOOD KHAN (Pakistan) introduced a draft resolution on the Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace (document A/69/L.41). After providing updates on oral revisions, he said that the world today was afflicted with destructive conflicts fuelled by lingering suspicions and mistrust across religious and civilization “fault lines”. A similarly concerning trend of xenophobia and religious intolerance was taking place alongside the emergence of new extremist ideologies in different parts of the world. The impending clash of civilizations in a globalized world was avoidable, he said, stressing the importance of strengthening mechanism and actions for the promotion of dialogue and understanding among religions and civilizations. He hoped the Assembly would adopt the draft resolution unanimously, he said.
By that draft resolution, the Assembly would underline the importance of moderation as a value within societies for countering extremism in all its aspects and for further contributing to the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, tolerance, understanding and cooperation, and call upon Member States to create conditions for voices of moderation to be heard.
LIBRAN N. CABACTULAN (Philippines), also introducing resolution “L.41”, stated that it had been fitting to celebrate the resolution’s tenth anniversary with the adoption in March 2014 of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of the Action Plan for the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures. Hence, the resolution encouraged Member States and relevant governmental and intergovernmental organizations to carry out activities in support of the Action Plan. The text also strengthened support for the work and activities of UNESCO and welcomed the Agency’s Peace and Dialogue e-Portal as a means of promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue through information technology. As the banner year of 2015 approached, the resolution also recognized the importance of giving due consideration to culture in the ongoing discussion of the post-2015 development agenda.
Statements
INGA RHONDA KING (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), stated that the Community was itself the essence of cultural diversity. Peaceful resolution of conflicts and differences was crucial to social and economic development. Consistent with its Charter obligations, the United Nations had to be a force for equality and fairness in the context of the inequities of globalization. She cited the Nobel Peace Prize speech of Malala Yousafzai who said, “Why is it that countries which we call strong are so powerful in creating wars, but so weak in bringing peace? Why is it that giving guns is so easy but giving books is so hard?” She then expressed hope that through peace education, the international community could create an enduring culture of peace.
DATO ABDUL GHAFAR ISMAIL (Brunei Darussalam), speaking for the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), said the culture of peace had been instilled in the regional organization since its establishment. Its Bangkok Declaration of 1967 stated that an objective for its formation was to “promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.” A culture of peace must be inculcated from a young age. The ASEAN Young Volunteers Programme provided assistance to projects ranging from rural development, poverty eradication, education, agriculture, health to environmental matters.
The real divide in the world today, he continued, was no longer between the East and West, between the developed and developing economies, nor between the rich and poor, and it was certainly not between different faiths. It was the disparity between the moderates and extremists. ASEAN underscored the importance of giving due consideration to a culture of peace in the Millennium Development Goals and post-2015 development agenda because when there was no peace, there would be no development. Therefore, he said, ASEAN fully supported efforts by the United Nations in promoting a culture of peace, particularly through the Action Plan for the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022).
PEMIKAR LUSANANON (Thailand), associating herself with ASEAN, said it was imperative to engage all relevant stakeholders, public and private, civil society, media, academia, local leaders, religious figures, women and youth. In particular, women could play an important role as an agent for peace and conflict resolutions. The role of media as a carrier of peace in advocating the culture of peace was also indispensable. There was an urgent need to promote true understanding of the essence of religions, faiths and beliefs and to counter ideologies that underpinned violence. The culture of peace could be promoted through capacity-building and education. Expert historians had met in Bangkok this past September to discuss ways to improve the quality of history curricula in order to encourage mutual understanding and respect among people in the region and to better neighborly relations. Increased emphasis must be placed on promoting culture of people among youth. She expressed her delegation’s high hopes in harnessing a vibrant, forward-looking new generation of minds, where prejudice and incitement of hatred had no room.
ABDULAZIZ ALALI (Qatar) said, in regards to the UNESCO report, that peace could not be strengthened without support. The rejection of the use of force and the development of human rights were among the efforts needed. In addition, efforts must also continue to seek to settle conflicts peacefully through mediation with a view to resolving tensions that threatened international peace and security. Democracy, the rule of law, good governance, gender equality and combating crime and terrorism were essential. Youth played a key role to future strengthening the values of dialogue. For its part, Qatar had hosted a number of events, including those focused on education. The culture of peace was also included in school programmes, he said, adding that other related initiatives had been undertaken.
HUSSEIN HANIFF (Malaysia) said there was a need to comply with the United Nations Declaration and Programme of Action to promote a culture of peace. The new Action Plan provided a renewed focused on dialogue, he said, acknowledging the roles played in that regard by women, youth and non-governmental organizations. Interfaith dialogue was important and a united push was needed for tackling extremism. He voiced hope that efforts by moderates would drown the voices of extremists and radicals. His country had introduced the notion of “One Malaysia” to promote peace and united, with an emphasis on dialogue and knowledge sharing to find a common ground to bring disparate groups closer together. Interaction between diverse groups and intercultural dialogue were the ways forward, he emphasized.
AKAN RAKHMETULLIN (Kazakhstan), expressing support for both draft resolutions, called for well-coordinated action by the United Nations system to implement them, with UNESCO as the lead agency. Durable international peace and security must be established through general and complete disarmament and effective control of all kinds of weapons of mass destruction as well as small arms. Work at the global level could be achieved through individual efforts of Member States. His country, with about 130 ethnic groups and almost 20 different religious denominations, had established a unique mechanism of interethnic and interfaith dialogue, known as the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. It also held the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions triennially since 2003. His Government was committed to provide moral and spiritual education to children and youth to overcome spiritual vacuum of human values, he said, noting that Kazakhstan had initiated the United Nations International Year for Rapprochement of Cultures, and subsequently the International Decade (2013-2022), adopted during the UNESCO General Conference in 2011.
ABDERRAZZAK LAASSEL (Morocco) stated that with the rise of intolerance and inter-ethnic, intercommunal tensions, peace continued to elude the international community. It was fundamental that the United Nations become a catalyst of a new form of international cooperation. “We are now at a historical turning point globally,” he said, adding that to counter radicalism, terrorism and separatism, it was important to focus on a culture of peace and mutual understanding. The Friends of the Alliance of Civilization must continue to work towards that. Morocco was intensifying its efforts to tackle extremism and had adopted a unique preventive strategy of de-radicalization, based on human development. His country had always worked for peace and prosperity in the Maghreb region as well as the Middle East and would continue to do so.
JUNICHI SUMI (Japan) stated that because women were agents of peace, his country had been actively promoting their role in peace and security. Japan had worked to eliminate “war culture” from people’s hearts. Drawing the attention of the Assembly to preambular paragraph 17 of the resolution, which would have the Assembly recognize “the role of women and youth in advancing the culture of peace and in particular the importance of greater involvement of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts”, he concluded that young people and women were key drivers of the kind of change of attitudes, institutions and cultures that the international community sought.
MOHAMED KHALED KHIARI (Tunisia) said the Charter stated that tolerance and good neighbourliness should be adopted to ensure peace and security. His country had aimed at deepening those concepts alongside peace and dialogue. Strengthening stability and economic development was essential, he said, inviting all Member States to spread the ideas of rapprochement and dialogue among faiths and culture. As the world sought development, stability and security goals, it also was facing rising tides of extremism. The 2013-2022 decade of rapprochement was a step forward, he said, supporting the new strategic plan for the Alliance for Civilizations, which was working to implement real projects that translated objectives into reality, including regional strategies. He also commended similar efforts taken by other United Nations entities to strengthen the culture of peace, including the Peacebuilding Commission.
MICHEL TOMMO MONTHE (Cameroon) said peace was like oxygen. When breathing, it was taken for granted, but when it was absent, its importance and power were recognized immediately. Cameroon’s national programmes centred on peace and progress, he said, voicing support for the Secretary-General’s position that peace should be included in discussions on the post-2015 development agenda. Cameroon also supported global education initiatives, as reflected in the national primary school system’s coverage of notions of tolerance and acceptance of differences, along with other efforts aimed at promoting respect for diversity. Human rights, democracy, good governance, the peaceful settlement of disputes, among other things, must be supported to build the foundation for social cohesion and dialogue. In doing so, the world’s common future would only benefit, he concluded.
EUSÈBE AGBANGLA (Benin), noting that the International Decade would help to bring about a culture of peace, commended the remarkable work accomplished in the field to put into practice the ideas and norms of peace-related resolutions and instruments and he expressed support for initiatives taken by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on inter-religious dialogues for peace. Intercultural and inter-religious dialogues were important and it was encouraging to bring that message of peace to Africa and beyond. The relationships of societies were complicated, but bridges of convergence in religions existed and could be identified by dialogue. Education about history and religion in schools and the media’s effective role could, instead of bringing about hatred and intolerance, instil peace and tolerance. Benin would be hosting a symposium on inter-religious dialogue about which a side event at the United Nations would be held shortly. Support was needed, he stated, for the success of that initiative.
OSCAR LEÓN GONZÁLEZ (Cuba) reiterated his country’s full commitment to the Charter and stressed that Cuba’s approach to intentional relations was based on the need to promote a culture of peace in all areas. The objective of strengthening a culture of peace, as mentioned in both resolutions, was extremely relevant today. Progress in that could be achieved only by changing attitudes and lifestyles and was based on the values of respect for life, non-violence, education and dialogue. It was vital to respect the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in matters under the jurisdiction of States. Education was of great importance as schools and families were responsible for inculcating the values needed for developing a culture of peace. A culture of peace was incompatible with nuclear weapons, efforts to topple Governments, and national agendas imposed on other peoples through economic and financial blockades. Latin America was the vanguard for developing a culture of peace and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) had taken many actions to promote that goal.
RY TUY (Cambodia) stated that peace and development were interlinked. As a post-conflict country, Cambodia was working to rehabilitate itself and had envisaged a culture of peace at the core of its efforts. Peace and stability was also the long-term goal of ASEAN and his Government attached great importance to regional confidence building measures and preventive diplomacy. While acknowledging the significant role of religions to contribute to the culture of peace, he said he also believed that it was important to instil the value of peace in the younger generation. Therefore, Cambodia had co-sponsored the draft resolution on promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue.
GHOLAMHOSSEIN DEHGHANI (Iran) stated that the agenda item under discussion today had taken on a special importance in the current context of increasing activity in his region “by those wicked elements inherently opposed to peace.” Given the plight of the peoples of Iraq and Syria who were subject to those forces of violence, it was crucial that the lofty and noble ideas incorporated in the draft resolutions must eliminate the support received by those elements. The international community must redouble efforts to implement those resolutions so that the forces of violence could be defeated. Underscoring the importance Iran attached to understanding between cultures, he said that last year, his Government had proposed a resolution on a world against violence and violent extremism which had been adopted by consensus in the Assembly. No evil could be contained in a particular region. The culture of violence was as contagious as Ebola. As the challenge to peace became global, so must actions to address violence.
CHRISTOPHE LOBRY BOULANGER, of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stated that his organization was strongly committed to fostering a global culture of respect for peace and non-violence. Women, youth and children were powerful sources of change. Their energy and skills needed to be harnessed when pursuing societal transformation. Education was not only about developing cognition or knowledge, but also about instilling and nurturing human values and skills such as empathy, non-judgement, active listening, non-violence communication, and collaborative negotiation. “How to be non-violent in violent situations“, he asked, adding that the answer started with acquiring the ability of “feeling yourself,” analysing situations from the humanitarian perspective and then engaging in constructive actions. Family life, school, media, and community were all educational platforms that could promote a culture of peace.
Introduction and Action on Drafts
The Assembly then took action on draft resolution “L.34”, adopting it without a vote.
It then went on to adopt draft resolution “L.41”, as orally revised, without a vote.
In explanation of position after the adoption of “L.41”, the representative of Armenia said religious and intercultural dialogue should both promote peace and condemn xenophobia. He hoped Azerbaijan’s role as host of the 2016 United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum would end “Armenaphobia” and would contribute to working towards achieving peace in the region.
Italy’s representative, speaking on behalf of the European Union, also spoke in explanation of position on “L.41”, stating her appreciation for efforts to include past concerns and noting that the text had improved over the years. Still, not all concerns were reflected. Dialogue could only be successful in environments where all voices could be heard. It was important to reflect on the respective roles of Government and civil society.
PER THÖRESSON (Sweden) then introduced the draft resolution on the investigation into the conditions and circumstances resulting in the tragic death of Dag Hammarskjöld and of the members of the party accompanying him (document A/69/L.42). He said Mr. Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, had promoted the integrity and independence of the Organization to expand to near-universal membership. His legacy continued to remain relevant on the half century since his death in 1961 in an airplane crash in what was now Zambia, he said, adding that the General Assembly resolution 1759 (XVII) of October 1962 considered the United Nations inquiry’s report of the crash and requested the Secretary-General to inform the body of any new evidence relating to the disaster.
The Secretary-General’s note (document A/68/800) of 21 March 2014, transmitted by the independent Hammarskjöld Commission, contains a suggestion that the General Assembly should consider three options for considering new evidence, he continued. Heeding that call, he said Sweden had tabled the draft resolution that would have the Assembly request the Secretary-General to appoint an independent panel of experts to examine the new information, encourage Member States to release any relevant records and request the Secretary-General to report on progress to the General Assembly at its seventieth session.
The Assembly then decided to consider “L.42” at a later date.