General Assembly Takes Up Second, Third Committee Reports, Adopting 99 Resolutions, Three Decisions on Broad Range of Items

Eradicating Rural Poverty, Combating Glorification of Nazism among Texts Passed

Acting on the recommendations of its Second Committee (Economic and Financial) and Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural), the General Assembly today adopted a total of 99 resolutions and 3 decisions on items ranging from permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people and eradicating poverty to combating glorification of Nazism and plight of refugees.

In the morning, taking up Second Committee draft resolutions amid a global context fraught with developmental uncertainty at all levels, including poverty, conflict and the mounting threat of climate change, the Assembly adopted 39 of 43 texts — 7 by a recorded vote — and 2 decisions, in a bid to steer the dangerously off-track Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back towards progress.

To that end, the Assembly adopted the resolution titled “Eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (document A/78/464/Add.2) by a recorded vote of 125 in favour to 50 against, with 1 abstention (Türkiye).

By its terms, the Assembly called on all countries to promote agricultural and rural development in their national policies and to renew their efforts to promote innovative approaches — including agroecology — to enhance capacity for food production, distribution and storage; cooperate in the relevant areas of science, research, technology and innovation, as appropriate and consistent with national policies and frameworks; strengthen sustainable agrifood systems that enhance food security and nutrition; and strengthen policies that support small-scale producers engaging in agrifood system value chains.

In a related vein, the Assembly also took up the resolution on “Unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries”, adopting it by a recorded vote of 128 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States), with 43 abstentions.

By the text, the Assembly urged the international community to adopt urgent and effective measures to eliminate the use of unilateral economic, financial or trade measures that are not authorized by relevant organs of the United Nations, inconsistent with the principles of international law or the Charter of the UN, or that contravene the basic principles of the multilateral trading system and that affect, in particular, but not exclusively, developing countries.

It further called upon the international community to condemn and reject the imposition of the use of such measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries that impedes the full achievement of economic and social development.

Addressing the Middle East, the Assembly took up the report “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources” (document A/78/467), adopting the eponymous resolution by a recorded vote of 158 in favour to 6 against (Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 13 abstentions.

By its terms, the Assembly demanded that Israel, the occupying Power, cease the exploitation, damage, cause of loss or depletion and endangerment of the natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan.

Further to the draft, it recognized the right of the Palestinian people to claim restitution as a result of any exploitation, damage, loss or depletion or endangerment of their natural resources resulting from illegal measures taken by Israel, the occupying Power.

Also by the text, it called upon Israel to halt all actions, including those perpetrated by Israeli settlers, harming the environment, including the dumping of all kinds of waste materials, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, and cease its destruction of vital infrastructure.

The Assembly adopted the following texts by recorded vote:  “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”; “Agricultural technology for sustainable development”; “Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls for sustainable development”; and “Combating sand and dust storms”.

On the environment, the Assembly adopted without a vote the resolution titled “Strengthening cooperation for integrated coastal zone management for achieving sustainable development”.

By the text, the Assembly called upon Member States and other actors at the local, national, regional and international levels to address the problem of marine litter, including plastic litter and microplastics, which impacts coastal management. 

Speaking in explanation of position, the representative of Venezuela expressed reservations regarding that text.  The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is not universal and cannot be considered the only legal framework within which all actions in the oceans should be evaluated, she said.

Türkiye’s delegate also disassociated from references made to the Convention.  Further, explaining her delegation’s position concerning the resolution on cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea, she disassociated from references to international instruments to which her country is not a party.

The Assembly further adopted 31 other resolutions without a vote.  Also without a vote, the Assembly adopted the decisions titled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly” and “Draft programme of work of the Second Committee for the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly”.

The Assembly further postponed action on four draft resolutions to allow time for the review of their programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary).

In the afternoon, the Assembly turned to the Third Committee’s work, adopting 60 resolutions and 1 decision, covering a wide range of issues, from the rights of children, advancement of women and the plight of refugees to combating the glorification of Nazism and ensuring the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. 

In an echo of last year’s spirited debate, the Assembly adopted a text on combating the glorification of Nazism (document A/78/478), as amended and as a whole by a recorded vote of 118 in favour to 49 against, with 14 abstentions.  By its terms, the Assembly expressed alarm at the spread in many parts of the world of various extremist political parties, ideologies and groups of a racist or xenophobic character, including neo-Nazis and skinhead groups, and firmly condemned incidents that glorify and promote Nazism.

Numerous delegates — including from Venezuela, Cuba, Belarus, Zimbabwe and China — disassociated from operative paragraph 4, as it politicizes the issue of elimination of racism, while introducing a country-specific approach to a thematic resolution.

In other notable action, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination (document A/78/479) by a recorded vote of 172 in favour to 4 against (Israel, Micronesia, Nauru and the United States), with 10 abstentions (Cameroon, Guatemala, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, South Sudan, Togo, Tonga and Tuvalu), by which it stressed the urgency of ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a lasting peace settlement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides.

Addressing that text, the representative of Egypt said the world is witnessing the collective punishment against Palestinian civilians in Gaza, while the Security Council has failed to fulfil its responsibility to uphold international peace and security. 

Adding to that, Cuba’s delegate underscored that peace cannot be achieved when an entire people have been subjugated to colonization, apartheid and genocide by Israel. 

Country-specific resolutions again provoked fiery debate, as the Assembly adopted texts on the situations in Myanmar, Iran, Syria, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine).

Many delegates — including from the countries under discussion — decried the practice of selectively adopting country-specific resolutions, citing it as a tool that exploits human rights for political purposes.  Among them was the representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who called the resolution on the human rights situation in his country “nothing but […] a document of fraud cooked up by the United States and its vassal forces who persistently cling to the hostile policy to isolate and stifle the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”

Four resolutions were adopted on questions relating to refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons. The text on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) — adopted by consensus — had the Assembly express deep concern at the increasing number of people who are forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, violence, terrorism and climate change.  Strongly emphasizing the importance of active international solidarity and burden- and responsibility-sharing, the Assembly urged States to uphold the civilian and humanitarian character of camps and settlements for refugees and internally displaced persons and afford unhindered access to asylum-seekers and refugees to UNHCR. 

This year, the Assembly adopted by consensus three new texts, including on enhancing the contributions of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; equal access to justice for all; and the protection of human rights in the context of digital technologies, by which it called on States to consider implementing legislation that protects individuals against human rights violations in the digital context.

In its one decision of the day, the Assembly adopted the work programme of its Third Committee for the seventy-ninth session.

Action on Second Committee Draft Resolutions

IVAYLO GATEV (Bulgaria), Rapporteur of the Second Committee (Economic and Financial), introduced the reports of the Second Committee containing 43 draft resolutions and 2 draft decisions. 

The reports, contained in documents A/78/458 to A/78/469, include the texts of draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Second Committee to the General Assembly for adoption.  For the convenience of delegations, a checklist of action taken in the Committee was prepared and circulated by the Secretariat in document A/C.2/78/INF/1. He noted that the Committee approved a total of 43 draft resolutions, eight of which were adopted by recorded vote, as well as two draft decisions on the revitalization of the Committee’s work.

The Assembly first took up the Committee’s report on “Information and communications technologies (ICT) for sustainable development” (document A/78/458), containing an eponymous resolution, adopting it without a vote.  By its terms, the Assembly encouraged urgent action aimed at reducing digital divides and inequalities in data generation, infrastructure and accessibility within and among countries and regions, as well as between developed and developing countries.  It further emphasized that efforts to close all digital divides and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital economy must be expanded.

The Assembly then turned to the report titled “Macroeconomic policy questions” (document A/78/459), which contained the resolution on “Promoting creative economy for sustainable development”, adopting it without a vote.

The Assembly then took up the report titled “International trade and development” (document A/78/459/Add.1), containing two draft resolutions, including an eponymous text. The Committee first retained operative paragraph 28 by a recorded vote of 115 in favour to 54 against, with 1 abstention (Türkiye). Next, the Assembly retained operative paragraph 29 by a recorded vote of 120 in favour to 43 against, with 8 abstentions (Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, United States).

The Assembly then adopted the resolution without a vote, by which it underscored the urgent need to keep markets — including for food, fertilizer and agriculture — open, equitable, transparent, non-discriminatory and predictable by eliminating trade-restrictive measures and distortions through the reform of the multilateral trade rules on agriculture, according to World Trade Organization (WTO) mandates, and to ensure sustained food security and nutrition of countries, particularly the least developed and net food-importing developing States.

The Assembly then turned to the resolution therein titled “Unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries”, adopting it by a recorded vote of 128 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States), with 43 abstentions.

By the text, the Assembly urged the international community to adopt urgent and effective measures to eliminate the use of unilateral economic, financial or trade measures that are not authorized by relevant organs of the United Nations, inconsistent with the principles of international law or the Charter of the United Nations, or that contravene the basic principles of the multilateral trading system and that affect, in particular, but not exclusively, developing countries.

It further called upon the international community to condemn and reject the imposition of the use of such measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries that impedes the full achievement of economic and social development.

Next, the Assembly turned to the resolution titled “International financial system and development” (document A/78/459/Add.2), adopting it without a vote. 

By its terms, the Assembly recognized that the twenty-first century requires an international development finance system that is fit for purpose, including for the scale of need and depth of the shocks facing developing countries, in particular the poorest and most vulnerable.

Also by that text, it welcomed the special drawing rights (SDRs) allocation of the equivalent of $650 billion of 23 August 2021 and called for the urgent voluntary rechannelling of SDRs for countries most in need, including through multilateral development banks, while respecting relevant legal frameworks and preserving the reserve asset character of those rights.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote the resolution titled “External debt sustainability and development” (document A/78/459/Add.3).

Next, the Assembly turned to the resolution titled “Commodities” (document A/78/459/Add.4), adopting it without a vote, by which the Assembly recognized the need for developing countries rich in critical minerals to add value to their supply chains in line with the three pillars of sustainable development in a balanced manner as a way of contributing to their economic structural transformation, creating decent employment, increasing export revenues and participating in the process of economic development.

Acting without a vote, the Assembly then adopted the resolution on “Financial inclusion for sustainable development” (document A/78/459/Add.5).

Also acting without a vote, the Assembly next adopted the resolution titled “Promotion of international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and strengthen good practices on assets return to foster sustainable development” (document A/78/459/Add.6).  By its terms, the Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to strive to eliminate safe havens that create incentives for the transfer abroad of stolen assets and illicit financial flows.  It further stressed that efforts in international tax cooperation should be universal in approach and scope and fully consider the different needs and capacities of all countries, in particular the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing States and African countries.

In further action without a vote, the Assembly adopted the resolution titled “Promoting investments for sustainable development” (document A/78/459/Add.7).

Next, the Assembly turned to the resolution titled “Promotion of inclusive and effective international cooperation on tax matters at the United Nations” (document A/78/459/Add.8).

The Assembly postponed action on the draft resolution to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) and will take action as soon as that Committee’s report is available.

The Assembly then turned to the report on “Follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development” (document A/78/460).

The Assembly postponed action on the draft resolution to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) and will take action as soon as that Committee’s report is available.

The Assembly then took up the report titled “Sustainable development” (document A/78/461), which addressed nine resolutions.

The Assembly first acted on resolution I, “International cooperation and coordination for the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan”, adopting it without a vote.

By its terms, the Assembly urged the international community to provide assistance to Kazakhstan in formulating and implementing special programmes and projects for the treatment and care of the affected population, as well as in efforts to ensure economic growth and sustainable development in the Semipalatinsk region.

Also by the text, the Assembly called upon Member States, relevant multilateral financial organizations and other entities of the international community to share information and experience to contribute to the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region, and to promote international awareness of the situation.

The Assembly then turned to resolution II, “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”, adopting it by a recorded vote of 164 in favour to 7 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 6 abstentions (Cameroon, Guatemala, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, South Sudan, Tonga).

By its terms, the Assembly reiterated, for the eighteenth consecutive year, its deep concern about the adverse implications of the destruction by the Israeli Air Force of the oil storage tanks in the direct vicinity of the Lebanese Jiyeh electric power plant for the achievement of sustainable development in Lebanon.

Also by the text, it considered that the oil slick has heavily polluted the shores of Lebanon and partially polluted Syrian shores and consequently has had serious implications for livelihoods and the economy of Lebanon, and further acknowledged the conclusions in the report of the Secretary-General, in which he stated that studies show that the value of the damage to Lebanon amounted to $856.4 million in 2014.

It further reiterated its request to the Government of Israel to assume responsibility for prompt and adequate compensation to the Government of Lebanon for the aforementioned damage and to other countries directly affected by the oil slick, such as Syria.

The Assembly then took up resolution III, “Agricultural technology for sustainable development”, adopting it in a recorded vote of 135 in favour to 26 against, with 10 abstentions (Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Russian Federation, South Africa).

Next, the Assembly took up draft resolution IV, “Sustainable and resilient tourism and sustainable development in Central America and the Dominican Republic”.  That text was then adopted without a vote.

The Assembly then considered resolution V, “Cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea”, which the Chair noted contains no programme budget implications, adopting it without a vote.

The Assembly then turned to resolution VI, “Central Asia facing environmental challenges:  fostering regional solidarity for sustainable development and prosperity”, adopting it without a vote.

Also acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted resolution VII, “Strengthening the links between all modes of transport to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”.

The Assembly then took up resolution VIII, “The pivotal role of reliable and stable energy connectivity in driving sustainable development”, adopting it without a vote.

Next, the Committee took up draft resolution IX, “Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls for sustainable development”, which includes programme budget implications.  By its terms, the Assembly would call on States to repeal all laws and policies that exclusively or disproportionately target or criminalize the actions or behaviour of women and girls, and laws and policies that discriminate against them on the basis of any grounds, including any custom, tradition or misuse of culture or religion, and to create accountability mechanisms to end impunity and prevent, eliminate and remedy the discriminatory application of the law.

The Committee then adopted the resolution, as amended, by a recorded vote of 128 in favour to none against, with 46 abstentions.

The Assembly next turned to the report titled “Towards the achievement of sustainable development:  implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through sustainable consumption and production, building on Agenda 21” (document A/78/461/Add.1), taking up the draft resolution titled “Promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, building on Agenda 21”.  The Assembly then adopted the resolution without a vote.

The Assembly then took up the eponymous resolution in the report titled “Follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States” (document A/78/461/Add.2).

The Assembly postponed action on the draft resolution to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) and will take action as soon as that Committee’s report is available.

The Assembly then turned to the resolution on “Disaster risk reduction” (document A/78/461/Add.3), adopting it without a vote.

By the text, the Assembly encouraged developed countries to prioritize and enhance the allocation of and access to sustainable and predictable financing for hazard risk reduction at all levels, and technical and financial support and technology transfer to developing States, in particular for the least developed countries, small island developing States, landlocked developing countries and African countries, as well as middle-income countries facing specific challenges, on concessional and preferential terms.

The Assembly then turned to the report titled “Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind” (document A/78/461/Add.4).  By the text, the Assembly urged Member States to adopt a climate- and environment-responsive approach to COVID‑19 recovery efforts, including by aligning investments and domestic policies with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the goals of the Paris Agreement for its parties, and the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The Assembly first retained operative paragraph 16 of the draft resolution by a recorded vote of 117 in favour to 50 against, with 4 abstentions (Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Kiribati).

By the text of operative paragraph 16, the Assembly emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote sustainable development in its three dimensions in an innovative, coordinated, environmentally sound, open and shared manner.

The resolution was then adopted without a vote.

Next, acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted the resolution on “Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa” (document A/78/461/Add.5).

By the text, the Assembly urged implementation of the Paris Agreement and agreed intergovernmentally negotiated outcomes and decisions of subsequent United Nations climate change conferences.  It further took note of the Abidjan Call, which urged giving the highest priority to the issues of drought prevention, resilience, impact mitigation and accelerating the implementation of existing national commitments, towards achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030.

The Assembly then took up the report on “Convention on Biological Diversity” (document A/78/461/Add.6), adopting without a vote the resolution on “Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its contribution to sustainable development”.

By its terms, the Assembly called for the timely operationalization and capitalization of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund and further called upon developed countries to make contributions to it commensurate with the targets of the Framework.  It also urged parties to the Convention to ensure the coherence and complementarity of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework with other existing or upcoming international processes.

The Assembly then took up the report titled “Education for Sustainable Development” (document A/78/461/Add.7), adopting the resolution titled “Education for sustainable development in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” without a vote.

By its terms, the Assembly called upon the international community to provide inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels so that all people, irrespective of sex, age, race or ethnicity, and persons with disabilities, migrants, Indigenous Peoples, children and youth, especially those in vulnerable situations, may have access to lifelong learning opportunities that help them to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to exploit opportunities to participate fully in society and contribute to sustainable development. 

Turning to the resolution titled “Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” (document A/78/461/Add.8), the Assembly adopted it without a vote.

The Assembly then considered the resolution on “Combating sand and dust storms” (document A/78/461/Add.9), adopting it in a recorded vote of 176 in favour to 3 against (Israel, Nauru, United States), with no abstentions.

By its terms, the Assembly requested the Secretary-General to further encourage the United Nations Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms to conduct its priority activities as identified by the Coalition’s five working groups, which are knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, training, awareness-raising and support for the formulation of national, regional and interregional plans, to mitigate and prevent sand and dust storm hazards, to encourage the Coalition to enhance resource mobilization efforts so as to increase voluntary contributions to the Coalition and its member agencies.

The Assembly next adopted without a vote the resolution titled “Strengthening cooperation for integrated coastal zone management for achieving sustainable development” (document A/78/461/Add.10).

By the text, the Assembly called upon Member States and other actors at the local, national, regional and international levels to address the problem of marine litter, including plastic litter and microplastics, which impacts coastal management.  It also encouraged all stakeholders operating in this field, in their response to and recovery from the pandemic, to prioritize life cycle approaches, promote resource efficiency and incorporate biodiversity and coastal ecosystem services in their integral management.

Speaking in explanation of vote, the representative of Venezuela expressed reservations regarding that text.  The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is not universal and cannot be considered the only legal framework within which all actions in the oceans should be evaluated, she said.

The representative of Türkiye also disassociated from references made to the Convention.  Further, explaining her delegation’s position concerning the resolution on cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea, she disassociated from references to international instruments to which her country is not a party.

The Assembly next took note of the report “Globalization and interdependence” (document A/78/462), addressing three resolutions.

Acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted the resolution titled “Science, technology and innovation for sustainable development” (document A/78/462/Add.1).

By its terms, the Assembly called for action to be taken to enhance the ability of developing countries to benefit from science, technology and innovation and address the major structural impediments to accessing new and emerging technologies, including through scaling up the use of open science, affordable and open-source technology, research and development, including through strengthened partnerships.

Also acting without a vote, the Assembly then adopted the resolution to the report on “Culture and sustainable development” (document A/78/462/Add.2).

By the text, the Assembly called for enhanced support, including additional financial resources and investments, for the cultural and creative sectors, including in the context of COVID-19 recovery efforts, while recognizing culture’s fundamental role in societies and its impact on sustainable development, to protect artists and cultural professionals, foster knowledge, innovation and intercultural dialogue, adapt them to the digital transformation, strengthen linkages between culture and education, safeguard cultural heritage and traditional and ancestral knowledge, including of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Next, the Assembly turned to the resolution titled “Development cooperation with middle-income countries” (document A/78/462/Add.3), also adopting it without a vote.

Next, the Assembly took note of the report on “Groups of countries in special situations” (document A/78/463), addressing a pair of resolutions.

Turning to the report titled “Follow-up to the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries” (document A/78/463/Add.1), the Assembly postponed action on the draft resolution to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) and will take action as soon as that Committee’s report is available.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote the resolution contained in the report titled “Follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries” (document A/78/463/Add.2).

The Assembly then turned to the report titled “Eradication of poverty and other development issues” (document A/78/464), addressing two resolutions.

Turning to the resolution titled “Implementation of the Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2018-2027)” (document A/78/464/Add.1), the Assembly acted without a vote to adopt it.

By its terms, the Assembly called upon the international community, including Member States and the organizations of the United Nations development system, to continue to accord the highest priority to poverty eradication within the UN development agenda and to urgently take comprehensive and targeted measures to address the root causes and challenges of poverty in all its forms and dimensions.

The Assembly then took up the resolution titled “Eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (document A/78/464/Add.2), adopting it by a recorded vote of 125 in favour to 50 against, with 1 abstention (Türkiye).

By its terms, the Assembly called on all countries to promote agricultural and rural development in their national policies and to renew their efforts to promote innovative approaches — including agroecology — to enhance capacity for food production, distribution and storage; cooperate in the relevant areas of science, research, technology and innovation, as appropriate and consistent with national policies and frameworks; strengthen sustainable agrifood systems that enhance food security and nutrition; and strengthen policies that support small-scale producers engaging in agrifood system value chains.

The Assembly then took note of the report titled “Operational activities for development” (document A/78/465).

Next, acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted the resolution “Operational activities for development of the United Nations system” (document A/78/465/Add.1).

The Assembly then took up the resolution titled “South-South cooperation” (document A/78/465/Add.2), adopting the text without a vote.

The Assembly then took note of the report titled “Agriculture development, food security and nutrition” (document A/78/466), addressing two resolutions.

Acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted the resolution titled “Agriculture development, food security and nutrition” (document A/78/466/Add.1).

Next, the Assembly took up the draft resolution titled “Natural plant fibres and sustainable development” (document A/78/466/Add.2), adopting that resolution without a vote.

The Assembly next took up the report “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources” (document A/78/467), adopting the eponymous resolution by a recorded vote of 158 in favour to 6 against (Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 13 abstentions.

By its terms, the Assembly demanded that Israel, the occupying Power, cease the exploitation, damage, cause of loss or depletion and endangerment of the natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan.

Further to the draft, it recognized the right of the Palestinian people to claim restitution as a result of any exploitation, damage, loss or depletion or endangerment of their natural resources resulting from illegal measures taken by Israel, the occupying Power.

Also by the text, it called upon Israel to halt all actions, including those perpetrated by Israeli settlers, harming the environment, including the dumping of all kinds of waste materials, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan, and cease its destruction of vital infrastructure.

The Assembly then took up the report titled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly” (document A/78/468), adopting both that eponymous decision I, and draft decision II, “Draft programme of work of the Second Committee for the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly”, without a vote.

The Assembly then took note of the report on “Programme planning” (document A/78/469).

The Assembly thus concluded its consideration of all reports of the Second Committee before it for the meeting.

Dennis Francis (Trinidad and Tobago), President of the General Assembly, thanked Carlos Amorín (Uruguay), Chair of the Second Committee, members of the bureau, as well as delegates and the Committee Secretary for a job well done.

Action on Third Committee Draft Resolutions

ROBERT ALEXANDER POVEDA BRITO (Venezuela), Rapporteur of the Third Committee, introduced the following reports of that body:  “Social development”(document A/78/472); “Advancement of women” (document A/78/473); “Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions” (document A/78/474); “Report of the Human Rights Council” (document A/78/475); “Promotion and protection of the rights of children” (document A/78/476); “Rights of Indigenous peoples” (document A/78/477); “Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance” (document A/78/478); and “Rights of peoples to self-determination” (document A/78/479).

He went on to present the Committee’s reports on “Promotion and protection of human rights” (document A/78/481); “Implementation of human rights instruments” (document A/78/481/Add.1); “Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms” (document A/78/481/Add.2); “Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives” (document A/78/481/Add.3); “Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action” (document A/78/481/Add.4); “Crime prevention and criminal justice” (document A/78/482); “Countering the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes” (document A/78/483); “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly” (document A/78/484); and “Programme Planning” (document A/78/485).

The General Assembly first took up the report on “Social development” (document A/78/472), containing nine draft resolutions.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution I, “Persons with Albinism”.  By its terms, the General Assembly urged Member States to continue to meet their obligations to uphold the human rights of persons with albinism, including the rights to life, liberty, security of person, education, work, an adequate standard of living and the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.  It also encouraged Member States to end impunity for violence against persons with albinism by amending laws, where applicable, and by bringing perpetrators to justice.

Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote resolution II, “Inclusive policies and programmes to address homelessness, including in the aftermath of the coronavirus disease (COVID‑19)”.  By its terms, the Assembly urged Member States to consider people experiencing homelessness in designing, implementing, creating and evaluating policies, programmes and strategies for full, equal, meaningful, effective, constructive and sustainable participation in society and access to affordable, stable, safe and adequate housing. It also urged Member States to ensure that those efforts are compliant with their applicable international human rights obligations as well as oriented towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling the commitment of leaving no one behind.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution III, “Addressing the challenges of persons living with a rare disease and their families”.  By its terms, the Assembly called on Member States to strengthen health systems to provide universal access to health-care services to persons living with a rare disease, whether genetic or acquired, including those with rare cancers, rare infections and rare allergic reactions, as well as those with an undiagnosed disease.  By other terms, it urged Member States to implement national policies to ensure that persons living with a rare disease are not left behind, recognizing that persons living with a rare disease are often disproportionally affected by poverty, discrimination and lack of decent work and employment.

Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote resolution IV, “Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly”.  By its terms, the Assembly stressed the importance of taking targeted measures to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions everywhere.  It called on Member States to adopt measures to recognize, reduce and redistribute women’s and girls’ disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work and the feminization of poverty, exacerbated by the COVID‑19 pandemic, including through poverty eradication measures, labour policies, public services and gender-responsive social protection programmes.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution V, “Cooperatives in Social Development”.  By its terms, the Assembly called for the proclamation of another International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, encouraging all Member States and relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the Year as a way of raising awareness of their contribution to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and overall social and economic development.

The Assembly also called on Member States and relevant stakeholders to advance actions to address the social, economic and health impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic, while striving to get back on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by designing and implementing age-, disability- and gender-sensitive recovery strategies to accelerate progress towards the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Further, it called on Member States to promote more equitable participation in and access to economic growth gains, through policies that ensure inclusive labour markets and by implementing socially responsive macroeconomic policies, in which employment has a key role.Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote resolution VI, “Preparations for and observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family”.  By its terms, the Assembly called on Member States, United Nations entities and other stakeholders to offer support to family members, including working parents, and provide access to full and productive employment, as well as effective, inclusive and gender-responsive social protection systems and public services, expanded child and family benefits, paid parental leave and sick leave, improved flexibility of working arrangements and investments in parenting education.  The Assembly further called on Member States, United Nations entities and other stakeholders to promote preparations for the observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024 through practical initiatives, including family-oriented policies and programmes responding to the needs of all families.

Without a vote, the Assembly then adopted resolution VII, “Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing”.  By its terms, the General Assembly voiced concern that many health systems are not sufficiently prepared to respond to the needs of the rapidly ageing population. It also voiced deep concern over the increasing number and scale of humanitarian emergencies and their impact on older persons, particularly older women.  The Assembly urged Member States to promote healthy and active ageing and develop health care for older persons as part of primary care in the existing health systems, in addition to strengthening intersectoral policy frameworks for the integrated management of the prevention and control of non-communicable disease.

Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote resolution VIII, “Promoting social integration through social inclusion”.  By its terms, the Assembly stressed that Member States should prioritize the creation of a “society for all” based on respect for all human rights and principles of equality among individuals, non-discrimination, access to basic social services and promotion of the active participation of every member of society, in particular those in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations, in all aspects of life.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution IX, “Policies and Programmes involving Youth”, as orally revised.  By its terms, the Assembly expressed deep concern over all forms of violence, discrimination and exclusion of young people, while emphasizing the importance of preventing human rights violations and phenomena such as sexual harassment and bullying.  Further, it stressed the need to strengthen the capacity of statistical offices to collect and analyse data disaggregated by age in the development and deployment of all policies and programmes involving youth. 

By further terms, the Assembly urged States to address the high rates of youth unemployment; combat youth poverty and hunger; tackle the lack of adequate and affordable housing for young persons; increase access to youth-friendly health services, including sexual and reproductive health, menstrual health and substance abuse; provide psychosocial support for youth; invest in both formal and non-formal public education; and promote cultural diversity through youth-oriented policies.

Moving on, the Assembly turned to the report “Advancement of Women” (document A/78/473), containing three draft resolutions. 

It adopted without a vote draft resolution I, “Violence against women migrant workers”.  By its terms, the Assembly expressed deep concern at continuing reports of grave abuses committed against migrant women and girls, including femicide, racism and trafficking in persons.  It expressed deep concern that migrant women in informal employment may have limited legal protection and labour rights, increasing the risk of exploitation.  The Assembly expressed further concern over the use of technology for extortion and to broadcast sexual violence perpetrated by smugglers to the community of migrant women, further stigmatizing and degrading them.

Further to the text, the Assembly urged Governments to enhance all levels of cooperation to address violence against women migrant workers to strengthen efforts to reduce their vulnerability by promoting decent work through measures including minimum wage policies, facilitating access to justice and supporting enhanced reception and reintegration assistance for those who return, especially for victims of trafficking.  It also urged States to adopt national gender-responsive migration policies and legislation to protect the human rights of all migrant women and girls, regardless of migration status.

Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote draft resolution II “Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas”.  By the text, it expressed deep concern that, globally, a quarter of employed women around the world work in agriculture, yet they are relegated to informal, low-paid, labour-intensive and vulnerable jobs and that, while women contribute more than 50 per cent of food produced worldwide, they account for 70 per cent of the world’s hungry.  The Assembly expressed further concern that many rural women continue to be economically disadvantaged because of their limited access to opportunities and disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work.  It emphasized that rural women’s poverty can place them at increased risk of violence that can impede their social and economic development.

The Assembly urged Member States to attach greater importance to the improvement of the situation of rural women and girls in their national, regional and global development strategies by, inter alia: Pursuing the political and socioeconomic empowerment of rural women and supporting their full and equal participation in decision-making at all levels; providing access to health, including emergency obstetric care, and support for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights; and mobilizing targeted programmes that provide women with capital, knowledge and tools that enhance their economic capacities.

Without a vote, the Assembly then adopted draft resolution III, “Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly”.  By the text, it urged Member States to increase funding for UN-Women by providing core, multi-year, predictable and sustainable voluntary contributions.  It also urged Member States and encouraged stakeholders to mobilize adequate financial resources for the full and accelerated implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.  The Assembly called on Governments and all other stakeholders to systematically mainstream a gender perspective into implementation of the 2030 Agenda.  Further, the Assembly decided to convene a one-day high-level meeting in the margins of its general debate at its eightieth session to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

The Assembly then took up the report “Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions” (document A/78/474), containing four draft resolutions.

In explanation of position before the vote, the representative of Ukraine voiced regret over Russia’s manipulative tactics by requesting a vote.  The resolution is technical and previously approved by the Economic and Social Council, she added, noting that such an approach risks politicization of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).  With a record 108.4 million people forcibly displaced globally in 2022, mainly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, addressing this unprecedented displacement requires robust support from UN Member States, she said, underscoring the importance of expanding the Executive Committee.  Ukraine, with over nine years of experiencing forced displacement — and over 11 million Ukrainians affected — will contribute meaningfully to it, she added, inviting Member States to vote yes on “L.28”.

The Assembly adopted draft resolution I,“Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”, by a recorded vote of 128 in favour to 1 against (Nigeria), with 46 abstentions.  By the text, the Assembly decided to increase the number of members of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 108 States to 109 States.  Further, it requested the Economic and Social Council to elect the additional member at a meeting of its management segment in 2024.

Next, the Assembly adopted draft resolution II,“Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”, by a recorded vote of 128 in favour to 4 against (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Syria), with 43 abstentions.  By the text, it decided to increase the number of members of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 109 States to 110 States, and requested the Economic and Social Council to elect the additional member at a meeting of its management segment in 2024.

The Assembly then adopted by consensus draft resolution III, “Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees”, by which it expressed deep concern that the number of people who are forcibly displaced owing to, inter alia, conflict, persecution, violence and terrorism, is increasing, and that the adverse effects of climate change, hazards and environmental degradation are increasing in intensity and frequency, contributing to forced displacement and disproportionately affecting persons in vulnerable situations.

Further, the Assembly strongly condemned attacks on refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons and internally displaced persons, calling on States or parties involved in an armed conflict to take all measures necessary to ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. It deplored the growing number of incidents of refoulement and unlawful expulsion of refugees and asylum seekers, as well as practices of denial of access to asylum.  The Assembly also urged all States to mobilize resources as well as direct aid to host countries, countries of origin, refugee populations and communities hosting them, with a view to enhancing their capacity and reducing the heavy burden borne by countries and communities hosting refugees.

Without a vote, the Assembly then adopted draft resolution IV, “Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa”.  By its terms, the Assembly urged States, parties to conflict and other relevant actors to take necessary measures to protect activities related to humanitarian assistance, including preventing attacks and kidnapping.  It also urged the international community to continue generously funding the refugee programmes of the Office of the High Commissioner and other relevant humanitarian organizations.  The Assembly called on the international community to take concrete action to meet the protection and assistance needs of refugees, returnees and displaced persons.  It further called on the international donor community to provide financial and material assistance to implement community-based development programmes that benefit both refugees and host communities.

The Assembly then took up the report titled “Sustainable development” (document A/78/461), which addressed nine resolutions.

The Assembly first acted on resolution I titled “International cooperation and coordination for the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan”, adopting it without a vote.

By its terms, the Assembly urged the international community to provide assistance to Kazakhstan in formulating and implementing special programmes and projects for the treatment and care of the affected population, as well as in efforts to ensure economic growth and sustainable development in the Semipalatinsk region.

Also by the text, the Assembly called upon Member States, relevant multilateral financial organizations and other entities of the international community to share information and experience to contribute to the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region, and to promote international awareness of the situation.

The Assembly then turned to resolution II, titled “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”, adopting it by a recorded vote of 164 in favour to 7 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 6 abstentions (Cameroon, Guatemala, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, South Sudan, Tonga).

By its terms, the Assembly reiterated, for the eighteenth consecutive year, its deep concern about the adverse implications of the destruction by the Israeli Air Force of the oil storage tanks in the direct vicinity of the Lebanese Jiyeh electric power plant for the achievement of sustainable development in Lebanon.

Also by the text, it considered that the oil slick has heavily polluted the shores of Lebanon and partially polluted Syrian shores and consequently has had serious implications for livelihoods and the economy of Lebanon, and further acknowledged the conclusions in the report of the Secretary-General, in which he stated that studies show that the value of the damage to Lebanon amounted to $856.4 million in 2014.

It further reiterated its request to the Government of Israel to assume responsibility for prompt and adequate compensation to the Government of Lebanon for the aforementioned damage and to other countries directly affected by the oil slick, such as Syria.

The Assembly then took up resolution III on “Agricultural technology for sustainable development”, adopting it in a recorded vote of 135 in favour to 26 against, with 10 abstentions (Angola, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Russian Federation, South Africa).

Next, the Assembly took up draft resolution IV on “Sustainable and resilient tourism and sustainable development in Central America and the Dominican Republic”.  That text was then adopted without a vote.

The Assembly then considered resolution V, titled “Cooperative measures to assess and increase awareness of environmental effects related to waste originating from chemical munitions dumped at sea”, which the Chair noted contains no programme budget implications, adopting it without a vote.

The Assembly then turned to the report “Rights of Indigenous Peoples” (document A/78/477), containing one draft resolution of the same name.

The Assembly adopted without a vote the resolution on “Rights of Indigenous Peoples”, by which it urged Governments and the UN system, in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, to continue implementing appropriate national measures to achieve the ends of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  It urged Member States to implement World Health Assembly resolution 76.16 titled “The health of Indigenous Peoples” and take necessary measures to ensure the rights, protection and safety of Indigenous Peoples. The Assembly also urged Governments to ensure that Indigenous Peoples shall not be forcibly removed from their lands or territories and that no relocation shall take place without their free, prior and informed consent after agreement on just and fair compensation, with the option of return, where possible.

The Assembly then turned to the report “Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance” (document A/78/478), containing two draft resolutions.

The Assembly deferred action on draft resolution II, “A global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action”, which has programme budget implications requiring action from the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary).

In explanation of position before the vote, the representative of Ukraine reaffirmed her country’s strong condemnation of all forms of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance and its position that “L.7” has nothing to do with the genuine fight against these scourges.  It is instead a pretext for Russia to justify its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, she said.  While the adopted amendment revealing that “L.7” is a “distortion of history” is a welcome addition, the draft still only serves to manipulate.  For almost two years, the Russian military has continued its indiscriminate attacks on civilians, summary executions, torture, rape and mass deportations — all under the pretext of combating neo-Nazism.  Meanwhile, Russian propaganda conditions the country’s citizens to view the genocide of Ukrainians as acceptable.

The Assembly then adopted draft resolution I, “Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”,  as amended and as a whole by a recorded vote of 118 in favour to 49 against, with 14 abstentions.  By its terms, the Assembly expressed alarm at the spread in many parts of the world of various extremist political parties, ideologies and groups of a racist or xenophobic character, including neo-Nazis and skinhead groups.  Further, it noted with concern that, even where neo-Nazis or extremists do not formally participate in Government, the presence therein of extreme right-wing ideologues can have the effect of injecting into governance the same ideologies that make neo-Nazism and extremism so dangerous.

Also by the text, the Assembly firmly condemned incidents that glorify and promote Nazism, such as acts involving pro-Nazi graffiti and paintings, including on monuments dedicated to victims of the Second World War.  It expressed alarm over the use by extremist groups of the Internet and social media to recruit new members and disseminate their hate-filled messages, while recognizing that the Internet can also be used to counteract these groups and their activities.  The Assembly condemned any denial of the Holocaust, as well as any manifestation of religious intolerance or violence against persons or communities on the basis of ethnic origin or religious belief.

In explanation of vote, the representative of Venezuela dissociated himself from the operative paragraph 4 of the resolution. 

The representative of Nicaragua said her country firmly stands against all forms of extremism, Nazism, neo-Nazism and other forms of intolerance, while dissociating herself from operative paragraph 4. 

The representative of Cuba, while supporting the draft resolution, dissociated himself from operative paragraph 4 — a divisive paragraph introduced for the second year, diluting consensus.  He argued against the paragraph’s inclusion, pointing out its divergence from the resolution’s general character.

The representative of Belarus expressed concern about politicization of this important topic and disassociated himself from operative paragraph 4, considering it politically motivated.  He called for preserving the thematic nature of the resolution and expressed hope that future discussions will focus on successful efforts against Nazism and racism rather than being marred by toxic political slogans.

The representative of the Russian Federation highlighted the historical victory over Nazism in 1945 and the establishment of the United Nations as a response to Nazi atrocities.  The resolution, submitted almost 20 years ago, aims to affirm historical truth and address contemporary supporters of racial supremacy ideologies, emphasizing the unacceptability of racial and xenophobic rhetoric.  Criticizing a group of Western countries for attempting to politicize the resolution, she emphasized its purpose of promoting dialogue and cooperation rather than labeling.  Despite hostile amendments, the resolution received strong international support, she said, noting that her country disassociates itself from operative paragraph 4, considering it non-consensus based.

The representative of China opposed distorting the history of the Second World War in the Third Committee during the debate on this resolution.  This is a thematic resolution that opposes racism and related intolerance, and the amendment is country-specific, politicizing the draft, she said, noting that a sponsor of the amendment falsifies the history of the Second World War and hides its human rights violations.  China dissociates from operative paragraph 4.

The representative of Egypt said that historical grievances in the fight against all forms of racism and intolerance have not yet been remedied.  Moreover, incidents of racism and intolerance are on the rise.  Egypt therefore supports the thematic nature of the resolution and voted in favour, but dissociates from the amendment in operative paragraph 4.

The representative of Syria reiterated his country’s principled positions defending equality among humans and the rejecting of all forms of racial discrimination.  Operative paragraph 4 is divisive, an embodiment of double standards by certain countries to promote their agendas that will destabilize other countries.  Syria dissociates from operative paragraph 4.

The representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea welcomed adoption of the resolution but is concerned that the amendment targets a specific country.  Such politicization runs contrary to the principles of politicization, selectivity and double standards of human rights, only causing confrontation between them and hindering dialogue and cooperation in human rights.  His country dissociates from operative paragraph 4.

The representative of Zimbabwe voted in favour of this resolution and disassociated his delegation from operative paragraph 4, as it does not support country-specific resolutions or paragraphs.

The delegation of Spain, speaking on behalf of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, noted the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine and its continued use of United Nations forums for its own purposes.  There should be no doubt that the European Union is committed to the global fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.  These issues deserve a meaningful discussion.

The representative of the United States urged delegates not to repeat their statements and dissociations made during the Committee’s main session, as these statements are reflected in the Third Committee’s report.

The representative of Angola dissociated his delegation from operative paragraph 4.

Right of Reply

Exercising the right of reply and addressing the statement made by the United States, the representative of Egypt said her delegation is exercising its freedom of expression.

Action on Third Committee Draft Resolutions

The Assembly then turned to the report on the “Right of peoples to self-determination” (document A/78/479), containing three draft resolutions.

It adopted without a vote resolution I on “Use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination” by a recorded vote of 122 in favour to 52 against, with 6 abstentions (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kiribati, Mexico, Palau, Switzerland and Tonga).  By its terms, the Assembly expressed deep concern at the continuation of acts or threats of foreign military intervention and occupation that are threatening to suppress, or have already suppressed, the right to self-determination of peoples.  It sounded the alarm over the danger that activities of mercenaries constitute to peace and security in developing countries, particularly in areas of armed conflict. 

Additionally, the Assembly urged States to take legislative measures to ensure their territories are not used for and that their nationals do not take part in the recruitment, financing, training or transit of mercenaries for the planning of activities designed to impede the right of peoples to self-determination, to destabilize or overthrow the Government of any State or to impair the territorial integrity or political unity of independent States.  Further, it called on States to investigate the possibility of mercenary involvement whenever and wherever criminal acts of a terrorist nature occur and to bring to trial those found responsible or to consider their extradition.

Next, the Assembly adopted by a recorded vote of 172 in favour to 4 against (Israel, Micronesia, Nauru and the United States), with 10 abstentions (Cameroon, Guatemala, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, South Sudan, Togo, Tonga and Tuvalu), resolution II, “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination”.  By the text, it stressed the urgency of achieving without delay an end to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967, and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, based on relevant resolutions of the United Nations, the Madrid terms of reference, including the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map to a permanent two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  It further stressed the need for respect for and preservation of the territorial unity, contiguity and integrity of all the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.  The Assembly urged all States, specialized agencies and organizations of the United Nations system to continue to support and assist the Palestinian people in early realization of their right to self-determination.

Speaking in explanation of vote after the vote, the representative of Egypt said that, currently, the world is witnessing the collective punishment and aggression against Palestinian civilians in Gaza, while the Security Council has failed to fulfil its responsibility to uphold international peace and security. 

The representative of Cuba said Israel is perpetrating a fully-fledged genocide against the Palestinian people, with two months of indiscriminate bombing and military operations against the civilian population of Gaza, the destruction of housing, hospitals and civilian infrastructure, deprivation of food and electricity and the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.  This is collective punishment, he said, noting Israel’s grave violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Palestinian people have seen their rights violated for decades, while their land has been occupied and they have been subjected to practices of apartheid.  Expressing regret about the death of civilians and innocent people from both parties to the conflict, he said there cannot be peace when an entire people have been subjugated to colonization, apartheid and genocide.

Without a vote, the Assembly then adopted resolution III on “Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination”.  By the text, the Assembly called on States responsible to immediately cease military intervention in and occupation of foreign countries and territories as well as all acts of repression, discrimination, exploitation and maltreatment. Deploring the plight of millions of refugees and displaced persons and reaffirming their right to return voluntarily in safety and with honour, it requested the Human Rights Council to continue giving special attention to violations of human rights resulting from foreign military intervention, aggression or occupation.

Under the item Promotion and protection of human rights, the Assembly first turned to the report of the same name (document A/78/481), containing one draft resolution.

It then adopted without a vote the draft resolution “Commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”.  By its terms, the Assembly emphasized that the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the thirtieth anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action offer valuable opportunities to raise awareness and reflect on achievements, best practices and challenges regarding the full realization of human rights for all, without discrimination of any kind. The Assembly urged States to redouble efforts in fulfilling their duty to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms and implement provisions enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. 

Next, the Assembly turned to the report “Implementation of human rights instruments” (document A/78/481/Add.1), containing one draft resolution.

It adopted without a vote the draft resolution “Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol thereto: situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies”.  By the text, the Assembly emphasized that accessibility is a precondition for persons with disabilities to live independently and participate in all aspects of life.  Expressing concern that the continuing lack of available data and information about persons with disabilities at all levels contributes to their exclusion, the Assembly stressed the relevance of disaggregated data collection and analysis as an important element in the design of inclusive policies, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters.

By further terms, the Assembly urged States to eliminate multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination against all women and girls with disabilities through removing any other barriers in accessing, inter alia, the physical, social, economic and cultural environment, transportation, health and education.  It further urged Member States to close digital divides and promote the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities to enable their meaningful participation and representation in humanitarian action, conflict prevention, resolution, reconciliation, reconstruction and peacebuilding.

The Assembly then turned to the report “Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms” (document A/78/481/Add.2), containing 23 draft resolutions.

First, the Assembly adopted by a vote of 125 in favour to 54 against, with 6 abstentions (Armenia, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay), resolution I, “Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order”.  By its terms, it urged all actors on the international scene to build an order based on inclusion, social justice, equality and equity, human dignity, solidarity, mutual understanding and promotion of and respect for cultural diversity and universal human rights. 

It called on Member States to fulfil their commitments expressed during the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance and maximize the benefits of globalization.  The Assembly also called on Member States to continue supporting international cooperation and multilateral efforts, under the UN system’s leadership, to mobilize a coordinated global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse social, economic and financial impact on all societies.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution II, “Strengthening United Nations action in the field of human rights through the promotion of international cooperation and the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity”.  By the text, it reiterated that all peoples have the right freely to determine, without external interference, their political status and pursue economic, social and cultural development.  It stressed the need for impartial information on political, economic and social situations and events of all countries and highlighted the role of the media in raising public awareness of issues of public interest. 

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution III, “The right to food”.  By the text, the General Assembly noted with great concern that millions of people are facing famine or severe food insecurity; that armed conflicts and drought are among factors exacerbating the phenomena; and that additional efforts, including international support, to prepare for increasing global food insecurity are urgently needed.  It stressed the obligation of States and parties to armed conflicts to protect civilians, calling on Member States and other stakeholders to provide a coordinated emergency response to food and nutrition needs of affected populations.

The Assembly also stressed that the primary responsibility of States is to protect the right to food and that the international community should provide cooperation to support national and regional efforts to ensure food security, and that improving access to productive resources and responsible public investment in rural development is essential for eradicating hunger and poverty.  It urged States that have not yet done so to favourably consider becoming parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.  It further urged States to give priority in their development strategies and expenditures to the realization of the right to food.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution IV, “Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights”.  By its terms, the Assembly stressed the importance of international cooperation for improving living conditions of all in every country, particularly developing countries.  It urged all actors on the international scene to build an international order based on inclusion, justice, equity, mutual understanding and promotion of and respect for cultural diversity and universal human rights.

By further terms, the Assembly emphasized the role of international cooperation in increasing capacities of Member States in the field of human rights through, inter alia, the provision of technical assistance.  It urged States to take measures enhancing bilateral, regional and international cooperation to address the adverse impact of consecutive and compounded global crises, such as economic, food and climate change, on the full enjoyment of human rights.

Next, the Assembly adopted resolution V, “Promotion of equitable geographical distribution in the membership of the human rights treaty bodies”, by a recorded vote of 131 in favour to 53 against, with 0 abstentions.  By its terms, the Assembly reiterated that States parties to United Nations human rights instruments should consider, in their nomination of members to human rights treaty bodies, that these committees be composed of persons of high moral character and recognized competence in the field of human rights. By further terms, the Assembly urged States parties to United Nations human rights instruments and bureau members to initiate a debate on ways and means to ensure equitable geographical distribution in the membership of human rights treaty bodies.

The Assembly then adopted resolution VI, “Human rights and cultural diversity”, by a recorded vote of 132 in favour to 54 against, with 1 abstention (Democratic Republic of the Congo).  By its terms, the Assembly expressed concern over the adverse impacts of lack of respect for and recognition of cultural diversity on human rights, justice, friendship and the fundamental right to development.  It emphasized that dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations should be enhanced and that States should oppose all attempts at uniculturalism and promote dialogue among civilizations, a culture of peace, tolerance and interfaith dialogue.  Further, it called on States to embark on intercultural initiatives on human rights to promote all human rights, ensure their political and legal systems reflect the multicultural diversity within their societies, and promote respect for cultural diversity to advance the objectives of peace, development and universally accepted human rights.

The Assembly then adopted resolution VII, “Human rights and unilateral coercive measures”, by a recorded vote of 131 in favour to 53 against, with 0 abstentions.  By the text, the Assembly urged States to cease adopting or implementing unilateral measures with all their extraterritorial effects.  It condemned the inclusion of Member States in unilateral lists under false pretexts, including false allegations of terrorism sponsorship. 

Further, the Assembly condemned the continuing unilateral application and enforcement by certain Powers of unilateral coercive measures as tools for political and economic pressure against developing countries to prevent them from deciding their own political, economic and social systems.  It also urged the Human Rights Council to consider the negative impact of those measures and requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights to give priority to the present resolution in his annual report to the General Assembly.

Next, the Assembly adopted resolution VIII, “The right to development”, by a recorded vote of 133 in favour to 26 against, with 27 abstentions.  By the text, it emphasized the urgent need to make the right to development a reality for everyone.  It recognized that the poorest and most vulnerable are the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and that the impact of the crisis has reversed hard-won development and human rights gains and hampered progress on the right to development. 

Further, the Assembly expressed deep concern about the negative impact on realization of the right to development owing to further aggravation of the economic and social situation, in particular of developing countries, due to the effects of international energy, food and financial crises, as well as increasing challenges posed by global climate change and loss of biodiversity.  It urged developed countries that have not yet done so to make concrete efforts towards meeting the targets of 0.7 per cent of their gross national product for official development assistance to developing countries and 0.15 to 0.2 per cent of their gross national product to least developed countries.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution IX, “National human rights institutions”.  By its terms, the Assembly urged the Secretary-General to continue giving high priority to requests from Member States for assistance to establish and strengthen national human rights institutions in line with the Paris Principles.  It also called on States to promptly and thoroughly investigate alleged reprisal or intimidation against members of such institutions or individuals who cooperate with them, as well as bring perpetrators to justice.

Acting without a vote, the Assembly then adopted resolution X, “Protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons”.  By its terms, it called on Governments to provide protection and assistance to internally displaced persons and facilitate efforts of relevant UN agencies and humanitarian organizations by allowing safe and unhindered access.  It further called on all parties to armed conflict to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law to prevent forced displacement and protect civilians.  The Assembly also called on Member States, the UN and humanitarian and development organizations to urgently respond to rising global food insecurity affecting millions of people. 

The Assembly then adopted resolution XI, “The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation”.  By its terms, the Assembly called on States to ensure the progressive realization of human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation for all in a non-discriminatory manner, while eliminating inequalities in access.  It further called on States to empower all women and girls to prepare for humanitarian emergencies by implementing gender-responsive policies; address widespread stigma around menstruation by promoting educational practices in and out of school; and reduce time spent collecting household water to address the negative impact on girls’ educational access.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution XII, “International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance”.  By the text, it expressed deep concern at the increase in enforced or involuntary disappearances in various regions of the world, including arrest, detention and abduction, and by the growing number of reports concerning harassment, ill-treatment and intimidation of witnesses of disappearance or relatives of persons who have disappeared.  Further, it urged Member States to address gender-based violence, including as related to cases of enforced disappearance, recalling that Member States should not limit measures taken to prevent and address enforced disappearances.

The Assembly then adopted resolution XIII, “Strengthening the role of the United Nations in the promotion of democratization and enhancing periodic and genuine elections”, by a recorded vote of 155 in favour to 0 against, with 25 abstentions.  By its terms, the Assembly emphasized that Member States are responsible for respecting the will of voters as expressed through periodic, free and fair elections by universal equal suffrage.  It stressed the importance of respecting the freedoms of peaceful assembly, association and expression in the context of those elections. 

By further terms, the Assembly expressed deep concern that disinformation, efforts to manipulate voting systems and the use of Internet shutdowns to disrupt access to information online in the framework of elections constitute an urgent problem for democracies around the world.  Further to the text, it expressed concern over growing threats to freedom of speech, including unlawful detention of journalists. It also strongly condemned any manipulation of election processes, coercion and tampering with vote counts, particularly when done by States, as well as by other actors.

The Assembly then adopted by a recorded vote of 185 in favour to 0 against, with 2 abstentions (Iran, Syria), resolution XIV, “United Nations Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region”.  By its terms, the Assembly welcomed the Centre’s efforts to reinforce the documentation component of its mandate, notably the production and dissemination of human rights resource materials in Arabic and other languages.  Underlining the Centre’s role as a source for regional expertise and the need to meet an increasing number of requests in relation to human rights education and training, the Assembly encouraged the Centre to work with other United Nations regional offices to strengthen its work and for Member States to provide voluntary contributions to support the Centre in carrying out its mandate.

Without a vote, the Assembly next adopted resolution XV, “Terrorism and human rights”.  By its terms, the Assembly emphasized that terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism cannot be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.  It strongly condemned the recruitment and use of children to perpetrate terrorist attacks and all violations and abuses committed by terrorist groups against children and women.  Further, it urged States to fully comply with their obligations under international law while countering terrorism and to ensure that measures taken to combat it are not discriminatory and based on stereotypes founded on ethnic, racial or religious grounds.

Further, the Assembly strongly condemned terrorist acts and all acts of violence committed by terrorist groups, including trafficking in persons, kidnapping and hostage-taking with demands for ransom or political concessions, and called on Member States to prevent terrorists from benefiting from ransom payments and political concessions and to secure the safe release of hostages.  It called on States to refrain from providing support to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts. 

Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote resolution XVI, “Effective promotion of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities”.  By the text, it urged States to promote and protect the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, as set out in the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities.  It also encouraged States to take appropriate measures so that persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities have adequate opportunities to learn their own language or to have instruction in their own language. By other terms, it urged States to take all appropriate measures for the promotion and implementation of the Declaration.

Without a vote, the Assembly next adopted resolution XVII, “Freedom of religion or belief”. By its terms, the Assembly voiced serious concerns over continuing acts of intolerance and violence based on religion or belief against individuals, including against persons belonging to religious communities and religious minorities around the world, and by the increasing number and intensity of such incidents, as well as attacks on religious places, sites and shrines that violate international law.

Further, the Assembly strongly condemned violations of freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, as well as all forms of intolerance, discrimination and violence based on religion or belief. Accordingly, it urged Governments to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, to respond favourably to her requests to visit their countries and to provide all information and follow-up necessary for the effective fulfilment of her mandate.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution XVIII, “Promotion and protection of human rights in the context of digital technologies”.  By its terms, it called on Member States to consider developing and implementing adequate legislation that protects individuals against human rights violations in the digital context, provide up-to-date guidance to businesses on how to respect human rights and effectively consider vulnerability and accessibility and ensure victims have accessible remedy as threats and acts of violence are investigated effectively.  The Assembly also urged Member States to refrain from interfering with the use of encryption and anonymity tools and from employing unlawful or arbitrary surveillance techniques.  It called on Member States to work with relevant stakeholders to close all digital divides and promote inclusion, as well as strengthen international cooperation to share expertise and effective practices to address disinformation and incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.

Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote resolution XIX, “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief”.  By the text, the Assembly expressed deep concern at continued serious instances of derogatory stereotyping, negative profiling and stigmatization of persons based on their religion or belief, as well as programmes and agendas pursued by extremist individuals, organizations and groups aimed at creating and perpetuating negative stereotypes about religious groups, in particular when condoned by Governments.

The Assembly also condemned any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print, audiovisual or electronic media.  By other terms, it called on States to take actions to foster a domestic environment of religious tolerance; speak out against intolerance, including advocacy of religious hatred; and adopt measures to criminalize incitement to imminent violence based on religion or belief.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution XX, “The safety of journalists and the issue of impunity”.  By its terms, the Assembly urged States to do their utmost to prevent violence, threats and attacks against journalists and media workers. It expressed alarm at instances in which political leaders or authorities threaten the media, noting that this undermines public trust in the credibility of journalism.  Further, it expressed serious concern at attacks and violence against journalists and media workers in situations of armed conflict, including specific risks faced by women journalists and media workers in this context, recalling that journalists, media professionals and associated personnel in areas of armed conflict shall be considered civilians and protected as such.

By further terms, the Assembly expressed deep concern at all human rights violations and abuses committed in relation to the safety of journalists and media workers, including killing, torture, enforced disappearance, arbitrary arrest and arbitrary detention, arbitrary expulsion and physical and sexual violence.  It also expressed deep concern at the growing threat to the safety of journalists posed by non-State actors, including terrorist groups and criminal organizations. Against this backdrop, the Assembly urged Member States to prevent violence, threats and attacks targeting journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability through the conduct of impartial and independent investigations into all alleged violence, threats and attacks against journalists and media workers, and to bring perpetrators to justice.

Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote resolution XXI, “Implementing the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms through providing a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders and ensuring their protection”.  By its terms, the Assembly urged States to redouble efforts to protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms.  It strongly urged the release of persons detained or imprisoned for exercising their rights and freedoms, and strongly called on States to give effect to everyone’s right to unhindered access to and communication with international bodies.  The Assembly also urged States to promptly and independently investigate allegations of threats or human rights violations by State and non-State actors and initiate appropriate proceedings against perpetrators to eliminate impunity.  It further urged non-State actors, including transnational corporations and other businesses, to assume their responsibility to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution XXII, “Protection of migrants”.  By its terms, the Assembly called on States to promote and protect effectively the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, regardless of their migration status, as well as address international migration through international, regional or bilateral cooperation.  It expressed concern about the impacts of financial and economic crises, as well as natural disasters and the effects of climate-related phenomena, on international migration and migrants.  Strongly condemning acts, manifestations and expressions of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against migrants and the stereotypes often applied to them, the Assembly encouraged States to establish or strengthen mechanisms which allow migrants to report alleged cases of abuse by relevant authorities and employers without fear of reprisal.

The representative of Malaysia, speaking in explanation of position on resolution XIII, said his country remains committed to the promotion of democratic institutions and the rule of law regarding the electoral process.  Recognizing the need for inclusive participatory governments, he said Malaysia has been the supporter of the resolution since it was introduced. However, this resolution began featuring non-consensual terminologies, inconsistent with his Government’s position, he said, rejecting the malicious assertions that supporters of the amendments to the draft support discrimination.  He disassociated from the term “in all their diversity” in preambular paragraph 10 and “sexual orientation and gender identity” in operative paragraph 7. 

The representative of Ukraine said her country strongly supported resolution XVIII but, due to technical issues, was unable to sponsor the draft.

The representative of Qatar, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, emphasized the importance of provisions in the resolution that the United States tabled, but abstained due to controversial terminology in operative paragraph 7, which is out of line with the Cooperation Council’s values.  The representative of Djibouti said it only supported resolution XIII to reaffirm the principles of fair, periodic and genuine elections, which take place in his country in accordance with its Constitution.  It particularly supports language addressing the United Nations Department of Political Affairs electoral division.  He noted with concern the vote, as the General Assembly is experiencing division from “the excessive inclusion” of non-consensual language in such an important resolution.  The Assembly must take steps to promote the use of agreed-upon and consensual language.  The text is an outward expression of disagreements with the inclusion of controversial elements lacking a legal or scientific meaning.  His delegation dissociates from preambular paragraph 10 and operative paragraph 7.

The representative of Egypt spoke on resolution XIII, noting that her country, on behalf of several other countries, tabled amendments to the resolution to preserve consensus.  Egypt therefore rejects the undemocratic imposition of non-consensus language in the text, and references to “in all their diversity” as well as “sexual orientation and gender identity”, dissociating from the paragraphs containing them.  She further voiced regret that the resolution did not reflect legal parameters governing freedom of expression as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  The UN represents the collective will of nations and should be guided by consensus, not the imposition of undefined references and concepts, she said.

The representative of Cuba said his delegation joined consensus on resolution X, “Protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons”, as it shares the noble purpose of this resolution.  Yet it does not support references to the Rome Statute or International Criminal Court and dissociates itself from them.

The representative of Belarus said his delegation supported resolution XIII, regarding “Strengthening the role of the United Nations in the promotion of democratization and enhancing periodic and genuine elections”, as this is an important resolution.  Yet he dissociated his delegation from operative paragraphs 10 and 7, as the text includes language that does not enjoy the universal support of the United Nations.

The representative of Mauritania said his delegation supported draft resolution XIII and reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law.  However, it is unfortunate that amendments were introduced that did not contain consensus language.  His delegation abstained from voting on language that does not align with the country’s cultural or religious values.

The representative of Yemen said her delegation voted in favour of draft resolution XIII and commended the role of the United Nations in strengthening democracy.  But she dissociated from terms used in paragraphs 10 and 7, as they are non-consensual.

The representative of Mali said her delegation abstained from voting on resolution XIII, “Strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing periodic and genuine elections and the promotion of democratization”.  While acknowledging the importance of elections as a pillar of the rule of law, she opposed the inclusion of controversial language related to sexual orientation in the resolution.  She therefore disassociated herself from operative paragraphs 10, 12 and 7, asserting that interpretations of controversial topics should respect country-specific social and cultural values. 

The representative of Nigeria voiced deep concern about the attempt to introduce the notions of sexual orientation and gender identity into resolution XIII, on democratization and elections.  She argued that these concepts are not universally accepted nor legally accurate under international law.  Stressing that these concepts are unacceptable to Nigeria, she dissociated herself from operative paragraph 7 of the resolution.

The representative of the United States welcomed the additional nine “yes” votes in the plenary, highlighting that over 80 per cent of Member States supported the resolution.  Despite the fact that some countries dissociated from certain paragraphs, the resolution received broad support, she added. 

The representative of the Netherlands expressed support for references to important language on sexual orientation, gender identity and women in all their diversity, underscoring that sexual orientation and gender identity are protected from discrimination under international human rights law.

The representative of Niger reiterated his delegation’s previous explanation of vote, particularly addressing operative paragraph 7, concerning sexual orientation and the phrase “women in all their diversity”.

The representative of Pakistan expressed his commitment to genuine and democratic elections, highlighting his country’s upcoming elections in February 2024.  He disassociated from operative paragraphs 10 and 7 of the resolution due to non-consensual language.  In response to a statement by a United States delegate, he reiterated that voting in favour of the resolution does not imply support for concepts not universally agreed upon or integrated into domestic laws of many countries.

The representative of Ukraine said the dire human rights situation in the Russian-occupied areas of his country demands constant attention and protection by the General Assembly and the United Nations.  Hence the expansion of the scope of the annual resolution to cover all territories temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation in the draft titled “Situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol”.  With thousands of Ukrainian children suffering every day, it is crucial that the General Assembly urges the Russian Federation to ensure the immediate and unconditional return of all children, including orphans, he said, adding that the resolution serves as a practical tool for the UN to monitor and report on the human rights situation in these territories.  He demanded that the Russian Federation immediately stop its war of aggression against Ukraine and completely and unconditionally withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine.

The representative of Iran said the politicization of the international human rights regime means that principled neutrality is sacrificed in favour of political discretion.  She rejected the so-called draft on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which “is a fake plot intending to interfere in the internal affairs of an independent State under the pretense of promotion and protection of human rights”.  It is lopsided and unrecognized by Iran.  As such, the Third Committee must prioritize getting rid of it in any dialogue over revitalization of its work, as its objective is nothing in essence, lacking relevance to the promotion of human rights.  Further, because of the continued practice of the selective adoption of country-specific mandates, particularly in the Third Committee, and exploitation for political ends which violate the principles of impartiality, her delegation disassociates itself from the draft resolutions on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and voted against the draft on the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea condemned the draft resolution on the human rights situation in his country, calling it “nothing but a document of political confrontation and a document of fraud cooked up by the United States and its vassal forces, who persistently cling to the hostile policy to isolate and stifle the DPRK with the inveterate repugnancy towards our idea and system”.  He said no so-called “human rights issues” exist in his country, not with the thorough implementation of its people-first policy.  The aim of this annual forcible adoption of the anti-Democratic People’s Republic of Korea “human rights resolution” is to politicize non-existent “human rights issues” and abuse it as a mechanism for interfering in his country’s internal affairs to overthrow its system.  His delegation therefore votes against all country-specific human rights resolutions against the Russian Federation, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The representative of the Russian Federation said her country does not support the practice of considering selective and unilateral draft resolutions on human rights situations in individual countries, as such resolutions have no relation to the real state of affairs in the affected countries and spread unsubstantiated and false accusations.  Her delegation will therefore vote against the drafts on the human rights situation in Iran and Syria and disassociates itself from consensus on the resolution on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Myanmar.  As for the resolution on the so-called “human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine”, it has nothing to do with human rights or reality.  Because the resolution obstructs the peaceful political settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, her delegation will vote against it, also urging Member States to do the same.

The representative of Syria condemned the resolution on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  Targeting a sovereign State under the pretext of human rights is a tool of some States to overthrow political regimes all over the world.  Any Government defending its sovereignty in a way unappealing to some Western countries will eventually find itself in this position, he said, noting that his country will vote against all country-specific resolutions and rejects the politicization of human rights issues to interfere with internal affairs of countries.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution I, “Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”.  By the text, it expressed deep concern at the grave human rights situation, pervasive culture of impunity and lack of accountability for human rights violations and abuses in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  Further, the Assembly expressed very serious concern about continuing reports of violations of human rights in the country, including torture; the death penalty for political and religious reasons and public executions; enforced and involuntary disappearances of persons by arrest, detention or abduction against their will; collective punishments extending up to three generations; and the prevalence of chronic and acute malnutrition.

The Assembly strongly urged the Government to immediately end the systematic, grave violations and abuses of human rights emphasized above and, inter alia, close political prison camps and release all political prisoners unconditionally and without any delay; ensure those responsible for crimes involving violations and abuses of human rights are brought to justice; provide citizens of other Member States detained in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with protections, including freedom of communication with, and access to, consular officers to confirm their status and communicate with their families; extend an invitation to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to visit the country; ensure full, safe and unhindered access to persons in need of humanitarian aid; and permit the establishment of independent newspapers and other media. The Assembly further urged the Government to implement the recommendations of the commission of inquiry, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country, the Secretary-General and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights without delay.

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution II, “Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar”.  By the text, the Assembly condemned in the strongest terms all violations and abuses of human rights against civilians, including the arbitrary detention, arrest and politically motivated convictions, sentencing and executions, including of opposition activists, as well as violent acts including extrajudicial killings, sexual and gender-based violence and torture.  It reiterated its deep concern at the widespread, indiscriminate and excessive use of force by Myanmar security and armed forces across the country, including aerial attacks against and burning of villages and civilian infrastructure.  It expressed deep concern that, in Rakhine, more than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims remain largely segregated and discriminated against with respect to accessing citizenship and enjoying their human rights and fundamental freedoms, many of whom remain confined in camps with no freedom of movement and grossly restricted access to basic services.

Against this backdrop, the Assembly urgently called on Myanmar or the Myanmar military to end immediately all violations of international law in the country; take all measures necessary to provide justice to victims and ensure full accountability; engage in peaceful dialogue and reconciliation, in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar, including Rohingya Muslims; ensure the right to return of all refugees hosted in other countries; and take concrete actions to create conditions necessary for their voluntary, safe and dignified return and reintegration.  Further, it requested the Secretary-General to swiftly appoint a Special Envoy on Myanmar and provide all assistance necessary to enable the Special Envoy to effectively discharge its mandate.

The Assembly then adopted by a recorded vote of 78 in favour, 30 against, with 68 abstentions, resolution III, “Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran”. By its terms, the Assembly condemned the targeted repression of women and girls by Iran, both online and offline, and strongly urged Iran to eliminate all forms of systemic discrimination and harassment as well as related human rights violations in public and private life against women and girls.  It condemned measures used by Iran to respond to protests that began in September 2022, after the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini, including mass arrests and arbitrary detention; disproportionate use of force, including force leading to the death of peaceful protesters; and imposition and carrying out of the death penalty against those connected to the protests.  Also by the text, the Assembly called on the Government to release unjustly detained human rights defenders and protesters, as well as journalists and lawyers who defend or seek to defend those persons.  The Assembly expressed concern at the bill proposed by the Government on the use of firearms during protests, calling for its withdrawal. 

By further terms, the Assembly called on Iran, including the judicial and security branches, to create and maintain a safe and enabling environment in which an independent, diverse and pluralistic civil society can operate free from hindrance, insecurity and reprisals.  It also called on Iran to end its harassment, including abductions, arrests and executions, of political opponents and human rights defenders. Further, the Assembly called on Iran to release women human rights defenders imprisoned for exercising their rights.  It also called on Iran to deepen its engagement with international human rights mechanisms, including full cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; full cooperation with the independent international fact-finding mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran; continued cooperation with treaty bodies; building on the universal periodic review process by exploring cooperation on human rights and justice reform with the United Nations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; and following through on its commitment to establish an independent national human rights institution, in line with the Paris Principles 

The Assembly then adopted by a recorded vote of 78 in favour, 15 against, with 79 abstentions, resolution IV, “Situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol”.  By the text, the Assembly condemned the ongoing temporary control or occupation by the Russian Federation of part of Ukraine’s territory, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, and certain areas of the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, reaffirming the non-recognition of its annexation.  It also condemned the Russian Federation’s continuing and total disregard for its obligations under international law regarding its legal responsibility for the occupied territory, including the responsibility to respect Ukrainian law and the rights of all civilians.  The Assembly further condemned in the strongest possible terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations. 

Also by the text, the Assembly urged the Russian Federation to uphold all its obligations under applicable international law and bring an immediate end to all violations of international human rights law against residents of the temporarily controlled or occupied territories of Ukraine; disclose the number and identity of individuals deported from those territories of Ukraine to the Russian Federation; stop the illegal drafting of residents of those territories of Ukraine into the armed forces of the Russian Federation; end the practice of deporting Ukrainian citizens from those territories of Ukraine for not taking Russian citizenship and stop transferring its own civilian population to those territories of Ukraine; and cease forcible transfers or deportation of Ukraine’s children and other civilians and take all necessary steps with a view to their safe return and family reunification. Further, the Assembly condemned all attempts by the Russian Federation to normalize its attempted, illegal annexation of the territories of Ukraine, including by automatic imposition of citizenship of the Russian Federation and illegal elections.  The Assembly further urged the Russian Federation to ensure unimpeded access of international human rights monitoring missions to those territories.

The Assembly then adopted by a recorded vote of 88 in favour, 16 against, with 73 abstentions, resolution V, “Situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic”, as orally revised.  By its terms, the Assembly demanded the Syrian regime to adhere fully to its international obligations and cooperate fully with the Commission of Inquiry.  It also demanded that the Syrian regime and all other parties to the conflict allow and ensure full and immediate humanitarian access.  Strongly condemning the grave human rights situation in Syria, the Assembly further demanded all parties to immediately end all violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as take all appropriate steps to protect civilians and persons hors de combat. 

By further terms, the Assembly urged all Member States to create conditions for continued negotiations for a political solution to the conflict under UN auspices.  Deploring the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria, the Assembly urged the international community to assume its responsibility to provide urgent financial support for host countries to respond to Syrian refugees’ growing humanitarian needs.  It called on all parties to the conflict to cease all abuse of detainees and called on the Syrian regime to release all unlawfully held detainees.  Deploring and condemning in the strongest terms the Syrian regime’s continued armed violence against the Syrian people since the start of peaceful protests in 2011, the Assembly demanded the regime to immediately end all attacks against civilians, take all feasible precautions to avoid incidental loss of civilian life, and meet its responsibilities to protect the Syrian population.

Taking the floor in explanation of vote after the vote, the representative of Nicaragua reiterated its position rejecting country-specific resolutions as they are politicized and implemented without the consent of the concerned country.  Nicaragua dissociates from consensus on the resolution concerning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The representative of Venezuela said his delegation does not support resolutions and mechanisms that target specific countries or the human rights situations in specific countries.  These mechanisms violate principles of political independence, sovereignty and all principles enshrined in the UN Charter.  He dissociated from the resolution on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The representative of Cuba said his delegation does not support resolutions that do not have the support of the country in question, as they undermine the human rights mechanisms of these nations.  He dissociated from the resolution on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  Regarding the situation in Iran, he said this resolution uses a punitive approach against Iran.  Regarding the resolution on Syria, he called the text selective and political.  At the same time, he noted that the United States covers for the genocide being carried out in Israel.

The representative of Belarus said his country supports human rights that include international cooperation and dialogue.  His delegation opposes country specific resolutions, which stoke an atmosphere of conflict.  His delegation dissociated from the resolutions on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and in Myanmar.

The representative of China said his delegation stands against double standards and opposes placing pressure on countries under the context of human rights.  China dissociates from the consensus resolution regarding Myanmar, he said.

The Assembly then turned to the report “Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action” (document A/78/480/Add.4), which contained no resolutions.  The Assembly took note of the report. 

The Assembly then turned to the report “Crime prevention and criminal justice” (document A/78/482), containing seven draft resolutions.

It adopted without a vote draft resolution I, “Follow-up to the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and preparations for the Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice” as orally revised.  By its terms, the Assembly stressed the importance of undertaking all preparatory activities for the Fifteenth Congress in a timely and concerted manner.  It requested the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to continue implementing the appropriate policy and operational measures for the follow-up to the Kyoto Declaration, including through the holding of intersessional thematic discussions to facilitate the sharing of information and lessons learned among Member States and relevant stakeholders.  It decided that the duration of the Fifteenth Congress should not exceed eight days and that the Commission gives due consideration to the report of the Fifteenth Congress.

Next, the Assembly adopted without a vote resolution II, “Reducing reoffending through rehabilitation and reintegration”.  By its terms, the Assembly encouraged Member States to develop comprehensive strategies to reduce reoffending through effective interventions for the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.  It encouraged Member States to promote a rehabilitative environment in correctional facilities, including through implementing effective treatment programmes based on an individual assessment, and provide offenders with access to vocational and educational programmes.  It further encouraged Member States to take into account relevant United Nations standards in crime prevention and criminal justice, mainstream a gender perspective and promote the social rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. 

The Assembly then adopted without a vote resolution III, “Enhancing the contributions of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.  By its terms, the Assembly underscored the role of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice as the principal policymaking body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice.  It requested the Commission to encourage Member States presenting voluntary national reviews at the high-level political forum on sustainable development to share their experiences, progress made and impediments in implementing those aspects of the 2030 Agenda that are related to the work of the Commission.

Acting without a vote, The Assembly next adopted resolution IV, “Technical assistance provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime related to counter-terrorism”.   By its terms, the Assembly reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and that all acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, and that they are to be unequivocally condemned.  It requested the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to enhance its assistance related to international legal and judicial cooperation pertaining to countering terrorism, including in criminal matters related to foreign terrorist fighters. 

The Committee then adopted without a vote resolution V, “Equal access to justice for all”.  By the text, the Assembly emphasized the right of equal access to justice for all, including people in vulnerable situations.  It further emphasized the importance of awareness-raising concerning legal rights, and in this regard commits to taking all necessary steps to provide fair, transparent, effective services that promote access to justice for all, including legal aid.  It also requested the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to continue developing technical tools and training materials based on United Nations standards and to provide technical and material assistance to Member States.

Next, the Assembly adopted resolution VI, “Improving the coordination of efforts against trafficking in persons”.  By its terms, the Assembly urged Member States to ratify or accede to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.  It further urged States parties to fully implement their obligations and called on Member States to continue efforts to criminalize such trafficking in all forms.

The Assembly also called on Member States, international organizations, civil society, the private sector and financial institutions to increase prevention efforts in countries of origin, transit and destination.  It further called on Member States to take measures to support family reunification for victims, where safe and appropriate. 

Without a vote, the Assembly then adopted resolution VII, “Strengthening the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity”.  By the text, it urged Member States to develop national, subregional, regional and international strategies to address transnational organized crime and provide the fullest possible financial and political support to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime by widening its donor base and increasing voluntary contributions.  It also called on Member States to strengthen cooperation to counter threats posed by foreign terrorist fighters and radicalization to terrorism in prisons. 

By other terms, the Assembly called on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to further enhance technical assistance to build Member State capacity and strengthen cooperation against terrorism and money-laundering.  It further called on Member States to intensify efforts to address the world drug problem through a comprehensive and balanced approach and urged them to take decisive steps against the illegal trade in wildlife.

The representative of the Russian Federation, speaking after the adoption, disassociated himself from consensus on a number of paragraphs in resolution VII on strengthening of United Nations crime prevention, namely preambular paragraph 57 and operative paragraphs 30, 13 and 43. 

The Assembly then took up the report “Countering the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes” (document A/78/483), containing no draft resolutions.  The Assembly took note of the report.  Next, the Assembly turned to the report “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly” (document A/78/484), containing one draft resolution of the same name.

Without a vote, the Assembly then adopted the resolution “Draft programme of work of the Third Committee for the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly”, by which it approved the draft programme of work of the Third Committee for the seventy-ninth session of the Assembly as set out in the draft text.

The Assembly next considered the report “Programme planning” (document A/78/485), containing no draft resolutions.  The Assembly took note of the report.