Fourth Committee

As the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) concluded its general debate on the peaceful uses of outer space this afternoon, delegates greeted the increase in the number of countries focusing on outer space issues, affirming space technologies as of “inestimable value” to the Earth’s population, but warned at the same time of the danger of its militarization.

Space technology applications to combat and even forecast the spread of disease were fundamental instruments in ensuring the health of current and future generations -– one of the major challenges to meeting the Millennium Development Goals –- the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) was told today, as it began its consideration of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

Considering the consequences of exposure to atomic radiation on human health and the environment, delegates in the Fourth Committee today called for increased funding and resources for the Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation so that it could properly fulfil its mandate of assessing the levels, effects and emerging risks of ionizing radiation.

Reaffirming that the United Nations remained the indispensable foundation of a peaceful and just world, and that its voice must be heard in a clear and effective manner, the Fourth Committee emphasized the essential role of the Department of Public Information today, as it approved, without a vote, two draft resolutions and a draft decision at the conclusion of its general debate on information.

Informing a world audience about the story of the United Nations required correcting the imbalances of information between developed and developing countries, for which the United Nations Information Centres -- the hosting of which was a “sign of distinction” –- played a crucial part, the Fourth Committee heard today.

Emphasizing that the future of the United Nations depended on a joint vision and shared responsibilities, the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, Kiyo Akasaka, told the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today that the Department of Public Information “stands ready” to contribute to the achievement of the Organization’s goals by building understanding and support for the Organization among the peoples of the world.

The Fourth Committee would have the General Assembly reaffirm the right of peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories to self-determination, while also calling once again on all Governments that had not yet done so to take legislative, administrative or other measures to put an end to enterprises in the Territories that were detrimental to the interests of the inhabitants, by one of 10 draft resolutions approved today.

As the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) continued its general debate on decolonization issues today, Member States stressed that, with the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism about to wrap up in 2010, there was a crucial need to generate new momentum and ensure that the 16 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories were able to exercise the right to self-determination.

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) continued its general debate on decolonization issues today, focusing solely on the question of Western Sahara and hearing 31 petitioners weigh the human rights, humanitarian, and political dimensions of the dispute.