The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) elected Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom (Iraq) as its Chair on 4 June.  (See Press Release GA/12149.)

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), acting without a vote today, approved a resolution inviting the 34-member Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations to continue to review proposals aimed at enhancing the United Nations capacity in that critical arena.

Concluding its work for the main part of its seventy-third session today, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) approved 12 draft texts, of which 9 relate to Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territories and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Delegates warned today about escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, with some welcoming the recently brokered ceasefire in the enclave, as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) concluded its general debate on Israel’s practices affecting the human rights of people in occupied Arab territories.

Discriminatory practices, excessive use of force and collective punishment against Palestinians are leading to a rapid deterioration of the human rights and humanitarian situation across the occupied territories, speakers told the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today.

Delegates called today for sustainable financing to secure the future of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), also urging enhanced efficiency and reduced costs on its part, as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) concluded its general debate on that Agency’s work.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) faces the greatest financial predicament in its history this year following the abrupt end to funding by the United States, its Commissioner‑General told the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today.

Acting by consensus today, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) approved peacebuilding- and decolonization‑related drafts as it concluded its general debate on the comprehensive review of special political missions.

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) approved a draft resolution on the effects of atomic radiation without a vote today, while voting to reject proposed amendments to its provisions on criteria for joining the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation.

Senior United Nations officials today addressed improvements in gender diversity and upcoming reforms in relation to special political missions, as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) began its consideration of that matter.