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.

The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) continued its consideration of decolonization items this afternoon, hearing 22 petitioners on the questions of Gibraltar, Guam and Western Sahara.

The questions of New Caledonia, the United States Virgin Islands and Western Sahara were the focus of discussions this afternoon in the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), as it continued its general debate on decolonization issues, hearing from representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories and petitioners.

A retooling of work methods, a revival of spirit, and a honed capacity to engage with all concerned parties were necessary to put an end to the unfinished business of decolonization, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) was told, as it began its general debate on the subject today.

In a brief organizational meeting today, the Fourth Committee (Special, Political and Decolonization) approved its work programme for the current session, during which it planned to consider more than a dozen topics, ranging from the peaceful uses of outer space to the University of Peace and the decolonization of the remaining non-self-governing territories.

Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations, was elected Chair of the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) on 10 June.

Resuming its comprehensive review of peacekeeping operations in all its aspects, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization Committee) approved this morning a draft resolution by which the General Assembly would endorse the proposals, recommendations and conclusions of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations contained in a report adopted during that body’s last session, from 23 February to 20 March.

7 November 2008

General AssemblyGA/SPD/418

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Sixty-third General Assembly

Fourth Committee

24^th Meeting (PM)

6 November 2008

General AssemblyGA/SPD/417

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Sixty-third General Assembly

Fourth Committee

23^rd Meeting (AM)

ISRAEL CALLS REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE ISRAELI PRACTICES

 

5 November 2008

General AssemblyGA/SPD/416

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Sixty-third General Assembly

Fourth Committee

22^nd Meeting (AM)

FOURTH COMMITTEE DEEMS UNITED NATIONS ‘INDISPENSABLE FOUNDATION OF A PEACEFUL

WORLD’, IN PACKAGE OF THREE INFORMATION-RELATED TEXTS APPROVED WITHOUT VOTE