Self-determination for the Palestinian people – GA Third Cttee debate – Press release (excerpts)

Third Committee

43^rd Meeting (PM)

THIRD COMMITTEE APPROVES DRAFT RESOLUTION ON TRAFFICKING OF WOMEN, GIRLS;

HEARS INTRODUCTION OF 15 TEXTS

Drafts Introduced Include Texts on Human Rights Situations in Democratic

People’s Republic of Korea, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Iran, United States, Canada

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Background

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met today for a general discussion on programme planning and the introduction of a number of draft resolutions.  It was also expected to take action on two draft resolutions.

The Committee was expected to hear the introduction of draft resolutions relating to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions (document A/C.3/61/L.52; title unavailable) and on the right of Palestinian people to self-determination (document A/C.3/61/L.51).

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Introduction of Draft Resolutions

The representative of Egypt introduced a draft resolution on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination (document A/C.3/61/L.51), which his delegation presented annually, in order to highlight the need to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish a State on occupied land in Gaza and the West Bank.  The draft resolution was a means for the international community to express support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.  The draft recalled the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which concluded that the separation wall and other measures taken by the Israeli Government had severely impeded the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.  The text also recalled relevant United Nations declarations and international instruments, and reaffirmed the urgent need for the resumption of the peace process.  It further urged all States and specialized agencies of the United Nations system to continue to support and assist the Palestinian people.  He hoped that the draft resolution would contribute to alleviating the hardship and suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation and lead to the realization of the Palestinian people exercising their right to self-determination in an independent State, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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For information media • not an official record