Volume XVII, Bulletin No. 3
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Page
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I.
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Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People adopts programme of work for 1994
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1
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II.
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Security Council considers situation in the occupied territories; Committee Chairman addresses Council; Council adopts resolution on the Hebron massacre
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5
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III.
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Committee on Racial Discrimination requests Israel to report on safety measures to protect Palestinians in the occupied territories following the Hebron massacre
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7
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IV.
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Special Committee on Israeli Practices issues periodic report
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7
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V.
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Secretary-General submits "Report on Condition of Palestinian Women under Israeli Occupation"; Commission on Status of Women adopts two resolutions
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8
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VI.
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Organization of the Islamic Conference issues joint statement regarding the grave situation in the occupied Palestinian territory
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10
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VII.
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Council of the European Union issues statement on the Middle East
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11
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VIII.
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Arab Group issues statement on voting of Security Council resolution 904 (1994)
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11
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IX.
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Non-governmental organizations: activities and information
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12
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A. Eleventh United Nations North American NGO Symposium on the Question of Palestine, to be held at Toronto, Canada, 6-8 July 1994
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12
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B. Eleventh United Nations International NGO Meeting and Eighth United Nations European Regional NGO Symposium on the Question of Palestine, 29 August to 1 September 1994
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14
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C. Information received from NGOs
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16
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I. COMMITTEE ON THE EXERCISE OF THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS
OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE ADOPTS PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR 1994
At its 205th meeting, held on 23 March 1994, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People adopted the following programme of work for 1994 (see A/AC.183/1994/CRP.1/Rev.1):
"I. MANDATE OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE
EXERCISE OF THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS
OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
"1. The mandate of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for 1994 is contained in General Assembly resolutions 48/158 A, B and C of 20 December 1993, the relevant parts of which are paragraphs 2 to 6 of resolution 48/158 A, paragraph 2 of resolution 48/158 B and paragraph 2 of resolution 48/158 C.
"2. In paragraphs 2 to 4 of resolution 48/158 A, the General Assembly considered that the Committee could make a valuable and positive contribution to international efforts to promote the effective implementation of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements 1/ and to mobilize international support and assistance to the Palestinian people during the transitional period; endorsed the Committee's recommendations; and requested the Committee to continue to keep under review the situation relating to the question of Palestine and to report and make suggestions to the General Assembly or the Security Council, as appropriate.
"3. In paragraph 5 of the same resolution, the General Assembly authorized the Committee to continue to exert all efforts to promote the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, to make such adjustments in its approved programme of work as it may consider appropriate and necessary in the light of developments, to give special emphasis to the need to mobilize support for and assistance to the Palestinian people and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its forty-ninth session and thereafter.
"4. In paragraph 6 of the same resolution, the General Assembly requested the Committee to continue to extend its cooperation to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in their contribution towards heightening international awareness of the facts relating to the question of Palestine and promoting support and assistance to meet the needs of the Palestinian people, and to take the necessary steps to involve additional NGOs in its work.
"5. Resolution 48/158 B deals with the work programme of the Division for Palestinian Rights. In paragraph 2, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to provide the Division with the resources required, including the continuing development of the computer-based information system on the question of Palestine, and to ensure that it continues to discharge the tasks detailed in the pertinent resolutions of the Assembly, in consultation with the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People and under its guidance.
"6. Resolution 48/158 C deals with the programme of work of the Department of Public Information. In paragraph 2, the General Assembly requested the Department, in full cooperation and coordination with the Committee, to continue, with the necessary flexibility as may be required by developments affecting the question of Palestine, its special information programme on the question of Palestine for the biennium 1994-1995, with particular emphasis on public opinion in Europe and North America.
"II. PRIORITY ISSUES IN THE COMMITTEE'S
PROGRAMME OF WORK FOR 1994
"7. In the recommendations contained in its report to the General Assembly at its forty-eighth session,2/ the Committee welcomed the developments in the peace process and the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, as an important step towards the attainment of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and other relevant United Nations resolutions. The Committee called for intensified support and assistance by the international community to the Palestinian people under its recognized leadership, the Palestine Liberation Organization, in order to ensure the successful implementation of the agreements reached.
"8. The Committee reaffirmed once again the ongoing responsibility of the United Nations with respect to the question of Palestine until it is resolved in all its aspects. It stressed the need for the full engagement of the United Nations in the peace process and in the process of establishing the future Palestinian National Authority as well as in providing broad assistance to the Palestinian people in all needed fields.
"9. The Committee stated that, as the organ of the General Assembly dealing with the question of Palestine, it could make a valuable and positive contribution to United Nations endeavours during the transitional period and that it would devote a major part of its future programme of work to this objective.
"10. The Committee considered that the following priority tasks required immediate and sustained attention in its programme of work for 1994:
"(a) Promoting support for the ongoing peace process and for the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, and following closely the developments and monitoring the situation on the ground, in order to promote the effective implementation of the agreements reached and the full realization of Palestinian rights;
"(b) Promoting intensified assistance to the Palestinian people by the United Nations system as a whole, as well as other donors, for immediate relief and for nation-building;
"(c) Encouraging constructive consideration and debate of the major issues to be negotiated at a later stage with a view to promoting a final settlement based on international legitimacy in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and other relevant United Nations resolutions.
"11. In view of the massacre that was committed against Palestinian worshippers in the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, on 25 February 1994, the Committee decided to intensify its efforts to promote international action to provide for the protection of Palestinian civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem. In this regard, the Committee also considered that the full implementation of Security Council resolution 904 (1994) was an important step in that direction.
"III. ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
AND THE DIVISION FOR PALESTINIAN RIGHTS
"A. Action by the Committee
"12. The Committee will continue to keep under review the situation relating to the question of Palestine and to report and make suggestions to the General Assembly or the Security Council, as appropriate. The Committee will also continue to monitor the situation on the ground and draw the attention of the international community to urgent developments in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem. The Committee will continue to participate in relevant meetings of intergovernmental bodies in order to promote the full realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
"13. The Committee will once again extend an invitation to all Governments to participate in its work and in the events organized under its auspices. The Committee requests its Chairman, as in the past, to address a letter to the Secretary-General requesting him to inform all States of the Committee's concerns and to convey the Committee's invitation to them to participate in and contribute to its work. The Committee also will continue to hold consultations with interested representatives of Member States in this regard.
"14. The Committee, in accordance with its mandate as renewed by the General Assembly, will continue its programme of seminars and NGO meetings in the light of the new situation. The Committee considers that in the period ahead these meetings can provide a useful mechanism for in-depth consideration of the priority issues mentioned above, with the participation of all concerned, including Palestinians and Israelis. The Committee will pay particular attention to structuring the meetings for maximum usefulness, including the possibility of co-sponsoring them with academic institutions, NGOs or others. The Committee is of the view that as soon as conditions permit, one such activity could be held in Gaza or Jericho. The Committee will also seek to involve additional NGOs in its activities, particularly those working in the general fields of development and human rights.
"15. In carrying out this programme of meetings, the Committee will exercise the necessary flexibility in the light of developments and make adjustments as may be dictated by the changing situation.
"B. Seminars
"16. Budgetary provision has been made for seminars to be held in 1994 in the following regions: Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia.
"17. In response to General Assembly resolution 48/213 of 21 December 1993 on Assistance to the Palestinian people, and as already indicated in the Committee's report, one of the seminars will be devoted to Palestinian trade and investment needs in the light of the new developments. The provision made for a European seminar will be utilized for this purpose. The seminar will be held at the Headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris from 20 to 23 June 1994.
"18. With regard to the North American Seminar, which is usually held at United Nations Headquarters in New York immediately preceding the North American NGO Symposium, the Committee will explore possible alternatives to the holding of this event.
"19. Consultations are being undertaken with regard to venues and dates for the Latin American and Asian Seminars.
"C. Regional symposia and the International
Meeting of Non-Governmental Organizations
"20. Budgetary provision has been made for the holding in 1994 of NGO symposia in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia, and for the International NGO Meeting, as well as for preparatory meetings for the North American NGO Symposium and the International NGO Meeting.
"21. The preparatory meeting for the North American NGO Symposium was held in New York on 31 January and 1 February 1994 and provided an opportunity for useful consultations between the members of the North American Coordinating Committee for Non-Governmental Organizations, the Bureau of the Committee and the secretariat with regard to future cooperation and the substantive and organizational arrangements for the Symposium. The meeting proposed that the theme for the Symposium should be: "Palestine: Towards a just and lasting peace – focus on mobilizing NGO support for cooperation and development". The symposium is tentatively scheduled to be held in late June 1994 at a venue in North America.
"22. The preparatory meeting for the International NGO Meeting was held at Geneva, on 21 and 22 February 1994, with the participation of members of the International Coordinating Committee for Non-Governmental Organizations on the Question of Palestine and the European Coordinating Committee for Non-Governmental Organizations on the Question of Palestine. The meeting provided an opportunity for consultations on future cooperation with NGOs in the various regions as well as on preparations for the International NGO Meeting and the European NGO Symposium. The European NGO Symposium and the International NGO Meeting will be held at Geneva from 29 August to 1 September 1994.
"23. The Latin American and the Asian NGO Symposia will be held in conjunction with the Latin American and Asian Seminars at venues and dates to be decided in the future.
"D. Research, monitoring, and publications,
including the United Nations Information
System on the Question of Palestine (UNISPAL)
"24. In accordance with the recommendations made in its report to the General Assembly, the Committee believes that the collection, exchange and dissemination of accurate and timely information are of particular importance to its endeavours to make a constructive contribution to the ongoing peace process and the implementation of the Declaration of Principles, and that such activities reaffirm the useful role of the Division for Palestinian Rights in this regard.
"25. The publications programme of the Division for Palestinian Rights will include the following:
"(a) Monthly bulletins on activities of the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations and NGOs will be enhanced to provide comprehensive coverage of all relevant resolutions, statements and decisions by intergovernmental bodies, as well as summaries of the most significant activities of NGOs;
"(b) The bulletin formerly entitled "Approaches towards the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the question of Palestine" will be renamed "Developments related to the Middle East Peace Process" and will contain material related to the bilateral Arab-Israeli negotiations, the multilateral negotiations on Middle East regional issues, as well as other aspects of the Middle East peace process;
"(c) The bulletin monitoring developments in the occupied Palestinian territory will be issued as a chronological summary of events relating to the question of Palestine, based on press reports and other sources.
"26. The Committee further considers that studies, information notes, reports and other material published by the Division should focus specifically on the priority issues to be addressed by the Committee in 1994, in order to enhance their usefulness at this important stage.
"27. The Division will also continue to issue regularly reports of regional seminars, regional NGO symposia and the International NGO Meeting; a special bulletin on the commemoration, in 1993, of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People; and a compilation of relevant resolutions, decisions and statements adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council in 1993.
"28. The Division will also continue to update periodically its information notes on the work of the Committee and the Division, on NGO activities on the question of Palestine and on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
"29. In response to the mandate given by the General Assembly regarding the establishment and continued development of the United Nations Information System on the Question of Palestine (UNISPAL), the Division is continuing to work to implement the system in all its aspects. The Division will include in the system all relevant documentary, analytical and statistical information and will cooperate with other users and sources of information with a view to making the system as comprehensive and useful as possible. Information notes on the status of the system will be issued periodically.
"E. International Day of Solidarity
with the Palestinian People
"30. In accordance with General Assembly resolution 32/40 B of 2 December 1977, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People will be observed on Tuesday, 29 November 1994. It is envisaged that the observance will take place at Headquarters, at the United Nations Offices at Geneva and Vienna, and elsewhere in accordance with established practice.
"31. The Committee decided, in cooperation with the Office of the Permanent Observer for Palestine, to prepare a special programme for the observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in 1994, including an exhibit to be displayed at United Nations Headquarters from 29 November to 5 December 1994, as well as hosting a reception and organizing other activities as appropriate."
Notes
1/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex.
2/ Official Records of the General Assembly, Forty-eighth Session, Supplement No. 35 (A/48/35), paras. 85-96.
At the same meeting, the Committee heard a report by its Chairman on two consultative meetings with the Coordinating Committees for NGOs from the North American and European regions, and with the International Coordinating Committee. The Committee approved the provisional programmes for the North America NGO Symposium and the European Symposium/International NGO Meeting, to be held in July and August 1994, respectively (see below, chapter IX).
II. SECURITY COUNCIL CONSIDERS SITUATION IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES;
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ADDRESSES COUNCIL;
COUNCIL ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON THE HEBRON MASSACRE
In response to letters received by the Security Council from the Permanent Representative of Egypt (S/1994/222), on behalf of the members of the Arab Group of States, and from the Permanent Representative of Pakistan (S/1994/223), on behalf of the member States of the Organization of Islamic Conference, the Council convened on 28 February 1994 to consider the agenda item "The situation in the occupied Arab territories" (see SC/5796).
On 2 March 1994, H.E. Mr. Kéba Birane Cissé, Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, addressed the meeting of the Security Council on the situation of the occupied territories (see S/PV.3342).
After congratulating the President of the Security Council as well as his predecessor, the Chairman made the following statement:
"…
"… I thank the members of the Council for having given me the opportunity as Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable rights of the Palestinian People to participate in the Council's important debate on the situation in the occupied territory of Palestine.
"On behalf of the Committee, I wish to express our strongest condemnation of the savage massacre that was perpetrated against innocent and unarmed Palestinian worshippers in the Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi mosque, one of the sacred places of worship of the Islamic nations. That assault, which was committed against a congregation at prayer during the holy month of Ramadan, has shocked and saddened the entire world community and jeopardized the peace process which had generated so much hope only a few months ago. This act of violence should be seen by the international community as a consequence of the illegal Israeli policy of establishing settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and of authorizing the proliferation of armed militias.
"The establishment of settlements and the confiscation of land have continued under different governments despite the peace negotiations, creating a situation that will be increasingly difficult to resolve.
"In recent months, violent activities by settlers have multiplied without hindrance by the army. While noting the measures already taken by the Israeli Government, the Committee in convinced that it is imperative that steps be taken to put an end to this kind of activity on the part of the settlers and to begin the process of dismantling the settlements in accordance with international law and numerous Security Council resolutions.
"In the wake of this massacre, violence has spread elsewhere in the occupied Palestinian territory and clashes have been reported in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which have again been placed under curfew. The Committee is seriously concerned at reports that Israeli troops have opened fire on Palestinian demonstrators. So far, 65 people have been killed and 350 have been injured.
"The Committee wishes to remind the international community that as long as Israeli forces occupy the territory of Palestine, Israel bears full responsibility for the protection of Palestinians, as the occupying Power in accordance with the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949.
"As members of the Council are aware, our Committee has repeatedly intervened before the Council in the past to appeal for urgent measures to restore respect for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory and to secure an international role in ensuring the safety and protection of Palestinians living under occupation.
"The Hebron massacre and subsequent events demonstrate once again the need for such measures. It is obvious that the process of reconciliation and the building of peace between the two peoples cannot be held hostage to the actions of armed elements and the repressive measures taken by the Israeli army, which only exacerbate the deep sense of frustration and the opposition to the occupation.
"The Committee, therefore, fully supports the Palestinian requests for an international presence to be established in the occupied territory and for measures aimed at disarming the settlers and limiting their presence and activities in Palestinian towns and villages. The Committee urges the Security Council to take the necessary measures in this regard.
"The Committee joins the vast majority of the international community in affirming support for the peace process currently under way and for the Declaration of Principles signed by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization on 13 September 1993 in Washington. It is clear, however, that the many delays in the implementation of the Declaration have eroded the credibility of the process and fuelled the atmosphere of violence and instability, which is fertile ground for extremism.
"The Committee believes that only rapid and consistent progress in the current negotiations leading to the disengagement of Israeli forces and self-rule for Palestinians will prevent the present situation from deteriorating even further. The Committee calls on all concerned to do everything possible to surmount the current obstacles and to advance towards the full implementation of the agreements that have been reached.
"This meeting of the Security Council indicates that the continuing deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories is of major concern to the members of the Council and to the international community as a whole. The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People therefore hopes that this debate will culminate in a clear demonstration of the Council's determination to find ways and means to reestablish the necessary sense of security for the Palestinian civilian population. The international community must assist the parties in proceeding rapidly along the road towards a negotiated peace which they have together embarked upon–the only road which can assure a lasting peace in the region."
* * *
Draft resolution S/1994/280 of 11 March 1994 was sponsored by Djibouti, on behalf of the non-aligned members of the Council, France, the Russian Federation, Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. At its 3351st meeting on 18 March 1994, the Council voted on the draft resolution, paragraph by paragraph. The second and sixth preambular paragraphs (text below) received 14 votes in favour, and 1 abstention (United States of America). The other preambular paragraphs as well as the operative part of the draft resolution were adopted unanimously. The draft was adopted as a whole without a vote as resolution 904 (1994).
The delegations of the United States, the Russian Federation, the Czech Republic, Argentina, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Brazil, and France addressed the Council after the vote. Statements were also made by the representatives of Israel and Palestine (see S/PV.3351).
"The Security Council,
"Shocked by the appalling massacre committed against Palestinian worshippers in the Mosque of Ibrahim in Hebron, on 25 February 1994, during the holy month of Ramadan,
"Gravely concerned by the consequent Palestinian casualties in the occupied Palestinian territory as a result of the massacre, which underlines the need to provide protection and security for the Palestinian people,
"Determined to overcome the adverse impact of the massacre on the peace process currently under way,
"Noting with satisfaction the efforts undertaken to guarantee the smooth proceeding of the peace process and calling upon all concerned to continue their efforts to this end,
"Noting the condemnation of this massacre by the entire international community,
"Reaffirming its relevant resolutions, which affirmed the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 to the territories occupied by Israel in June 1967, including Jerusalem, and the Israeli responsibilities thereunder,
"1. Strongly condemns the massacre in Hebron and its aftermath which took the lives of more than 50 Palestinian civilians and injured several hundred others;
"2. Calls upon Israel, the occupying Power, to continue to take and implement measures, including, inter alia, confiscation of arms, with the aim of preventing illegal acts of violence by Israeli settlers;
"3. Calls for measures to be taken to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians throughout the occupied territory, including, inter alia, a temporary international or foreign presence, which was provided for in the Declaration of Principles (S/26560), within the context of the ongoing of the ongoing peace process;
"4. Requests the co-sponsors of the peace process, the United States of America and the Russian Federation, to continue their efforts to invigorate the peace process, and to undertake the necessary support for the implementation of the above-mentioned measures;
"5. Reaffirms its support for the peace process currently under way, and calls for the implementation of the Declaration of Principles, signed by the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization on 13 September 1993 in Washington, D.C., without delay."
III. COMMITTEE ON RACIAL DISCRIMINATION REQUESTS ISRAEL TO REPORT
ON SAFETY MEASURES TO PROTECT PALESTINIANS IN THE
OCCUPIED TERRITORY FOLLOWING THE HEBRON MASSACRE
At its 1023rd meeting on 7 March 1994, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination adopted the following decision (see RD/750):
"1 (44) Urgent report requested from Israel
"1. The Committee expresses its shock at the appalling massacre committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinian worshippers in the Abraham mosque at Hebron on 25 February 1994.
"2. In accordance with article 9, paragraph 1(b), of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and with reference, in particular, to article 5(b) of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government of Israel to send it an urgent report, no later than 30 June 1994, on measures taken to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory and to bring to an end the illegal action of Israeli settlers and to disarm them."
The Committee, composed of experts elected by States Parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, reviews implementation by those States of the provisions of the Convention. Israel ratified the Convention on 3 January 1979.
IV. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ISRAELI PRACTICES ISSUES PERIODIC REPORT
On 14 January 1994, the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories submitted to the Secretary-General a periodic report on the human rights situation in the occupied territories, as requested by the General Assembly in resolution 48/41 A of 10 December 1993. The report, based on articles appearing in the Israeli press and Arab language newspapers published in the occupied territories and other documentary materials, covers the period between 28 August and 30 November 1993. It contains information relating to the general human rights situation, in the occupied Palestinian territory, including lists of casualties; the administration of justice; the treatment of civilians; the treatment of detainees; annexation and settlement; and information concerning the occupied Syrian Arab Golan (see document A/49/67).
V. SECRETARY-GENERAL SUBMITS REPORT ON CONDITION
OF PALESTINIAN WOMEN UNDER ISRAELI OCCUPATION;
COMMISSION ON STATUS OF WOMEN ADOPTS TWO RESOLUTIONS
On 28 February 1994, the Secretary-General issued a report in response to Economic and Social Council resolution 1993/15, entitled "Situation of and assistance to Palestinian women", in which the Council requested the Secretary-General to submit to the Commission on the Status of Women, at its thirty-eighth session, a report on the implementation of the resolution, containing recommendations and a programme of action aimed at improving the condition of Palestinian women under Israeli occupation. The report describes how, in the context of rapid political change, the concern of the Commission on the Status of Women about the situation of Palestinian women and children may be entering a new phase (see E/CN.6/1994/6).
At the conclusion of its thirty-eighth session which was held in New York from 7 to 18 March 1994, the Commission voted on draft resolution on the integration of women in the Middle East peace process (see E/CN.6/1994/L.7) as well as draft resolution on Palestinian women (see E/CN.6/1994/L.13). The draft resolution on the integration of women in the Middle East peace process was orally amended and approved without a vote as draft resolution 38/1. The draft resolution on Palestinian women, which was adopted as draft resolution 38/4, was approved by a roll-call vote of 38 in favour to 1 against, with 3 abstentions.
In a report that will soon be issued, the Commission on the Status of Women will bring to the attention of the Economic and Social Council these two resolutions. The Council is scheduled to meet from 27 June to late July 1994. Both resolutions are reproduced below:
38/1. Integration of women in the
Middle East peace process
"The Commission on the Status of Women,
"Recalling General Assembly resolution 48/58 of 14 December 1993 on the Middle East peace process,
"Recalling also the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in June 1993,1/
"Stressing that the achievement of a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Middle East conflict will constitute a significant contribution to the strengthening of international peace and security and is an indispensable condition for the furthering of human rights in the region,
"Recalling the convening of the Peace Conference on the Middle East at Madrid on 30 October 1991, on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) of 22 November 1967 and 338 (1973) of 22 October 1973, and the subsequent bilateral negotiations, as well as the meetings of the multilateral working groups, and noting with satisfaction the broad international support for the peace process,
"Noting the continuing positive participation of the United Nations as a full extraregional participant in the work of the multilateral working groups,
"Bearing in mind the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization at Washington, D.C., on 13 September 1993,2/
"1. Stresses the importance of, and need for, achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East;
"2. Emphasizes that the achievement of such a peace is vital for the full implementation of human rights in the area;
"3. Welcomes the peace process started at Madrid and supports the subsequent bilateral negotiations;
"4. Expresses its full support for the achievements of the peace process thus far, in particular the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the Agreement between Israel and Jordan on the Agenda, which constitute an important initial step in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, and urges all parties to implement agreements reached;
"5. Considers that an active United Nations role in the Middle East peace process and in assisting in the implementation of the Declaration of Principles can make a positive contribution;
"6. Urges Governments, intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental organizations to include women in the peace process as facilitators and mediators, and in any other roles that may enhance the peace process;
"7. Urges Governments, intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental organizations to ensure that women's political development and participation are integrated into all efforts evolving from the Declaration of Principles, including legislative reform, institution-building and political processes;
"8. Urges Governments, intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental organizations to ensure that women are included in the design and implementation of all policies and programmes evolving from the Declaration on Principles, with a special emphasis on women's interests in those programmes related to environment, democracy, health, population, education and employment."
Notes
1/ A/CONF.157/24 (Part I), chap. III.
2/ A/48/486-S/26560, annex.
38/4. Palestinian Women
"The Commission on the Status of Women,
"Having considered with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General on the situation of and assistance to Palestinian women,1/
"Recalling the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women,2/ in particular paragraph 260 concerning Palestinian women and children,
"Recalling also its resolution 1993/15 of 27 July 1993 and other relevant United Nations resolutions,
"Recalling the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women 3/ as it concerns the protection of civilian populations,
"Welcoming the signing, on 13 September 1993, at Washington, D.C., of the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements by the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Government of Israel,4/
"Deeply concerned about the continuing deterioration of all aspects of the situation of the Palestine women in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem,
"Gravely concerned about the severe consequences of the massacre carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinian worshippers in Al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil (Hebron) on 25 February 1994 for the situation of Palestinian women and their families,
"1. Reaffirms that the Israeli occupation constitutes the basic obstacle for Palestinian women with regard to their advancement, self-reliance and integration in the national development plan of their society;
"2. Considers the illegal Israeli policy of settlements, displacement of the Palestinian people, denial of Palestinian family reunification and closure and isolation of Palestinian communities to be a violation of the inalienable rights of Palestinian women guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 5/ and the Hague Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949;6/
"3. Calls upon Israel to facilitate immediately the return of all refugees and displaced Palestinian women and children to their homes and properties in the occupied Palestinian territory, in compliance with the relevant United Nations resolutions;
"4. Urges Member States, international financial organizations of the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and other relevant institutions to intensify their efforts to provide financial assistance to Palestinian women for the creation of projects responding to their needs, especially during the transitional period;
"5. Requests the Commission on the Status of Women to continue to monitor and take action with regard to the implementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women, in particular paragraph 260 concerning Palestinian women and children;
"6. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to review the situation of and to assist Palestinian women by all available means, and to submit to the Commission on the Status of Women, at its thirty-ninth session, a report on the progress made in the implementation of the present resolution."
Notes
1/ E/CN.6/1994/6.
2/ Report of the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace, Nairobi, 15-26 July 1985 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.85.IV.10), chap. I, sect. A.
3/ General Assembly resolution 48/104.
4/ A/48/486-S/26560.
5/ General Assembly resolution 217 A (III).
6/ United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75, No. 973.
VI. ORGANIZATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE
ISSUES JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING THE GRAVE SITUATION
IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
On 7 March 1994, the following statement was adopted by the States members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference at a meeting held in New York (see S/1994/275):
"The members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) met at the ambassadorial level in New York on 7 March 1994 to resume consideration of the grave situation in the occupied Palestinian territory resulting from the massacre committed against Palestinian worshippers in Al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil al-Rahman (Hebron) on 25 February 1994, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The members expressed concern over the delay by the Security Council to take necessary measures and to adopt a resolution condemning the massacre and calling for measures to be taken to ensure the safety and protection of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Al-Quds al-Sharif (Jerusalem).
"The members of OIC called upon the Security Council to immediately take action and adopt the necessary resolution. In this regard, the members reaffirmed the need for measures to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian people, in accordance with, inter alia, the Fourth Geneva Convention, and called for the deployment of United Nations military observers in the occupied Palestinian territory. They reaffirmed also the need for specific follow-up of the implementation of any such measures to be adopted by the Security Council. The members supported the proposals put forth by the Secretary-General in this regard.
"The members of OIC expressed their grave concern at the repressive measures of the Israeli authorities in the occupied territories and the murders of the innocent civilians. They urged that immediate measures should be taken to disarm the Israeli settlers in the occupied territories and to dismantle all Israeli settlements there. They regarded these measures as essential for the safety and security of the Palestinians in the occupied territories.
"The members of OIC also reaffirmed the centrality of the issue of the holy city of Al-Quds al-Sharif (Jerusalem) for all members States and the necessity for preserving and protecting of its secret shrines. Further, recalling the resolutions adopted by OIC on this crucial issue, the members called upon the Security Council to reaffirm the long-held, established position that Jerusalem is an integral part of the occupied territories.
"The members of OIC decided to remain seized of the matter and to participate actively in the deliberations of the Security Council and to observe closely any development in this regard."
VII. COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE MIDDLE EAST
On 10 March 1994, the following statement was issued by the Council of the European Union (see A/48/903-S/1994/292):
"Whereas the recent tragic events in Hebron, which the European Union has already condemned, should not interrupt the peace process in the Middle East, the Council of the European Union:
"1. Encourages the resumption of the peace process negotiations between all parties and appeals to the Security Council to adopt an appropriate resolution swiftly;
"2. While welcoming the measures recently adopted by the Government of Israel to ensure the safety of Palestinians, notes that Israel is responsible for the safety of Palestinians, notes that Israel is responsible for the safety and protection of all inhabitants in the occupied territories;
"3. Appeals to the parties to discuss the question of the safety of Palestinians, including the issue of certain settlements, and to agree on appropriate measures;
"4. Supports the establishment, by the Security Council, in the occupied territories of an international presence in which the European Union declares its willingness to participate."
VIII. ARAB GROUP ISSUES STATEMENT ON VOTING OF
SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 904 (1994)
On 25 March 1994, in a letter addressed to the Secretary-General, the Permanent Representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to the United Nations, in his capacity as Chairman of the Arab Group for the current month, made the following statement (see document A/48/910 – S/1994/353):
"With reference to the statement by the Permanent Representative of the United States of America on 18 March 1994, following the adoption of Security Council resolution 904 (1994), the Arab Group at the United Nations would like to reaffirm the general framework that determines the legal status of the Arab City of Jerusalem.
"I. The point of departure is an established and undisputed historical fact, namely, that Arab Jerusalem is a part of the Palestinian and Arab territories occupied by Israel in 1967.
"II. Numerous resolutions have been adopted by the Security Council, the General Assembly and other relevant bodies confirming this fact, among them Security Council resolutions 252 (1968), 267 (1969), 298 (1971) and 471 (1980), which state that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel in Jerusalem, including expropriation of land and properties, which tend to change the legal status of Jerusalem, are invalid and cannot change that status.
"III. The Security Council, in its resolutions concerning the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, the most recent being resolution 904 (1994) of March 1994, affirmed the applicability of the fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Times of War, of 12 August 1949, to the territories occupied by Israel in June 1967, including Jerusalem, and Israel's responsibility thereunder.
"IV. The Security Council, in numerous resolutions, including resolution 478 (1980) of 30 August 1980, affirmed its non-recognition of what Israel termed `the basic law on Jerusalem', and the Council called upon those States which had established diplomatic missions at Jerusalem to withdraw such missions from the Holy City.
"The Arab Group at the United Nations affirms its confidence that all States Members of the United Nations will constantly strive to respect their international obligations arising out of the resolutions of the relevant organs, in accordance with the provisions of the Charter and the rules of international legitimacy.
"…."
IX. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION
A. Eleventh United Nations North American NGO
Symposium on the Question of Palestine to be held
at Toronto, Canada, 6 to 8 July 1994
At its 205th meeting, on 23 March 1994, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People adopted the following programme for the next United Nations North American NGO Symposium. The programme was recommended by a preparatory meeting held in New York in January (See January/February 1994 Bulletin, Volume XVII, No. 1/2).
ELEVENTH UNITED NATIONS NORTH AMERICAN NGO SYMPOSIUM
ON THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE
___________________________________________________________________________________
THEME: PALESTINE: TOWARDS A JUST AND LASTING PEACE –
FOCUS ON MOBILIZING NGO SUPPORT
FOR COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Opening session
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Plenary 1
The Declaration of Principles:
taking stock of the situation
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Lunch break
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Plenary 2
The Declaration of Principles:
United Nations involvement and the
North American NGO movement
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Standing committee meetings
New directions/objectives discussed
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Plenary 3
Strengthening civil and social structures
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Development and the United Nations system
1. Promoting human rights
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Lunch break
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Special interest meetings
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Workshops
2. Health and educational needs
(citizen-to-citizen diplomacy)
4. Defending human rights
5. Working with the media
6. The Palestinian women's experience in development
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Standing committee: defining objectives for 1994-95
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Reports and action plans of the standing committees
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Plenary 4
Looking ahead: key issues
12 – 12:30 p.m. Elections
12:30 – 1 p.m. Closing session
B. ELEVENTH UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL NGO MEETING AND
EIGHTH UNITED NATIONS EUROPEAN REGIONAL NGO SYMPOSIUM
ON THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE
29 August to 1 September 1994
At its 205th meeting, on 23 March 1994, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People adopted the following programme for the next United Nations International NGO Meeting and European Regional NGO Symposium. The programme was recommended by a preparatory meeting held at Geneva in February 1994 (see January/February 1994 Bulletin, Volume XVIII, No. 1/2).
Eleventh United Nations International NGO
Meeting and Eighth United Nations European
Regional NGO Symposium on the
29 August to 1 September 1994
____________________________________________________________________________________
THEME: BUILDING ON THE DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
TOWARDS THE INDEPENDENT PALESTINIAN STATE
8.30 a.m. – 9.30 a.m. Registration
9.30 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. Opening session
10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Audio-visual presentation
12.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m Lunch break
2.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. NGO Forum
B. Videos provided by NGOs
C. Informal NGO consultations
*a request may be made for additional workshops.
9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Plenary Session
Implementation of the Declaration of Principles
12.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. Lunch break
2.30 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. Panel II
A. Israeli society and the peaceful settlement with the Palestinian people
3.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. B. Role of the Israeli peace forces in support
of the Palestinian people
4.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. C. Arab societies in the Middle East and
the Declaration of Principles
9.30 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. Panel III
A. The Palestinian people's reality today
(i) In the occupied Palestinian territory
(ii) In the neighbouring countries
11.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. B. Elements of the permanent status
12.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. Lunch break
2.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. Panel IV
A. Social and economic development of Palestine
B. The role of NGOs in the social and economic
9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Panel V
The role of NGOs in supporting the work
12.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. Lunch break
2.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Panel VI
Campaigning for Palestinian national and human rights
B. Evaluation of the campaign on the release of
Palestinian prisoners, re-launching of the
campaigns on refugees, rights of return and
settlements in the light of recent developments
4.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. Final document*
*May include (i) Joint statement of the International and European Coordinating Committees for Non-Governmental Organizations on the Question of Palestine and (ii) Declaration of the European Coordinating Committee for Non-Governmental Organizations on the Question of Palestine.
C. Information received from NGOs
In the course of March, the following information was received by the Division for Palestinian Rights:
1. The Other Front, a weekly bulletin on developments in Israeli society, available from: P.O. Box 19543, Jerusalem. (Issues on hand: 2 March, 9 March and 23 March). These issues include articles on the Hebron massacre and government responsibility; the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF); Palestinians inside Israel; and the Commission of Inquiry.
2. News From Within, a newsletter of the Alternative Information Centre, P.O. Box 31417, Jerusalem, March 1994. This issue features articles on the Hebron Massacre; the People's Party (formerly the Palestine Communist Party); and Palestinian women.
3. Middle East Labour Bulletin, Spring 1994, P.O. Box 421546, San Francisco, California 94142-1546, United States of America. The issue covers a wide range of topics including Palestinians and the Oslo Agreement, Palestinian workers, water, western investors and the West Bank, Yasser Arafat, Palestinian unionists, the Hebron massacre, Cairo agreement and Palestinian prisoners.
4. Une Terre Deux Peuples, a publication of the Association pour l'union entre les peuples juif et palestinien, available from: C.P. 43, 1247 Anières, Geneva, Switzerland. The February-March issue includes articles on the Hebron massacre, Ilan Halevi and the PLO, as well as reviews on literary work on the Palestinian issue.
5. Gulf Newsletter, March 1994. The publication, which focuses on information on refugees, displaced people and vulnerable groups in the aftermath of the Gulf War, is available from the Gulf Information Project, British Refugee Council, 3 Bondway, London SW8 1SJ, United Kingdom, fax (071) 582-9929. The March issue devotes articles on Iraq and its Kurdish region, refugees in Iran and Africans in Turkey.
6. Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, February-March 1994, is available from the American Educational Trust and Washington Report, P.O. Box 53062, Washington, D.C. 20009, United States of America, Fax (202) 232-6754. The publication offers a comprehensive coverage of issues on the Middle East. This issue includes articles on American foreign policy, Yossi Beilin, Palestinian investors and the West Bank, Syrian-Israeli Agreement, Israel summary executions, World Bank funding, and Lebanon's Palestinians.
7. Monthly Human Rights Report, published by the Gaza Centre for Rights and Law is available from Gaza Centre for Rights and Law, Iman Building, Rimal, P.O. Box 1274, Gaza Strip. The February 1994 issue contains a special report on the immediate aftermath of the Hebron massacre as well as killings and injuries, IDF deployments, curfews, land confiscations, electricity cuts, raid of UNRWA headquarters and academic restrictions.
8. Samed, Palestinian Prison Voices, Mandela Institute for Political Prisoners, available from: P.O. Box 19543, Jerusalem. The January/February 1994 issue covers the release of 101 prisoners, deportees' update and women's conditions in prisons.
9. Challenge, a bi-monthly magazine is available from: P.O. Box 32107, Jerusalem 91320, Fax (972) 2-251614. The March/April issue includes articles on Jerusalem, the occupied territories, human rights, Arabs in Israel and cultural issues.
10. The Other Israel, a newsletter of the Council for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, available from: P.O. Box 2542, Holon, Israel 58125. The February/March issue contains articles on the peace process, the Golan question, situation in the occupied territories and activities of various peace movements.
11. Middle East International, a biweekly publication available from P.O. Box 53365, Temple Heights Station, Washington, D.C. 20009, United States of America. (Issues on hand: 4 March, No. 470 and 18 March, No. 471.) These issues include articles on the peace talks, the aftermath of the Hebron massacre, United States foreign policy, United Nations action, Yasser Arafat and news from other countries in the Middle East.
12. The newsletter of the Coordinating Committee of International NGOs (CCINGO) is available from CCINGO Jerusalem, fax (02) 825-823. The 5 March issue contains information on the Israeli military as well as settlers and settlements.
13. Press releases of the Palestine Human Rights Information Centre (PHRIC) of the Arab Studies Society are available from: PHRIC International, 4201 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20008, Fax (202) 686-5140. The following press releases have been issued:
22 March: "Whose security is at issue? PHRIC calls for immediate lifting of 24-day curfew on Hebron; Punitive collective measure after massacre prolongs suffering of residents";
23 March: "Critical situation in Hebron made worse by Army; neighborhood near Ibrahimi in terror from bombardment";
24 March: "Israeli military authorities launch unprecedented operation in Hebron while city still under curfew one month after massacre; Two killed in random fire during bombardment";
25 March: "Joint alert by Palestinian human rights organizations";
26 March: "Palestinian driver machine-gunned at road junction by Israeli civilian; Hebron curfew partially lifted, remains in city center";
29 March: "Six Palestinians gunned down in evening ambush by Israeli undercover units in Jabalia refugee camp".
