47th Plenary Meeting of General Assembly 74th Session
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English
Description
Upon the recommendation of its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), the General Assembly adopted 35 resolutions and three decisions today, concerning Israeli‑Palestinian and decolonization issues, among others.
The Assembly adopted a resolution titled “Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East” by a recorded 167 votes in favour to 6 against (Canada, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 7 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guatemala, Nauru, Rwanda, Vanuatu).
By terms of that text, the Assembly expresses deep concern about UNRWA’s critical financial situation and notes that contributions to the Agency have not been predictable enough or sufficient to meet growing needs or remedy persistent shortfalls, exacerbated by the 2018 suspension of contributions from UNRWA’s largest single voluntary donor.
The Assembly commends, by other terms, the Agency’s measures to address the financial crisis, while expressing profound concern that, despite such measures, its programme budget faces persistent shortfalls that continue to threaten the delivery of core programmes to Palestine refugees. By further terms, the Assembly expresses its appreciation for the efforts of UNRWA’s Commissioner‑General and staff, particularly considering the difficult conditions, instability and crises of the past year.
Moreover, the Assembly expresses its grave concern about attempts to discredit the Agency despite its proven operational capacity and consistent implementation of its mandate. Further by the text, it urges Israel to expeditiously reimburse UNRWA for all transit charges incurred and other financial losses sustained as a result of delays and restrictions on movement and access imposed by that country.
The Assembly went on to adopt — by a recorded vote of 169 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 9 abstentions (Cameroon, Canada, Guatemala, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Vanuatu) — a resolution titled “Assistance to Palestine refugees.” By that text, the Assembly decides to extend UNRWA’s mandate until 30 June 2023, without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 11 of General Assembly resolution 194 (III).
Further by that text, the Assembly expresses concern regarding the negative implications of UNRWA’s severe financial crisis and the difficult situation of Palestine refugees under occupation, while underlining the importance of assistance and the urgent need for reconstruction. It calls upon all donors to continue strengthening their efforts to meet UNRWA’s anticipated needs — including for recent emergency, recovery and reconstruction appeals — plans for the Gaza Strip and regional crisis‑response plans to address the situation of Palestine refugees in Syria.
In addition, the Assembly narrowly adopted a resolution titled “Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories” by a recorded vote of 81 in favour to 13 against, with 80 abstentions. By that text, the Assembly demands that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee and requests that the latter continue to investigate Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially its violations of the Geneva Convention. Moreover, it requests that the Special Committee continue to investigate the treatment and status of thousands of prisoners and detainees, including children, women and elected representatives, held in Israeli prisons and detention centres within the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Assembly also requests that the Secretary‑General provide the Special Committee with all necessary facilities, including those required for its visits to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
By a recorded 162 votes in favour to 7 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, United States), with 11 abstentions, the Assembly adopted the draft “Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities”. By its terms, the Assembly reaffirms the right of all persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities to return to their homes or former places of residence. It further stresses the need for the accelerated return of those displaced, strongly appealing to all Governments, organizations and individuals to contribute generously to the Agency and others in that regard.
The Assembly went on to adopt a text titled “Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues” by a recorded vote of 163 in favour to 6 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 12 abstentions. By that text, the Assembly requests that the Secretary‑General take all appropriate steps to protect Arab properties, assets and property rights in Israel. Further, it calls upon Israel to render all facilities and assistance to the Secretary-General in implementation of the resolution. Moreover, the Assembly urges both the Palestinian and Israeli sides to deal with the important issue of Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues within the framework of final‑status peace negotiations.
Taking up the resolution “Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan”, the Assembly adopted it by a recorded vote of 157 in favour to 7 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, United States), with 15 abstentions. According to that text, the Assembly condemns Israel’s settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It deplores, by other terms, that country’s construction and expansion of settlements in and around occupied East Jerusalem, as well as its plans to demolish the Palestinian village of Khan al‑Ahmar, in contravention of international law, which would have serious consequences in terms of the displacement of its residents.
The Assembly then took up a draft resolution titled “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”, adopting it by a recorded vote of 157 in favour to 9 against (Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, United States), with 13 abstentions.
By that text, the Assembly urges the parties to observe calm and restraint and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric, especially in areas of religious and cultural sensitivity, including in East Jerusalem. It also condemns all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction, and especially any use of force by Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians, in violation of international law. In particular, the Assembly condemns violence in the Gaza Strip, including against journalists, medical personnel and humanitarian personnel.
The Assembly went on to adopt a draft titled “The occupied Syrian Golan” (document A/C.4/74/L.17) by a recorded vote of 157 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 20 abstentions.
Turning to decolonization questions, the Assembly adopted 21 draft resolutions and a draft decision. Taking up the draft resolution “Information from Non‑Self‑Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations” (document A/74/23, chap. XIII), it adopted that text by a recorded vote of 176 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 3 abstentions (France, Central African Republic, United Kingdom). By its terms, the Assembly requests that administering Powers transmit to the Secretary‑General statistical and other technical information relating to the economic, social and educational conditions in the Territories within a maximum period of six months following the expiration of the administrative year.
The Assembly also adopted — by a recorded 178 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 3 abstentions (Central African Republic, France, United Kingdom) — the draft resolution “Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non‑Self‑Governing Territories” (A/74/23, chap. XIII).
By that text, the Assembly reaffirms its deep concern about the number and scale of natural disasters in the course of 2017 and their devastating impact on Caribbean Non‑Self‑Governing Territories. The Assembly also expresses concern about activities aimed at exploiting the natural and human resources of the Non‑Self‑Governing Territories to the detriment of their inhabitants. Further, the Assembly calls upon administering Powers to ensure that the exploitation of marine and other natural resources in the Non‑Self‑Governing Territories do not violate relevant United Nations resolutions nor adversely affect the interests of the Territories’ peoples. It also calls upon those Powers to provide all necessary assistance to those in the Territories affected by recent hurricanes in order to alleviate humanitarian needs, support recovery and rebuilding efforts, and enhance emergency preparedness and risk reduction capabilities.
Also requiring a recorded vote was a draft resolution titled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations” (document A/74/23, chap. XIII p. 46). It took that action by 130 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 52 abstentions.
By its terms, the Assembly reiterates its conviction regarding the need to eradicate colonialism, racial discrimination and human rights violations. It also calls upon administering Powers to cooperate fully with the Special Committee on Decolonization in developing and finalizing a constructive programme of work for the Non-Self-Governing Territories to facilitate implementation of the Special Committee’s mandate as well as relevant resolutions. It also calls upon the administering Powers to terminate military activities and eliminate military bases in the Territories.
The Assembly also adopted — by a recorded vote of 178 in favour to 3 against (United States, Israel, United Kingdom), with 2 abstentions (France, Togo) — a resolution titled “Dissemination of information on decolonization”. By its terms, the Assembly reiterates the importance of visiting missions of the Special Committee on Decolonization in contributing to the dissemination of decolonization information. In that regard, the Assembly requests that the Department of Global Communications actively seek new and innovative ways to disseminate materials to the Non-Self-Governing Territories.
Closely following the Fourth Committee’s recommendations, the Assembly also adopted, without a vote, a series of annual texts relating to the decolonization of specific Non‑Self‑Governing Territories. They included drafts affirming the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara, as well as those of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, French Polynesia, Guam, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands.
Acting again without a vote, the Assembly adopted drafts relating to assistance in mine action, atomic radiation, outer space affairs, special political missions, questions of information and offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non‑Self‑Governing Territories.
It also took note of a report on the comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects, and another on programme planning for the Fourth Committee.
Acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted two draft decisions, one relating to the question of Gibraltar and the other to the revitalization of its own work.
Presenting Fourth Committee reports for the Assembly’s consideration was that body’s Rapporteur.
The next meeting of the General Assembly will be announced.
For further details please see SOURCE below.
MEETINGS COVERAGE
The Assembly adopted a resolution titled “Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East” by a recorded 167 votes in favour to 6 against (Canada, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, United States), with 7 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Guatemala, Nauru, Rwanda, Vanuatu).
By terms of that text, the Assembly expresses deep concern about UNRWA’s critical financial situation and notes that contributions to the Agency have not been predictable enough or sufficient to meet growing needs or remedy persistent shortfalls, exacerbated by the 2018 suspension of contributions from UNRWA’s largest single voluntary donor.
The Assembly commends, by other terms, the Agency’s measures to address the financial crisis, while expressing profound concern that, despite such measures, its programme budget faces persistent shortfalls that continue to threaten the delivery of core programmes to Palestine refugees. By further terms, the Assembly expresses its appreciation for the efforts of UNRWA’s Commissioner‑General and staff, particularly considering the difficult conditions, instability and crises of the past year.
Moreover, the Assembly expresses its grave concern about attempts to discredit the Agency despite its proven operational capacity and consistent implementation of its mandate. Further by the text, it urges Israel to expeditiously reimburse UNRWA for all transit charges incurred and other financial losses sustained as a result of delays and restrictions on movement and access imposed by that country.
The Assembly went on to adopt — by a recorded vote of 169 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 9 abstentions (Cameroon, Canada, Guatemala, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Vanuatu) — a resolution titled “Assistance to Palestine refugees.” By that text, the Assembly decides to extend UNRWA’s mandate until 30 June 2023, without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 11 of General Assembly resolution 194 (III).
Further by that text, the Assembly expresses concern regarding the negative implications of UNRWA’s severe financial crisis and the difficult situation of Palestine refugees under occupation, while underlining the importance of assistance and the urgent need for reconstruction. It calls upon all donors to continue strengthening their efforts to meet UNRWA’s anticipated needs — including for recent emergency, recovery and reconstruction appeals — plans for the Gaza Strip and regional crisis‑response plans to address the situation of Palestine refugees in Syria.
In addition, the Assembly narrowly adopted a resolution titled “Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories” by a recorded vote of 81 in favour to 13 against, with 80 abstentions. By that text, the Assembly demands that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee and requests that the latter continue to investigate Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially its violations of the Geneva Convention. Moreover, it requests that the Special Committee continue to investigate the treatment and status of thousands of prisoners and detainees, including children, women and elected representatives, held in Israeli prisons and detention centres within the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Assembly also requests that the Secretary‑General provide the Special Committee with all necessary facilities, including those required for its visits to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
By a recorded 162 votes in favour to 7 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, United States), with 11 abstentions, the Assembly adopted the draft “Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities”. By its terms, the Assembly reaffirms the right of all persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities to return to their homes or former places of residence. It further stresses the need for the accelerated return of those displaced, strongly appealing to all Governments, organizations and individuals to contribute generously to the Agency and others in that regard.
The Assembly went on to adopt a text titled “Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues” by a recorded vote of 163 in favour to 6 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, United States), with 12 abstentions. By that text, the Assembly requests that the Secretary‑General take all appropriate steps to protect Arab properties, assets and property rights in Israel. Further, it calls upon Israel to render all facilities and assistance to the Secretary-General in implementation of the resolution. Moreover, the Assembly urges both the Palestinian and Israeli sides to deal with the important issue of Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues within the framework of final‑status peace negotiations.
Taking up the resolution “Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan”, the Assembly adopted it by a recorded vote of 157 in favour to 7 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, United States), with 15 abstentions. According to that text, the Assembly condemns Israel’s settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It deplores, by other terms, that country’s construction and expansion of settlements in and around occupied East Jerusalem, as well as its plans to demolish the Palestinian village of Khan al‑Ahmar, in contravention of international law, which would have serious consequences in terms of the displacement of its residents.
The Assembly then took up a draft resolution titled “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem”, adopting it by a recorded vote of 157 in favour to 9 against (Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Israel, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, United States), with 13 abstentions.
By that text, the Assembly urges the parties to observe calm and restraint and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric, especially in areas of religious and cultural sensitivity, including in East Jerusalem. It also condemns all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction, and especially any use of force by Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians, in violation of international law. In particular, the Assembly condemns violence in the Gaza Strip, including against journalists, medical personnel and humanitarian personnel.
The Assembly went on to adopt a draft titled “The occupied Syrian Golan” (document A/C.4/74/L.17) by a recorded vote of 157 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 20 abstentions.
Turning to decolonization questions, the Assembly adopted 21 draft resolutions and a draft decision. Taking up the draft resolution “Information from Non‑Self‑Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations” (document A/74/23, chap. XIII), it adopted that text by a recorded vote of 176 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 3 abstentions (France, Central African Republic, United Kingdom). By its terms, the Assembly requests that administering Powers transmit to the Secretary‑General statistical and other technical information relating to the economic, social and educational conditions in the Territories within a maximum period of six months following the expiration of the administrative year.
The Assembly also adopted — by a recorded 178 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 3 abstentions (Central African Republic, France, United Kingdom) — the draft resolution “Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non‑Self‑Governing Territories” (A/74/23, chap. XIII).
By that text, the Assembly reaffirms its deep concern about the number and scale of natural disasters in the course of 2017 and their devastating impact on Caribbean Non‑Self‑Governing Territories. The Assembly also expresses concern about activities aimed at exploiting the natural and human resources of the Non‑Self‑Governing Territories to the detriment of their inhabitants. Further, the Assembly calls upon administering Powers to ensure that the exploitation of marine and other natural resources in the Non‑Self‑Governing Territories do not violate relevant United Nations resolutions nor adversely affect the interests of the Territories’ peoples. It also calls upon those Powers to provide all necessary assistance to those in the Territories affected by recent hurricanes in order to alleviate humanitarian needs, support recovery and rebuilding efforts, and enhance emergency preparedness and risk reduction capabilities.
Also requiring a recorded vote was a draft resolution titled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations” (document A/74/23, chap. XIII p. 46). It took that action by 130 votes in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 52 abstentions.
By its terms, the Assembly reiterates its conviction regarding the need to eradicate colonialism, racial discrimination and human rights violations. It also calls upon administering Powers to cooperate fully with the Special Committee on Decolonization in developing and finalizing a constructive programme of work for the Non-Self-Governing Territories to facilitate implementation of the Special Committee’s mandate as well as relevant resolutions. It also calls upon the administering Powers to terminate military activities and eliminate military bases in the Territories.
The Assembly also adopted — by a recorded vote of 178 in favour to 3 against (United States, Israel, United Kingdom), with 2 abstentions (France, Togo) — a resolution titled “Dissemination of information on decolonization”. By its terms, the Assembly reiterates the importance of visiting missions of the Special Committee on Decolonization in contributing to the dissemination of decolonization information. In that regard, the Assembly requests that the Department of Global Communications actively seek new and innovative ways to disseminate materials to the Non-Self-Governing Territories.
Closely following the Fourth Committee’s recommendations, the Assembly also adopted, without a vote, a series of annual texts relating to the decolonization of specific Non‑Self‑Governing Territories. They included drafts affirming the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara, as well as those of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, French Polynesia, Guam, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands.
Acting again without a vote, the Assembly adopted drafts relating to assistance in mine action, atomic radiation, outer space affairs, special political missions, questions of information and offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non‑Self‑Governing Territories.
It also took note of a report on the comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects, and another on programme planning for the Fourth Committee.
Acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted two draft decisions, one relating to the question of Gibraltar and the other to the revitalization of its own work.
Presenting Fourth Committee reports for the Assembly’s consideration was that body’s Rapporteur.
The next meeting of the General Assembly will be announced.
For further details please see SOURCE below.
MEETINGS COVERAGE
Category
Topical Subjects
Geographic Subjects
Corporate Subjects
Parent ID
2513907
Asset ID
2514157