United Nations A/75/ PV.35 General Assembly Official Records Seventy-fifth session

35th plenary meeting Wednesday, 2 December 2020, 3 p.m. New York

President: Mr. Bozkir ...... (Turkey) The meeting was called to order at 3 p.m. Argentina also reiterates its concern regarding the persistent and continued expansion of illegal Israeli Agenda item 37 (continued) settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and urges that their expansion cease. As the General The situation in the Middle East Assembly has repeatedly made clear, settlements Reports of the Secretary-General (A/75/195 contravene international law, create obstacles to peace, and A/75/297) undermine the prospects for a solution based on two States living in peace and security and thereby promote Draft resolution (A/75/L.29) the continuation of an unsustainable status quo. The Ms. Squeff (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): gravity of the situation was recognized by the Security Argentina takes the floor to address General Assembly Council in resolution 2334 (2016), the terms of which we fully reaffirm. agenda items 37 and 88, “The situation in the Middle East” and “Question of Palestine”, respectively. At the same time, Argentina condemns the Argentina continues to believe that the only way to indiscriminate shelling from Gaza of civilians in Israel, solve the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis as well as all acts of violence perpetrated by Hamas is through negotiations between both parties to seek and other armed groups. It is essential that Palestinian agreement on the final-status issues identified in the leaders sincerely address Israeli security concerns. In Oslo Accords: Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, borders that regard, we recognize the right of Israel to act in and security measures. its legitimate defence, while stressing the necessity for Israeli actions to respect their obligations pursuant to Argentina supports a peaceful, definitive and international humanitarian law, particularly taking into comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question, account the principles of distinction and proportionality. based on the two-State solution and the 1967 borders, Regarding the financial difficulties facing the to be determined by the parties through negotiations, in United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine conformity with the relevant resolutions of the General Refugees in the Near East, Argentina wishes to reiterate Assembly and of the Security Council. Argentina its full support for the Agency’s work, which helps reaffirms its support for the inalienable rights of prevent even further deterioration in the humanitarian the Palestinian people to self-determination and to situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. establish an independent and viable State recognized We likewise reaffirm the need for the international by all nations, as well as the right of the State of Israel community to develop appropriate responses to ensure to live in peace alongside its neighbours within secure that the Agency has the necessary funds to ensure that and internationally recognized borders. its services can be provided without interruption.

This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in other languages. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506 ([email protected]). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org).

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With regard to the situation in East Jerusalem, Agenda item 38 (continued) Argentina reaffirms the special status of Jerusalem Question of Palestine in keeping with relevant United Nations resolutions, including Security Council resolution 478 (1980), and Draft resolutions (A/75/L.32, A/75/L.33, in that regard rejects any unilateral attempt to modify A/75/L.34 and A/75/L.35) that status, especially with regard to the Old City, which The President: We shall now proceed to consider has special significance for the three great monotheistic draft resolutions A/75/L.32, A/75/L.33, A/75/L.34 religions. My country believes that the Holy City and A/75/L.35. should be a meeting place and a place of peace and that Delegations wishing to make a statement in free access to holy sites should be guaranteed to Jews, explanation of vote before the voting on any of the draft Muslims and Christians. resolutions are invited to do so now in one intervention. Any attempt to negate or diminish the historical Mr. Erdan (Israel): I asked to take the floor on connection and deep significance of those places for the draft resolutions presented under agenda items any of the three monotheistic religions is completely 37 and 38, the draft resolutions of the Palestinian unacceptable and undermines efforts to find a solution package. Not only do those draft resolutions fail to to the conflict by reinforcing prejudices and distrust promote peace; every single one of them is destructive among the parties. Argentina believes that Jerusalem is to peace. The draft resolutions reinforce a false among the issues whose final status must be determined narrative of the conflict and further entrench the by the parties through bilateral negotiations. Palestinians in their uncompromising positions. They convince the Palestinians there is no need for them to With regard to the Syrian Golan, Argentina negotiate because the United Nations will fight for their maintains a principled position with respect to the outrageous demands to be met — demands that include illegality of the acquisition of territory by force and resettling millions of Palestinians in Israel and forcing respect for the territorial integrity of States. We firmly us to give up sovereignty over our holiest sites. Such believe in the principle of the peaceful settlement steps would cause the destruction of Israel as a Jewish of disputes, and therefore deem it important that a State, and we will never agree to them. negotiated solution be sought to the conflict between Those draft resolutions not only embolden Syria and Israel with a view to ending the occupation Palestinian rejectionism; they increase Israeli mistrust of the Golan Heights as soon as possible, in line with towards the United Nations, making the General Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) Assembly irrelevant in facilitating peace. Why should and the principle of land for peace. Israelis trust the United Nations when the majority of Finally, Argentina once again urges Palestinians Member States vote to renew the mandates of bodies and Israelis to resume peace talks in good faith, with whose sole purpose is to promote anti-Israel bias? flexibility and in line with international law and the The existence of those United Nations committees relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the is a further stain on this institution’s reputation. It is time the General Assembly realized that and stopped Security Council, with a view to reaching agreement voting automatically to renew their mandates. Funding on pending questions regarding the final status of propaganda against a Member State is not only Palestine in all its aspects. outrageous and shameful; it is a flagrant misuse of The President: We have heard the last speaker in valuable United Nations resources, which should be the debate on this item. used to save lives, not to perpetuate a conflict. I would like to inform members that action on draft The peace between Israel and the United Arab resolution A/75/L.29 will be taken after we take action Emirates, Bahrain and the Sudan proves that peace on draft resolutions A/75/L.32, A/75/L.33, A/75/L.34 in the Middle East can be achieved only with direct and A/75/L.35, submitted under agenda item 38. negotiations between the parties. They also prove that United Nations intervention is not necessary. In The General Assembly has thus concluded this fact, the decades of failed United Nations attempts stage of its consideration of agenda item 37. at ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict suggest that

2/29 20-33907 02/12/2021 A/75/PV.35 such intervention may even be counterproductive. peace agreement between Israelis and the Palestinians. For years, the Assembly has voted in favour of the Unfortunately, draft resolutions like those introduced same draft resolutions. It recycles old talking points here today only just distract from making real progress and tries the same approach, and the result remains on the goal we all share. unchanged. Perhaps it is time to try something new. I The President: We have heard the last speaker in suggest that the Assembly start by voting against these explanation of vote before the voting. draft resolutions. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft Ms. Messenger (United States of America): The resolutions A/75/L.32, A/75/L.33, A/75/L.34 and United States continues to take active steps to rebuild A/75/L.35. trust with our partners in the region by identifying their shared interests and moving them away from We turn first to draft resolution A/75/L.32, entitled the conflicts of the past. Between the United States “Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights Vision for Peace and the Abraham Accords, we have of the Palestinian People”. made tangible gains in promoting peace, security and I give the floor to the representative of prosperity in the Middle East. The Vision for Peace the Secretariat. is forward-looking and makes clear the United States commitment to promoting a peaceful, secure and Mr. Nakano (Department for General Assembly prosperous future for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. and Conference Management): I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and Despite those positive steps forward, we are in addition to the delegations listed in the document, disappointed, although not surprised, that the General the following countries have also become co-sponsors Assembly has again taken up a disproportionate of draft resolution A/75/L.32: Algeria, Bahrain, number of unbalanced draft resolutions that are Bangladesh, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, unfairly critical of Israel, demonstrating a clear and Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, persistent institutional bias directed at one Member Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, the Lao People’s Democratic State. The United States continues to oppose the annual Republic, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, submission of more than a dozen draft resolutions Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, biased against Israel. That one-sided approach only South Africa, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the undermines trust between the parties and fails to create Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen the kind of positive international environment critical and the State of Palestine. to achieving peace. The President: A recorded vote has been requested. These draft resolutions recycle the tired habitual rhetoric that does nothing to advance the cause of A recorded vote was taken. peace. They also damage United Nations credibility, casting into doubt its impartiality. It is deeply troubling In favour: that the United Nations, an institution founded upon the Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, idea that all nations should be treated equally, should be Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, so often used by Member States to treat one State — in Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), particular Israel — unequally. Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Côte As the United States has repeatedly made clear, d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s that dynamic is unacceptable. We see draft resolutions Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, that are quick to condemn all manner of Israeli actions Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, but say nothing, or almost nothing, about Palestinian Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, actions or terrorist attacks by Hamas and similarly India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, aligned groups. Therefore, the United States once again Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, votes against these one-sided draft resolutions and Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, encourages other nations to do so as well. Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, The United States remains firmly and consistently Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, committed to achieving a comprehensive and lasting Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria,

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Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Nicaragua, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the Bolivarian Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Republic of Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen and the State South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian of Palestine. Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad The President: A recorded vote has been requested. and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, A recorded vote was taken. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe In favour: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Against: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Colombia, Czechia, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Marshall Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Chile, China, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Papua Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s New Guinea, United States of America Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Abstaining: Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Belarus, Belgium, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Croatia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Russian Federation, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Arab Republic, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe Uruguay Against: Draft resolution A/75/L.32 was adopted by 91 votes Australia, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, to 17, with 54 abstentions (resolution 75/20). Colombia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, The President: The Assembly will now take Lithuania, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated a decision on draft resolution A/75/L.33, entitled States of), Nauru, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, “Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat”. Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States of I give the floor to the representative of America the Secretariat. Abstaining: Mr. Nakano (Department for General Assembly Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, and Conference Management): I should like to announce Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, that, since the submission of the draft resolution and Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Eritrea, Finland, in addition to those delegations listed in the document, France, Georgia, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the following countries have also become sponsors of Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, draft resolution A/75/L.33: Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Bangladesh, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brunei North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Darussalam, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Kuwait, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Federation, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Sao

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Tome and Principe, Serbia, Singapore, Solomon Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Islands, South Sudan, Spain, Sweden, Togo, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Northern Ireland, Uruguay Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Draft resolution A/75/L.33 was adopted by 82 votes Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, to 25, with 53 abstentions (resolution 75/21). Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, The President: The Assembly will now take Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San a decision on draft resolution A/75/L.34, entitled Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, “Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine”. Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, I give the floor to the representative of Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, the Secretariat. Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Mr. Nakano (Department for General Assembly Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, and Conference Management): I would like to Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United announce that, since the submission of draft resolution Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain A/75/L.34 and in addition to those delegations listed and Northern Ireland, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, in the document, the following countries have become Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, sponsors of draft resolution A/75/L.34: Algeria, Angola, Yemen, Zimbabwe Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Against: Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Iraq, Australia, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Jordan, Kuwait, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, United Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, States of America Nicaragua, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Abstaining: Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the Bolivarian Brazil, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, Republic of Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen and the State Madagascar, Malawi, Palau, Rwanda, South Sudan of Palestine. The President: A recorded vote has been requested. Draft resolution A/75/L.34 was adopted by 145 votes to 7, with 9 abstentions (resolution 75/22). A recorded vote was taken. The President: We turn next to draft resolution In favour: A/75/L.35, entitled “Special information programme on Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, the question of Palestine of the Department of Global Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Communications of the Secretariat”. Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, I give the floor to the representative of Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia the Secretariat. and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Chile, Mr. Nakano (Department for General Assembly China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, and Conference Management): I would like to Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic announce that, since the submission of draft resolution People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, A/74/L.35 and in addition to those delegations listed Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, in the document, the following countries have become Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, sponsors of draft resolution A/74/L.35: Algeria, Angola, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Bahrain, Bangladesh, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Brunei Darussalam, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, the Lao People’s Democratic Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Republic Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, South Africa, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the

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Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Yemen and the State Abstaining: of Palestine. Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, Madagascar, Mexico, Rwanda, Samoa, South The President: A recorded vote has been requested. Sudan, Togo, Uruguay A recorded vote was taken. Draft resolution A/75/L.35 was adopted by 142 In favour: votes to 8, with 11 abstentions (resolution 75/23). Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, The President: Before giving the floor to speakers Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, for explanations of vote on the resolutions just adopted, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei from their seats. Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Mrs. Bogyay (Hungary): Regarding the Middle Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic People’s East peace process, Hungary supports the two-State Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican solution, which has to be achieved through direct Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, negotiations between the two sides. We hope that the Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, parties will agree to engage in renewed dialogue in Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guinea- good faith. Bissau, Guyana, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran We align ourselves with the explanation of vote (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, to be delivered by the representative of Germany on Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, behalf of the European Union and its member States Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, and wish to make the following explanation of vote in Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, our national capacity. Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Hungary has traditionally pursued a balanced, fair Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, and constructive approach in its relations with Israel and Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Palestine, as well as regarding the Middle East peace Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, process. In 2020, Hungary was the first European nation Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, to welcome the historic achievement of normalization Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, between Israel and a number of Arab countries, a Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, development that does not impose any constraints on Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Palestine; on the contrary, the normalization benefits Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Sao all, and we are happy to see that the Palestinian leaders Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, have started to recognize that to be true. Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, We would like to see the same approach reflected Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab in our multilateral efforts. We are willing to lend our Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and support to any draft resolution that is balanced and fair Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, to both parties and, most important, beneficial to all of Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom us. But we are also ready to express reservations when we see that would firmly help to achieve a constructive of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uzbekistan, and balanced approach. Our efforts should be Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, concentrated on fostering cooperation and partnership Yemen, Zimbabwe in the Middle East and North African region instead Against: of alienating key partners and each other by adopting Australia, Canada, Hungary, Israel, Marshall often one-sided and unbalanced draft resolutions, Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, which is detrimental to the peace process and our work United States of America here at the United Nations.

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For that reason, Hungary cannot support the Mr. Nakano (Department for General Assembly draft resolutions on the Committee on the Exercise of and Conference Management): I should like to announce the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the that since the submission of the draft resolution and in Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat and addition to the delegations listed in draft resolution the Special information programme on the question of A/75/L.29, the following countries have also become Palestine of the Department of Global Communications co-sponsors of the draft: Angola, Bangladesh, Brunei of the Secretariat. Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Oman, Palestine and Senegal. Mr. El Eid (Germany): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its A recorded vote was taken. member States. In favour: The EU wishes to thank the Palestinian delegation Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, for the successful outcome of our negotiations on a Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational number of resolutions on which action is taken by the State of), Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo General Assembly. The EU welcomes the Palestinian Verde, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Mission’s decision to biennualize a number of resolutions Rica, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of under the agenda item “Question of Palestine”. Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, At this point in time, we would like to put on record Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, that with regard to all resolutions that are adopted during Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Indonesia, the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly, the Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, EU and its member States consider that whenever the Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Palestinian Government is mentioned, this refers to the Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Palestinian Authority. Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Furthermore, the use of the term “Palestine” in any Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, of those resolutions cannot be construed as a recognition Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation, of the State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, individual positions of Member States on this issue and Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, hence on the question of the validity of an accession to South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian the conventions and treaties mentioned therein. Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United The President: We have heard the last speaker in Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian explanation of vote after the voting. Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe The General Assembly has thus concluded this Against: stage of its consideration of agenda item 38. Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Palau, United Agenda item 37 (continued) Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The situation in the Middle East United States of America The President: We shall now proceed to consider Abstaining: draft resolution A/75/L.29. Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, The Assembly will now take a decision on draft Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, resolution A/75/L.29, entitled “The Syrian Golan”. A Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, recorded vote has been requested. Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, The draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship. Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, the Secretariat. New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway,

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Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, of the Palestinian people and holding the occupying Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, regime accountable for its crimes against Palestinians, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, in particular women and children. Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The question of Palestine is the longest-running Togo, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay crisis of our time with no feasible conclusion in sight. Draft resolution A/75/L.29 was adopted by 88 votes After more than seven decades, the Israeli regime to 9, with 62 abstentions (resolution 75/24). continues to violate the fundamental human rights and dignity of the Palestinian people and of other Arabs [Subsequently, the delegation of the Republic living under its occupation. As a result, Palestinians of Moldova informed the Secretariat that it had are not only deprived of their land and property while intended to abstain; the delegation of Tajikistan being forcibly evicted but are also subject to violence, had intended to vote in favour.] terror and intimidation. The President: Before giving the floor for In the Gaza Strip, nearly 2 million Palestinians explanations of vote after the voting, may I remind continue to live under a suffocating blockade, making delegations that explanations of vote are limited to Gaza the world’s largest inhabitable open-air prison. 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from That situation amounts to a collective punishment their seats. against the entire population of Gaza, including women Mr. Mazzeo (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): and children, thus constituting a war crime under Argentina wishes to deliver the following explanation international law. of vote on resolution 75/24, on the Syrian Golan, which The Islamic Republic of Iran is of the view that peace the General Assembly has just adopted. in the Middle East cannot be achieved solely through the Argentina voted in favour of the resolution because promotion of a discriminatory and selective policy of it believes that its essential character is linked to the support for the Israeli regime as well as simultaneously illegality of the acquisition of territory by force. Article condemning the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian 2, paragraph 4, of the Charter of the United Nations people against occupation. Putting an end to more than prohibits the use or threat of use of force against the seven decades of conflict and instability in the Middle territorial integrity of a State. East is possible only by resolving the Palestinian issue through the termination of the occupation, the return Likewise, I wish to make clear Argentina’s position of Palestinian refugees to their homeland, ensuring on operative paragraph 6 of the resolution. Our vote does the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self- not prejudge the content of this paragraph, particularly determination and establishing a sovereign and viable the reference to the line of 4 June 1967. Argentina State of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. believes it is important to move ahead in the quest for a solution to the Syrian-Israeli conflict in the Middle In the context of the current debate, several top East, with a view to putting an end to the occupation of Iranian scientists have been targeted and assassinated the Golan Heights. in numerous violent terrorist attacks. The cowardly assassination of the martyr Fakhrizadeh, with serious The Government of Argentina therefore reaffirms indications pointing to Israeli responsibility, is once again the importance of a resumption of another desperate attempt to jeopardize international negotiations so as to seek a definitive solution to the and regional peace. In fact, the commission of such a situation in the Syrian Golan, in line with Security reckless and criminal act is a clear manifestation of State Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the terrorism, which needs to be strongly and immediately principle of land for peace. condemned by the international community. Mr. Sahraei (Islamic Republic of Iran): My Emphasizing that no number of terrorist attacks delegation welcomes the adoption by majority of all can hinder Iran’s progress in the achievement of resolutions under agenda items 37 and 38. By adopting the successes in the field of science and technology those resolutions, Member States have once again needed for its socioeconomic development, the Islamic expressed their strong support for the cause of Palestine, Republic of Iran reserves its right to take all necessary in particular the realization of the inalienable rights measures to defend its people and secure its interests.

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The President: We have heard the last speaker in solution to the Palestine refugee question, on the basis explanation of vote after the voting. of General Assembly resolution 194 (III). I now give the floor to the observer of the Observer These are the pillars of a just and lasting Palestinian- State of Palestine. Israeli peace and of genuine security and stability for both peoples and the region, pillars on which the Ms. Abdelhady-Nasser (Palestine): I wish to take international consensus as reflected in the vote today this opportunity to express the State of Palestine’s remains strong. sincere gratitude to all the Member States that voted in support of the important resolutions — 75/20, 75/21, We must reject the offensive remarks by the Israeli 75/22, 75/23 and 75/24 — that have just been adopted by representative against the integrity of the Committee on the General Assembly under agenda item 38, “Question the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian of Palestine”, once again by a resounding majority. People and against the States that have sponsored and voted in favour of those resolutions. This is not the so- We convey additional appreciation to those called question of Palestine, as he flippantly stated; it is countries that co-sponsored those resolutions for their in fact the longest- standing item on the United Nations strong endorsement and support and express in that agenda. Once again he went on to insult the General regard our special appreciation to Senegal, Chair of the Assembly by claiming that everyone in this Hall is Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights “detached from reality”. of the Palestinian People, for leading the Committee and its co-sponsorship of those resolutions; to Namibia, On the contrary, what was discussed today in this Vice-Chair of the Committee, for introducing the debate is the reality, and what was discussed today are resolutions to the Assembly (see A/75/PV.34); and to not so-called Palestinian talking points. These are the Afghanistan, Vice-Chair and Acting Rapporteur of international talking points; this is the international the Committee, for presenting the annual report of the consensus, the consensus that Israel, the occupying Committee (A/75/35) today (ibid.), reflecting on the Power, continues to reject, obstruct, deny, belittle and ongoing plight of the Palestinian people, the continued attempt futilely to destroy. quest for a just solution and the Committee’s ongoing The debate in this Hall, with the participation of efforts in that regard, in line with its General Assembly countries from every region of the globe, is a clear mandate since it was established in 1975, 45 years ago. expression of international law and its respect by the We renew our gratitude also to all members and international community. The exception is Israel, observers of the Committee and to the Division which refuses to abide by international law, flagrantly for Palestinian Rights and the Special information trampling the Charter, international humanitarian and programme on the question of Palestine of the human rights law, and United Nations resolutions, Department of Global Communications of the clearly having gotten too accustomed to violating the Secretariat for all of their efforts, advocacy and law with zero consequences. outreach in support of the realization of the inalienable We reiterate what was stated in our intervention rights of the Palestinian people and the achievement earlier today (see A/75/PV.34): it is high time for of a just, lasting and peaceful solution to the Israeli- accountability for such systematic breaches of Palestinian conflict and the question of Palestine as a international law and violations of the human rights of whole, in accordance with international law and the the Palestinian people. Only accountability can change relevant United Nations resolutions. this miserable situation and give hope for a future of justice and peace. Central to all of the resolutions just adopted, both the programmatic and political, is that goal of a just, Peace cannot be built on the basis of illegality and lasting, comprehensive and peaceful solution that oppression. Peace is built on the foundation of justice will put an end to the Israeli occupation, fulfil the that is international law and upon compromise, and no inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including one has made a greater compromise for peace than the to self-determination and freedom, in an independent Palestinian people and their leadership. The hypocritical and sovereign State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem and degrading claim by the Israeli representative that as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders, and a just this institution’s approach has “failed” perhaps should

20-33907 9/29 A/75/PV.35 02/12/2021 highlight even more the need for concrete action by an overview of the measures taken by Member States States to implement the resolutions adopted by the and the United Nations system to promote a culture of General Assembly and, of course, the Security Council peace and interreligious and intercultural dialogue. to give meaning and substance to the commitments I reiterate my country’s support for the efforts of made, to give life to the international consensus and to the United Nations to ensure that a culture of peace and ensure accountability for such illegal and contemptuous interreligious and intercultural dialogue is the focus of behaviour. We all know that it is that behaviour that is the United Nations as a whole. I would like here to pay what is causing so much grief and suffering in occupied warm tribute to the Secretary-General for his selfless Palestine, what has undermined every single peace dedication, at the head of our Organization, to a culture initiative and negotiations over two decades and what of peace. is preventing the establishment of peace and security between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples and in the The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic Middle East region as a whole. has brought home to the international community the pivotal importance of building a peaceful, stable and We urge the mobilization of the necessary political prosperous world. The pandemic has shown to what will to change course from decades of inaction towards extent a culture of peace is crucial in order to bridge real action for a peaceful end to this conflict. the gaps among and within societies. In that context, we In closing, I wish to reiterate our deep gratitude for warmly welcome the role of, and the actions taken by, the principled support given to the resolutions on the the Secretary-General to keep the United Nations at the question of Palestine and for the support and solidarity core of all international efforts to combat the pandemic. to the Palestinian people expressed in the debate and The call made by the Secretary-General for a in the many messages of solidarity received in the past global ceasefire and all his other appeals, initiatives days from all corners of the globe in commemoration of and strategies in various sectors have helped Member the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian States in their national policies aimed at addressing people. These resolutions reflect the collective will this unprecedented health crisis and its significant of the international community to uphold the law as economic, social and political ramifications. it pertains to the question of Palestine and ultimately contribute to a just, lasting and peaceful solution. For A culture of peace is based on the promotion of this, the General Assembly should be proud. a political understanding and a constructive dialogue among States on the basis of mutual respect and The President: The General Assembly has thus strictly in line with the purposes and principles of the concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda Charter of the United Nations, as well as the norms item 37. of international law, in particular the principles of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. It Agenda item 15 (continued) enshrines the three pillars that guide the work of the Culture of peace United Nations, namely, development, peace and security, and human rights. Report of the Secretary-General (A/75/233) The Kingdom of Morocco, which is an active Draft resolutions (A/75/L.28 and A/75/L.36/Rev.1) and responsible player in the community of nations, The President: The Assembly will now hear remains convinced that strengthening multilateralism the remaining speakers on this agenda item before is the best tool for arriving at global solutions to the proceeding to take action on draft resolutions A/75/L.28 major challenges of the twenty-first century, in order and A/75/L.36/Rev.1. to bring about a more peaceful and tolerant world for current and future generations. Ms. Lahmiri (Morocco) (spoke in French): I should like at the outset to thank the Secretary-General for his The Kingdom of Morocco is proud to have a long report entitled “Promotion of a culture of peace and tradition of promoting intercultural, interreligious and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding intercivilizational dialogue, as it is a hub where different and cooperation for peace” (A/75/233), submitted cultures and civilizations meet and mix. Respect for pursuant to resolutions 74/21 and 74/23, which provides cultural and religious diversity is an integral part of our

10/29 20-33907 02/12/2021 A/75/PV.35 everyday life and the collective memory of Moroccan The Kingdom of Morocco attaches great society. Morocco continue to work tirelessly in order to importance to combating all kinds of discrimination, strengthen the values of peace, harmony and knowledge xenophobia, hate and rejection of the other, including of and respect for cultural and religious diversity at the Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and Christianophobia. national, regional and international levels. In this we Morocco is proud and honoured to have played a large are guided by His Majesty Mohammed VI, may God part in the adoption and implementation of the plans preserve him. of action, documents and resolutions that represent the cornerstone of the efforts of initiatives of the United Morocco is replete with Jewish holy and pilgrimage Nations to promote a culture of peace and to combat sites, in both large cities and remote areas. Jews and exclusion and discrimination of all kinds. Muslims share the same holy sites and traditions, with no distinction based on faith or religious belonging. I refer in particular to the United Nations Plan Similarly, the historic visit by His Holiness Pope of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, the United Francis on 30 and 31 March 2019, at the invitation of Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the the Marrakesh Declaration on the Rights of Religious Faithful, which was the second papal visit following the Minorities in Predominantly Muslim Majority visit by Pope John Paul II in 1985, is clear testimony Communities, the Rabat Plan of Action on the to my country’s pivotal role in promoting dialogue, prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious understanding and cooperation among various cultures hatred, and the Fez Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and faiths. and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes. Morocco attaches fundamental importance to education and deems it a key factor in development, Furthermore, we were the driving force behind the promoting a culture of peace and combating intolerance, adoption by consensus by the Assembly on 25 July 2019 hatred and extremism. I would like to welcome here of resolution 73/328, entitled “Promoting interreligious the work done by UNESCO to promote the kind of and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering education that promotes a culture of peace throughout hate speech”. The resolution was co-sponsored by 90 the world. The educational system in Morocco promotes States Members of the United Nations. respect, openness, diversity and human rights from the Religious leaders also have an important role to very early years. Textbooks and school curricula are play in order to help address the challenges posed by the continually reviewed to include the values of peaceful COVID-19 pandemic. Here the Kingdom of Morocco, coexistence, harmony and tolerance. I would refer in support of the call made by the Secretary-General here to the recent decision taken by Morocco to teach in that respect, organized in May 2021 a high-level Moroccan students Jewish history and culture in the video-teleconference entitled “The Role of Religious Arabic language starting in primary school, beginning Leaders in Addressing the Multiple Challenges of with the current school year. COVID-19”. The meeting underscored the vital role Morocco has undertaken various initiatives, such that religious readers can play in order to overcome the as religious reform, updating religious education and pandemic and combat discrimination, stigmatization the promotion of cooperation with brotherly countries, and misinformation of all kinds. particularly African ones, in order to promote the just, Furthermore, the Kingdom of Morocco, a founding noble and respectful values of the Islamic religion member of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, and combat radicalism and extremism of all stripes. participates actively in global dialogues conferences Morocco created the Mohammed VI Foundation for and is working towards cultural and religious African Ulemas and the Mohammed VI Institute for understanding and enrichment, and it spares no effort the Training of Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates, in promoting a dialogue on peace that would allow for upon instruction from His Majesty King Mohammed genuine synergies within the international community. VI, Commander of the Faithful. We therefore provide a I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the multidimensional education to hundreds of preachers, contributions and efforts made by the Alliance of both male and female, from many African, Arab and Civilizations under the leadership of His Excellency European countries. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos to promote intercultural

20-33907 11/29 A/75/PV.35 02/12/2021 dialogue and strengthen understanding and respect tolerance and respect for all religions and beliefs and to among civilizations, cultures, religions and beliefs. combat Islamophobia. We hope that the United Nations and the Secretary-General will respond to that call. In that regard, I would like to specify that because of the pandemic, the Global Forum of the Alliance, On behalf of Pakistan, the Philippines and the which had been planned for 2020 in Morocco, has been other sponsors, I have the privilege to introduce draft postponed. My country will be honoured to host it as resolution A/75/L.36/Rev.1, entitled “Promotion of soon as the global health situation allows. interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding The President: I now give the floor to the and cooperation for peace”, The draft resolution under representative of Pakistan to introduce draft resolution consideration is an attempt to bridge the differences A/75/L.36/Rev.1. among religions, societies, cultures and civilizations by promoting a culture of peace, dialogue and mutual Mr. Akram (Pakistan): Before I introduce the draft respect. It is also for that very reason that the General resolution contained in document A/75/L.36/Rev.1, Assembly includes an item on the culture of peace on allow me to say a few words in my national capacity. its agenda every year. Attaining a culture of peace that is both sustainable Due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the and universally acceptable is one of the fundamental coronavirus disease pandemic, the sponsors decided struggles confronted by communities, societies, to limit the discussions to a few emerging and urgent cultures, nations and civilizations. Throughout human issues rather than the entire draft resolution. To that history, defenders of peace have been trying to balance the conflicting instincts of humankind, oscillating end, we retained the agreed language in the resolutions between the selfish trait, which focuses only on vested from previous years. At the same time, we thought that interests, and the selfless trait, which pushes us to we would be doing an injustice to our mandate as the consider the good and well-being of others. main co-sponsors of this draft resolution if we failed to reflect the current trends, such as the challenges Our collective resolve to promote a culture of peace posed by the pandemic, the rise in religious intolerance, is all the more important today as we fight a global xenophobia and hate speech, and an acknowledgement pandemic. As this deadly virus rages across the globe, of the respect and significance of religious symbols. it is feeding on insecurities, anxieties and fault lines within and among societies and poses a grave threat to We were encouraged to note that our approach peace. It is also unravelling the decades of work done was supported by the membership. We held an open, to promote a culture of peace. More worryingly still, inclusive and transparent negotiation and worked the tensions triggered by that regarding the sensitivities closely with all Member States to reach a draft text that of entire communities in condoning offensive and enjoys the widest possible support. We have reverted provocative actions have emboldened those who seek to to the agreed language, where possible, and throughout take advantage of such expressions of disunity. the consultations we agreed to reword and dilute our initial proposals to alleviate the concerns of Member While discrimination and acts of violence continue to take place against individuals of all religions, States. In our view, the current draft text accommodates a particularly alarming trend is the resurgence of the concerns of the widest possible membership, while anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia, glimpses of keeping intact the original objectives and purposes set which we have seen in many countries during the recent forth by the facilitators and agreed by Member States months. Such vilification and negative stereotyping at the start of the negotiations. We once again thank all of the adherence of one of the largest religions in Member States for constructively engaging with us in the world only perpetuates dangerous self-fulfilling that process. prophecies, such as that of a clash of civilizations, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all must therefore be addressed on an urgent basis by the the sponsors of the draft resolution and to urge others international community. to become sponsors before its adoption. We hope that In view of those concerns, the Prime Minister of also this year the General Assembly will reaffirm the Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan, has repeatedly urged the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue global community and the United Nations to promote for the achievement of peace and stability and the

12/29 20-33907 02/12/2021 A/75/PV.35 promotion of a culture of peace by adopting the draft up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a resolution by consensus. Culture of Peace (A/75/L.28), which India is happy to co-sponsor. Mr. Sharma (India): A culture of peace is the cornerstone of the foundation of a global order of However, we find disconcerting trends in the world peace and tolerance. Under the auspices of the United of today. At the outset, let me state that we fully agree Nations, the promotion of a culture of peace has grown that anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and anti-Christian into a global discourse. acts need to be condemned, and India firmly condemns As Mahatma Gandhi said: such acts. However, United Nations resolutions on such important issues speak only of those three Abrahamic “I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides religions together. This organ fails to also acknowledge and my windows to be stuffed. I want the culture the rise in hatred and violence against Buddhism, of all lands to be blown about my house as freely Hinduism and Sikhism. The shattering of the iconic as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet Bamiyan Buddha by fundamentalists, the terrorist by any.” bombing of the Sikh gurudwara in Afghanistan, where India has tried to foster that culture, inter 25 Sikh worshippers were killed, the destruction of alia, through tolerance, understanding, respect for Hindu and Buddhist temples and the minority cleansing differences, respect for other religions and cultures, of these religions by countries call for condemning respect for human rights and gender equality under such acts against these religions also. But the current the overarching umbrella of pluralistic ethos and Member States refuse to speak of these religions in the democratic principles. same breath as the first three Abrahamic religions. India is not only the birthplace of Hinduism, Why is that selectivity? Overall, Hinduism has Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, but also the land more than 1.2 billion followers, Buddhism has more where the teachings of Islam, Judaism, Christianity and 535 million and Sikhism has around 30 million. It is Zoroastrianism have taken strong root and where the time that attacks against those religions were also added Sufi tradition of Islam has flourished. Today every one to the earlier list of the three Abrahamic religions when of the world’s major religions has a home in India. The such resolutions are adopted. A culture of peace cannot great Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda said: apply only to Abrahamic religions. And as long as such “We believe not only in universal toleration, but we selectivity exists, the world can never truly foster a accept all religions as true.” culture of peace. For millenniums, India has provided shelter to The United Nations is not a body that should take waves of those persecuted in foreign lands and allowed sides when it comes to religion. If we are selective, we them to thrive in India. And our tradition of intercultural will end up only proving Samuel Huntington’s clash of dialogue goes right to the time when ancient Indian civilizations. What we are trying to build is an alliance thinkers had a flourishing dialogue with the ancient of civilizations, not set up a clash. I call on the United Greeks. India is not just a culture, but a civilization Nations Alliance of Civilizations to act likewise and in itself. speak for all, not just a select few. That historical tradition of intercultural dialogue Pakistan has already violated the earlier resolution in India has drawn upon our quest for knowledge and on a culture of peace adopted last year by this very a willingness to question, as well as a desire to learn. Assembly (resolution 74/23). Last month, Pakistan Thus, for instance, the Buddha urged his followers not arbitrarily transferred the management of the Sikh to accept his beliefs without questioning them. The holy shrine Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara from the Indian Constitution, which declares our nation to be a Sikh community body to the administrative control secular democratic republic, also underlines both the of a non-Sikh body. That act goes against the Sikh freedom of religion and faith, as well as the duty of the religion and its preservation and protection. Members State to inculcate a scientific temper among the people. will recall that the holy Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara We appreciate the efforts of Bangladesh in finds mention in that earlier resolution. That resolution presenting a draft resolution today on the follow- stands violated by Pakistan.

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If Pakistan changes its current culture of hatred commitment to the promotion of interreligious and against religions in India and stops its support of cross- intercultural dialogue. We are grateful to the Secretary- border terrorism against our people, we can attempt General for his report (A/75/233) on the promotion of a genuine culture of peace in South Asia and beyond. a culture of peace and interreligious and intercultural Until then, we will only be a mute witness to Pakistan dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, driving away their minorities by threat, coercion, submitted pursuant to resolutions 74/21 and 74/23. conversion and killing. Even people of the same religion are not spared due to the encouragement given We would also like to emphasize the leading role to sectarian killing. of UNESCO and the critically important work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in advancing In today’s world, intolerance, hatred, violence and the cause of a culture of peace. terrorism have almost become the norm. There can be no doubt that terrorism, which is a manifestation of Intercultural and interreligious dialogue has intolerance and violence, is the antithesis of all religions diverse forms and continues to play an important role in and cultures. We are troubled by the increase in advancing sustainable development, promoting cultural resources, financial and otherwise, that are being made diversity and tackling the root causes of violence and available to violent and terrorist groups that misuse conflict. Indeed, the culture of peace is interlinked religion to justify and propagate their agendas. We need with the objectives of sustainable development. The to be clear that abetting or condoning terrorism is like 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes feeding a monster that will turn around to consume us. that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and Let us fight such negative forces together rather are crucial enablers of, sustainable development. than separately. Let us build a culture of peace together A culture of peace is equally important in the context rather than fail separately. of addressing conflicts and post-conflict situations, Mr. Musayev (Azerbaijan): As the Declaration on especially those exacerbated by long-standing policies a Culture of Peace proclaims, a culture of peace is a aimed at sowing dissension and inculcating enmity set of values, attitudes, traditions, modes of behaviour and hatred on religious and racial grounds, creating and ways of life based on, inter alia, full respect for mono-ethnic societies and promoting hateful ideas of the principles of the sovereignty, territorial integrity ethnic incompatibility. and political independence of States, a commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, the promotion It is critical that the United Nations continue of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and confronting hate speech and mobilizing the world compliance with international obligations under the against hatred of all kinds, including through the Charter of the United Nations and international law. implementation of the commitments contained in the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on The very fact that the General Assembly has adopted Hate Speech. a growing number of resolutions under the agenda item “Culture of peace” with the overwhelming support The deliberate attacks on cultural property during of Member States attests to the primacy and urgency conflicts and the destruction and desecration of cultural given by the international community to the topic. heritage and religious sites as a method of warfare and a means of colonization have become an integral part The annual resolutions entitled “Follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of a policy and strategy aimed at eliminating diversity of Peace” and “Promotion of interreligious and and concealing or destroying cultural, historical and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation scientific evidence. More resolute and targeted measures for peace” continue to serve as universal standard- are required to end impunity for such offences, which setting and guidance in that area of activities and may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. cooperation. Taking this opportunity, I would like to The United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard thank the delegation of Bangladesh and the delegations Religious Sites offers an action-oriented framework of Pakistan and the Philippines, respectively, for and a multidimensional and multi-stakeholder approach submitting the relevant draft resolutions this year to preventing, preparing for and responding to attacks (A/75/L.28 and A/75/L.36/Rev.1) and for their strong against religious sites.

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Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the Ms. Juárez Argueta (Guatemala) (spoke in promotion of a culture of peace, while paying particular Spanish): I want to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, attention to encouraging intercultural and interreligious for convening this discussion on a culture of peace — a dialogue at the national and international levels. topic that we believe to be of great importance to both Among the initiatives put forward and successfully my country and the international community as a implemented by Azerbaijan, the Baku process has whole. We also express our gratitude for the report of proved itself to be one of the leading international the Secretary-General on the promotion of a culture platforms for fostering dialogue and cultural diversity. of peace and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, The Secretary-General emphasized the important role understanding and cooperation for peace (A/75/233), of the Baku process in advocating for dialogue among which contains valuable reflections on existing cultures in his report on the current agenda item to challenges and good practices at the international level. the General Assembly at its seventy-second session As set out in the report, “in times of crisis, the (A/72/488). An integral part of the Baku process is the shared human condition and values must be a source World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which since of unity, not division” (A/75/233, para. 45). Guatemala 2011 has been organized biennially by Azerbaijan, in has given particular importance to the culture of peace partnership with UNESCO, the United Nations Alliance since its initial conceptualization, reaffirming through of Civilizations, the World Tourism Organization, its own experience that peace is humankind’s most the Council of Europe and the Islamic Educational, precious asset, which not only is achieved but should Scientific and Cultural Organization. be maintained and strengthened at all levels. The We welcome the growing international recognition crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease has of the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which, as highlighted the interdependence among nations and the stated in the report of the Secretary-General I mentioned, need to step up cooperation to tackle common scourges, has established itself as a key global platform for such as poverty, hunger and inequality. promoting intercultural dialogue. That high assessment In that regard, Guatemala actively supports the of the role of the World Forum was further promulgated fact that the United Nations should work on conflict by the General Assembly in resolutions 72/136, 73/129 prevention and investing in sustainable development. and 74/23. It is also emphasized in the United Nations To that end, we believe that it is necessary to step up Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites. efforts to improve the peacebuilding architecture and The United Nations continued support for successful the concept of sustainable peace. We reiterate the initiatives on the culture of peace and multiculturalism need to break down silos to achieve a coherent and is essential in the context of building relationships, integrated approach in the work of the Organization, overcoming stereotypes and misconceptions and which recognizes that peace and security, development implementing development frameworks and policies. and human rights are interrelated and mutually Intercultural and interreligious dialogue at the national reinforcing. It is also necessary to ensure peaceful and international levels has been, and must remain, one coexistence among societies through interreligious and of the important avenues within the broader objectives intercultural dialogue. of sustaining peace, peacebuilding, reconciliation, We must curb hate speech, discrimination and reconstruction and reintegration. As the Secretary- intolerance and address the misinformation crisis by General noted in his report, ensuring the responsible use of technology. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our blueprint “diversity is a richness, not a threat” [and] “investing for creating just and peaceful societies by addressing in a culture of peace as the essential foundation for the root causes of conflict and violence of all kinds. global cooperation ... means an end to injustice and That means that we must adopt a robust approach to discrimination” (A/75/233, paras. 3 and 7). inclusion, with a particular emphasis on integrating Azerbaijan is ready to continue its efforts towards all sectors of society in combating discrimination, promoting mutual understanding and respect for stigmatization and racism, as well as on protecting the diversity and looks forward to enhanced cooperation most vulnerable groups, including indigenous peoples, with all stakeholders in achieving those noble goals. people with disabilities and migrants.

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As a relevant contribution, we would like to challenges. We therefore also reaffirm the importance highlight that Guatemala, together with the Kingdom of redoubling our efforts to implement the Programme of Morocco, jointly put forward during this session of Action, which is an inseparable part of upholding of the Second Committee the draft resolution entitled human rights and respect for diversity. “Global Code of Ethics for Tourism” (A/C.2/75/L.20/ Rev.1), which recognizes that the Global Code of Ethics In the same vein, we firmly believe that the support for Tourism and the Framework Convention on Tourism enjoyed by the resolution entitled “Follow-up to the Ethics represent a commitment to ethical and sustainable Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture tourism and a contribution to peace, development, of Peace” over the years reflects the commitment of prosperity and human rights as indivisible values. Member States to a culture of peace and non-violence, which benefits humankind and in particular Finally, we express our gratitude to those future generations. delegations that have put forward the draft resolutions to be adopted under this agenda item (A/75/L.28 and El Salvador welcomes the actions supported by A/75/L.36/Rev.1), including Bangladesh, Pakistan, the United Nations to promote a culture of peace and the Philippines, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. interreligious and intercultural dialogue. We particularly We underscore the importance of their adoption by underscore the importance of increased coordination consensus, in particular the implementation and among the different pillars of the Organization and execution of their content. We recall that the pursuit of of ensuring comprehensive responses at the country peace is an ongoing process based on the choices and level. Similarly, we recognize the importance that decisions made every day. Today we therefore urgently peacebuilding be increasingly grounded in an integrated need to play our part in history by empowering the approach and linked to the work being done with regard whole of society so that together we can ensure a better to a culture of peace. future for this and future generations. In that regard, against the backdrop of the seventy- Ms. Sorto Rosales (El Salvador) (spoke in Spanish): fifth anniversary of the United Nations, we underscore El Salvador welcomes the convening of this debate, the importance of renewing our collective efforts which is being held in a context that highlights the to promote a culture of peace and tolerance. In that importance of further exploring the notion that seeking respect, allow me to highlight some of my country’s peace should be a constant process given the new efforts to strengthen both peace and tolerance. challenges that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses to the ongoing efforts to build peaceful, In El Salvador, we are convinced of the important just and inclusive societies. role of young people in all initiatives aimed at establishing the foundations of peace and ensuring its El Salvador commends the measures adopted sustainability in future. For that reason, the promotion by Member States and the United Nations system of a culture of peace at the national level is focused to promote a culture of peace and interreligious and above all on strengthening the role of young people in intercultural dialogue. Those measures are set out in the report of the Secretary-General on the promotion of El Salvador in society, in particular by encouraging a culture of peace and interreligious and intercultural them to discard the idea of violence as an inherent part dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace of their everyday lives. (A/75/233), which allows us to take stock of the progress In that way, we are working to provide a better made and challenges facing us in ensuring that we reality for today’s generations and future ones, mainly meet the commitments made since the adoption of the through a comprehensive focus on preventing violence Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of and promoting a culture of peace through actions that Peace (resolution 53/243). allow us to minimize risk factors at the local level by In that regard, we reaffirm the importance of that promoting civil participation and cooperation. That instrument, whose adoption more than two decades ago is being done in order to integrate that approach into meant the recognition of the universal mandate of the areas such as peacebuilding, education, the arts and international community to promote a culture of peace sport, while benefiting from the positive contributions and which remains valid in the light of the current by young people in many fields.

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Despite the encouraging progress made in the xenophobia, intolerance and discrimination across implementation of the culture of peace agenda, we must many parts of the globe. The unprecedented crisis of the stress the fact that there are significant challenges. As coronavirus disease pandemic has simply highlighted has been highlighted, in addition to its devastating and deepened those phenomena, which go against impacts on health, the crisis caused by the COVID-19 fundamental rights and freedoms and human dignity. pandemic has also exposed and exacerbated existing They also pose a challenge to international peace inequalities and vulnerabilities, with serious social, and security, development and social stability. It is economic and political consequences, as well as imperative to recognize that democracy and the rule of significant challenges for peace and security and the law are incompatible with any form of discrimination or risk of provoking or exacerbating violence. intolerance. The proliferation of radical and extremist movements in many societies therefore represents In that context, for El Salvador, investing in an alarming trend, as such movements build their promoting a culture of peace means working to political and social platforms on incitement, hatred and eliminate inequalities, which run counter to respect social exclusion. for human dignity, while creating opportunities for all. In the context of this decade of action, my country In that regard, the promotion of a culture of peace therefore calls for reinforcing the central role of the and interreligious and intercultural dialogue across 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the and within societies is essential to discredit violent achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in and intolerant ideologies. The rise in intolerance, our response to the causes of the crisis and of existing discrimination, violence and negative stereotyping vulnerabilities in order to sustain the gains made in the against persons based on their religion or belief and the area of peace in recent years. increased incidence of religious hatred are also matters of concern. A clear manifestation of that lies in the I would like to conclude by reiterating our readiness insistence of some to defame religions under the guise of to fully participate in all regional and international the freedom of expression, which undermines the values efforts to revitalize the promotion of a culture of peace of tolerance, coexistence and mutual respect. Equally for current and future generations. alarming are attempts by some to conflate combating Mr. Elgharib (Egypt): Allow me, at the outset, terrorism with unjustified discrimination against to extend our thanks to the Secretary-General for his individuals or groups on ethnic or religious grounds. report (A/75/233) entitled “Promotion of a culture Our societies remain plagued by violence, extremism of peace and interreligious dialogue, understanding and terrorism. It is important to note that any attempt to and cooperation for peace”, submitted pursuant to eradicate such phenomena must strive to address their resolutions 74/21 and 74/23. We commend the efforts root causes, including foreign occupation, so that such of the various United Nations entities to create and challenges can be diagnosed effectively and the means promote a culture of peace and engage in interreligious of overcoming them determined. A comprehensive and intercultural dialogue. approach that is not limited to military and security As delineated in the report, the magnitude of global aspects should be adopted. It should include economic transformations has given rise to new opportunities as and social development and encompass cultural aspects well as threats. While global trends in certain areas so as to rectify religious discourse, improve the quality such as media, trade and technology have brought the of education and disseminate a culture of tolerance, international community closer together, there is no acceptance of the other and peaceful coexistence. doubt that the events unravelling in many parts of the Intellectuals, cultural leaders, the media and world are a clear manifestation of the unprecedented educators also have a great responsibility to confront challenges we face. The gravity and complexity of ideas that provoke hatred, promote ignorance, reject those challenges require the combined efforts of the diversity and exclude others, and instead spread the international community. values of moderation and tolerance. In that regard, Despite the commendable progress achieved in the media should play its role by raising awareness, the realm of promoting and protecting human rights combating extremist and destructive ideas and and fundamental freedoms, it has nonetheless become disseminating noble values. It is important to note increasingly apparent that there is a resurgence of that efforts should also be made to prevent the misuse

20-33907 17/29 A/75/PV.35 02/12/2021 of modern technologies, mainly social media and the in the internal affairs of other States. That is in Internet, to spread incitement and hatred and to recruit keeping with the Charter of the United Nations and the others under the guise of false religious claims. We must Organization’s three pillars — sustainable development, ensure that such technologies are used as intended — to peace and security and human rights. disseminate culture and knowledge and enhance positive interactions among peoples and civilizations. In 2012, my country established in Vienna the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for In conclusion, I reiterate Egypt’s strong support Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. The Centre for efforts throughout the United Nations system to constitutes a historic beginning in establishing a promote a culture of peace as well as interreligious meaningful and responsible humane dialogue that seeks and intercultural dialogue. Only through the concerted to promote the commonalities among the followers of efforts of the international community and continued different religions. dialogue can peace prevail, and only thus can our efforts to eliminate intolerance, prejudice, negative The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also created the stereotyping and discrimination succeed and endure. Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology in order to monitor, analyse and pre-empt extremist ideologies Mr. Elhomosany (Saudi Arabia) (spoke in Arabic): by combating and preventing them, in cooperation It is my pleasure to express my thanks and appreciation with Governments and relevant organizations. Its to you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on the aim is to rank as the first international centre on culture of peace at a time when the world needs peace countering extremist thoughts and fostering the culture more than ever before. of moderation. I would also like to thank the delegations of Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines for their My country also contributed to the creation of efforts in introducing draft resolutions A/75/L.28 and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, which A/75/L.36/Rev.1 — the two draft resolutions that we seeks to build the capacity of Member States to counter supported under agenda item 15. terrorism and extremism. God Almighty said: Today it is imperative for the international community to promote global peace through inclusive “O mankind! We have created you male and and integrated policies and preventive measures with female, and appointed you races and tribes, that you a view to spreading a culture of peace. Those include may know one another. Surely the noblest among instilling the values of peace and tolerance in future you in the sight of Allah is the most godfearing of generations through educational curricula and the you. Allah is All-knowing, All-aware. (The Holy media. That would contribute to preventing and settling Qur’an XLIX:13) and disputes, strengthening economic well-being, That noble verse from the Qur’an stresses the doctrine preserving the gains made, achieving and supporting of tolerance in Islam, which calls for promoting a inclusive economic growth and empowering women culture of peace and plurality among nations, building and youth. bridges across cultures and societies, accepting others and believing that diversity and difference are intrinsic In conclusion, the Kingdom of Saudi features that make distinction of humans and societies. Arabia — alongside its brothers in Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan and a number of other countries — will soon Agenda item 15, entitled “Culture of peace”, introduce a draft resolution under this item, calling for encompasses all of the principles that underpin the the promotion of a culture of peace and the protection Charter of the United Nations, namely, to maintain of religious sites. My delegation hopes that, once the international security, urge countries to seek negotiations are over, Member States will co-sponsor cooperation and find a way that leads to understanding, the text because of its lofty goals, which call for dialogue and non-violence. respecting religions and religious symbols, protecting That is why the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has sought religious sites from extremist and terrorist attacks to promote pluralism, diplomacy and mutual respect in and preserving the identity of such sites, in particular its international relations, along with non-interference historic and heritage ones.

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Ms. Charikhi (Algeria): I would like to thank the conflicts, including through decolonization, education, Secretary-General for the presentation of his report inclusion, social cohesion, combating violent contained in document A/75/233, which provides an extremism, eradicating poverty and fostering good overview of the promotion of the culture of peace and governance and the rule of law. interreligious and intercultural dialogue within the Algeria has always been a devoted advocate for the United Nations system. I would also like to thank the promotion of the culture of peace and tolerance among delegations of Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines nations. In that regard, Algeria introduced resolution for presenting the draft resolutions under this agenda 72/130 (see A/72/PV.68), adopted by consensus, to item (A/75/L.28 and A/75/L.36/Rev.1) and for their proclaim 16 May as the International Day of Living tireless efforts towards the adoption of these two draft Together in Peace. The aim of that resolution is to resolutions today. contribute more to promote living together in peace, Algeria attaches great importance to the matter of a to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and culture of peace. Indeed, the concept of peace is deeply harmonious cohabitation and to increase understanding rooted in the Organization’s pillars of sustainable and mutual respect, without distinction as to race, development, peace and security and human rights, nationality, sex, civilization, language or religion. and is enshrined in the purposes and principles of Our effort here, in the United Nations family, the Charter of the United Nations, which me must is proof of Algeria’s deep belief in the promotion of all uphold, including through respecting the right of a culture of peace as a tool for regularly mobilizing peoples to self-determination and the principles of the efforts of the international community to ensure justice and international law. sustainable development, and in the critical role played The Declaration and Programme of Action on a by all actors, especially young people, who contribute Culture of Peace, as provided in resolution 53/243, is to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to a milestone document in that regard. It constitutes a achieve lasting stability. shift in our perception of peace — from being only an At a national level, the Government has invested in end in itself to becoming a process that requires the efforts to implement policies of reconciliation, focusing contribution and cooperation of all in order to achieve on education and communication, and working with lasting peace. communities, civil society and other actors in order to We must therefore reaffirm our commitment to build an inclusive, tolerant and peaceful society. the principles of international cooperation, solidarity, In addition, in May 2020, Algeria adopted a new understanding, tolerance and dialogue, which are law related to the prevention of, and the fight against, needed now more than ever, as we all strive to recover discrimination and hate speech. That law establishes a and respond to the global pandemic and try to address global legal framework to fight against that phenomenon, other pressing challenges affecting the lives of many which is foreign to our society and the principles of people around the world. Islam, in order to protect our society against those The coronavirus disease crisis serves to underscore scourges. The law provides for the establishment of the urgent need to leverage a culture of peace as a means a national prevention strategy against discrimination of bridging divides across and within societies, as and hate speech and in promotion of moral public life well as ensuring peaceful coexistence as a foundation through spreading the culture of tolerance and dialogue for advancing the implementation of the Sustainable by involving civil society and the private sector in Development Goals. its development and implementation. Its provisions provide for the necessary measures to be taken to As the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development prevent these phenomena through the development of recognizes, there can be no sustainable development education and training programmes to raise awareness without peace and no peace without sustainable and disseminate a culture of human rights. development. As we embark upon the decade of action, the interrelatedness between peace and development Allow me to conclude by recalling that we are in should be duly considered. More action is needed the process of implementing the 2030 Agenda and are from all nations and stakeholders in order to realize laying the foundation for sustainable peace through a the culture of peace by addressing the root causes of more holistic approach to peacebuilding. Algeria hopes

20-33907 19/29 A/75/PV.35 02/12/2021 that the culture of peace can move forward alongside It is a matter of disappointment that the co-sponsors those complementary objectives and processes, with did not agree to our demand to delete paragraph 10, the conviction to continue our efforts to achieve mainly because one of them wants it to be retained for lasting peace. its own domestic consumption, as well as to mislead the international community and divert attention from The President: We have heard the last speaker in their record of hostile treatment of its own minorities. the debate on agenda item 15. We call on them to immediately drop this paragraph We shall now proceed to consider draft resolutions from the text and stop politicizing the matter. United A/75/L.28 and A/75/L.36/Rev.1. Nations resolutions cannot be weapons for settling Before the Assembly takes action on these draft bilateral scores. resolutions, one by one, members are reminded that We call on the Government of Pakistan to stop they will have an opportunity to explain their vote or the hatred, harassment, conversion and killing of its position on any or both of the two draft resolutions minorities before it proceeds to co-sponsor a draft either before or after action. Delegations wishing to resolution on the culture of peace. If the draft resolution make a statement on either draft resolution are invited cannot accommodate a matter of importance to India, to do so now. we have no option but to abstain in the voting if it is Mr. Sharma (India): I am grateful for this put to the vote. We will disassociate ourselves from the opportunity to explain India’s vote before the voting on draft resolution, as the matter is referred to in paragraph draft resolution A/75/L.36/Rev.1, entitled “Promotion of 10 and strikes at the very root of the draft resolution, interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding which is relevant to fostering a culture of peace, both in and cooperation for peace.” South Asia and the rest of the world. Pakistan’s actions reflect anything but that. The text before us is being considered under the agenda item “Culture of peace”. However, it suffers Mr. Meirelles Reis Sotero de Menezes (Brazil): from serious infirmities. I am referring in particular, This explanation of vote concerns the draft resolution to paragraph 10, relating to the volatile matter contained in document A/75/L.36/Rev.1, entitled between India and Pakistan on the holy Kartarpur “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, Sahib Gurdwara. understanding and cooperation for peace”. Since the adoption of resolution 74/23 last year, Brazil has been a supporter of the core messages the situation has only deteriorated. The Government of of the draft resolution since a resolution on this theme Pakistan, in a unilateral and arbitrary decision taken was first presented, a decade and a half ago. For Brazil, in early November, transferred the management of the fostering dialogue among members of different cultures Gurdwara to a non-Sikh body. We strongly protested and religions is an essential condition for lasting against that action taken by the Pakistani side, as it runs peace, stability and development. But interreligious counter to the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara and intercultural dialogue is more than sound public and the religious sentiments of the Sikh community policy — it is an integral part of our identity as a nation. at large. Interfaith and intercultural relations in Brazil are, by and large, marked by open dialogue and respect. Our We also received communications from the Sikh society is a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs. community expressing grave concern about this Our social fabric was woven over centuries with strands Pakistani decision, which targets the rights of the from every continent. minority Sikh community in Pakistan. Depriving the Sikh community of its right to manage the affairs of We are a diverse country and proudly so. Those the holy Gurdwara goes against the basis of the culture values inspire our foreign policy, and any international of peace. It is completely inappropriate to retain this initiative that promotes interreligious and intercultural reference in the text before us when the Pakistani dialogue can count on our wholehearted support. Government has entirely subverted this issue. In fact, That being said, we must also reiterate that freedom by doing all of this, Pakistan stands in clear violation of of expression is an indispensable condition for such last year’s resolution. dialogue. For any exchange to be truly democratic and

20/29 20-33907 02/12/2021 A/75/PV.35 meaningful, it must be free from undue limitations negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, and preconditions. incitement to violence and violence against persons based on religion or belief (A/75/478/Add.2, draft The notion that, in order to foster dialogue and protect religious freedom, we must curtail or amend resolution XIII), which has been shaped over the years the right of religious freedom or freedom of expression with the involvement of the main sponsor of draft as laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human resolution A/75/L.36/Rev.1. Rights and in the International Covenant on Civil We see no need for draft resolution A/75/L.36/ and Political Rights is extremely troubling. Equally Rev.1 to address the same issues. The draft resolution unfounded is the conception of an inescapable causal also includes several new references not included in link between supposedly disrespectful conduct and acts previous years, despite the call to avoid new substantive of violent extremism. language during this session of the General Assembly Brazil condemns all forms of violence related to due to the coronavirus disease. The new language the expression of opinions and rejects any propositions includes a reference to a statement by the spokesperson suggesting that victims are in any way responsible for of the High Representative for the United Nations the violence they suffer. While the draft resolution Alliance of Civilizations, which we believe is misleading before us today does not include text in that vein, with respect to the right of everyone to exercise their similar proposals made in the negotiation process made freedom of expression, including with respect to it needlessly divisive and protracted, extending it well religion and — despite its name — contains negative beyond its expected conclusion. and exclusive language that does not correspond with We are also disappointed that new and redundant the title of the draft resolution. text on the rights and duties associated with the The draft resolution also draws attention to exercise of freedom of expression has been included future and unfinished endeavours, thereby taking the in the twenty-third preambular paragraph of the draft focus away from tangible achievements and adopted resolution, which weakens its overall balance. documents and negatively impacting efforts to advance In the coming years, the General Assembly interreligious and intercultural dialogue. will be better served by examining the promotion Throughout the negotiations, the proposals put of interreligious and intercultural dialogue on a forward by the EU had the following objectives: to proactive constructive basis solidly grounded in the safeguard important human rights, such as the freedom Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other of expression and the freedom of religion or belief foundational documents. against attempts to curtail or redefine them; to stress Mr. Sautter (Germany): I have the honour to speak that the freedom of religion or belief, including the on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member right not to believe and to change one’s religion or States to explain our position on the draft resolution belief, belongs to the individual; to refute the notion contained in document A/75/L.36/Rev.1. that religions or belief systems as such can be insulted The EU is a strong supporter of the freedom of and to reject the idea that religious symbols as such religion or belief and actively encourages and supports have sacred value. interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding We also have to express our concerns about how and cooperation for peace. Those values are at the the process was handled by the facilitators. There core of the EU. The EU has major concerns about the were clear duplications with another draft resolution substance of the text before us today. We regret that, on safeguarding religious sites that contains identical in many ways, it duplicates and seeks to distort, in a provisions, without any explanation being offered. The selective manner, the provisions of two draft resolutions process, despite substantive additions, started very late recently adopted by the Third Committee and soon to and the timetable for the negotiations was too rushed, be considered by the General Assembly. not leaving sufficient time for proper reflection. That The first draft resolution is on freedom of religion could have been handled in a more constructive and or belief (A/75/478/Add.2, draft resolution XIV); the respectful way. Overall, there was little willingness to second draft resolution is on combating intolerance, accommodate the concerns expressed by the EU and

20-33907 21/29 A/75/PV.35 02/12/2021 others, despite our sincere efforts to ensure a balanced collective efforts to secure religious rights. Therefore, outcome respectful of human rights. while unable to support the text of the draft resolution, it is Poland’s sincere hope that we can reach compromise The EU supports all efforts to promote tolerance and with the facilitators on this important topic while respect for cultural diversity and religious pluralism. negotiating future texts and continue cooperation with We believe that the promotion of interreligious and respect and goodwill. intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace should be consensual in character and enjoy The President: We have heard the last speaker in the widest possible support. We deeply regret both the explanation of vote before the voting. process leading to action on the draft resolution and The Assembly will now take a decision on draft the attempt to curtail fundamental freedoms, starting resolution A/75/L.28, entitled “Follow-up to the with the freedom of expression and the right to criticize Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture religions or beliefs. With those clear reservations, of Peace”. the EU and its member States, some of them former co-sponsors of the draft resolution, will abstain in I give the floor to the representative of the voting. the Secretariat. Ms. Kaczmarska (Poland): Poland takes the floor Mr. Nakano (Department for General Assembly to give its explanation of vote on the draft resolution and Conference Management): I would like to announce contained in document A/75/L.36/Rev.1. that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, Poland shares the concerns expressed by the the following countries have also become sponsors observer of the European Union (EU) about the of draft resolution A/75/L.28: Afghanistan, Algeria, problematic substantive parts of the draft resolution. Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belize, We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the Benin, Bhutan, the Plurinational State of Bolivia , observer of the EU in that regard. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, We regret this year’s limited negotiations timeline Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, and the fact that our primary concerns were not Canada, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, the Congo, reflected in the text. We continue to underline that Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, freedom of religion or belief belongs to individuals as Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Finland, the rights holders, who may exercise that right either in Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, the community, including as religious minorities, with Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, others or individually. Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, We also oppose the emphasis on future and diverse Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, texts in the draft resolution, which takes the focus away Mexico, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, from tangible achievements and adopted documents, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, thereby negatively impacting efforts to advance Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, As a former sponsor of the draft resolution, we Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, regret that the positive evolution of this text, which Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, we have observed in previous years, has been put on Sierra Leone, Spain, Sri Lanka, the Sudan, Suriname, hold. We hope that negative trend will be reversed next the Syrian Arab Republic Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor- year. We also hope that the co-facilitators will look Leste, Tunisia, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates, positively on our suggestions next year, allowing us Uruguay, Uzbekistan and the Bolivarian Republic to return to the group of co-sponsors, as we remain a of Venezuela. staunch supporter of the freedom of religion or belief The President: May I take it that the Assembly and interreligious dialogue. decides to adopt draft resolution A/75/L.28? We believe that, in the face of the dangers posed by the pandemic today, it is even more important that Draft resolution A/75/L.28 was adopted the global community show unity and redouble its (resolution 75/25).

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The President: The Assembly will now take a Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), decision on draft resolution A/75/L.36/Rev.1, entitled Viet Nam, Yemen “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, Against: understanding and cooperation for peace”. None I give the floor to the representative of Abstaining: the Secretariat. Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Mr. Nakano (Department for General Assembly Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Conference Management): I would like to announce Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, that, since the submission of the draft resolution Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, and in addition to those delegations listed in the Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, document, the following countries have also become Italy, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, sponsors of draft resolution A/75/L.36/Rev.1: Angola, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Monaco, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Cameroon, China, Eritrea, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Honduras, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Kyrgyzstan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Malaysia, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Nigeria, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Ireland, United States of America Qatar, the Russian Federation, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the Draft resolution A/75/L.36/Rev.1 was adopted by 90 Sudan, Suriname, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, votes to none, with 52 abstentions (resolution 75/26). Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the Bolivarian Republic of The President: Before I give the floor to Venezuela and Viet Nam. delegations in explanation of position or vote on the The President: A recorded vote has been requested. resolutions just adopted, may I remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be A recorded vote was taken. made by delegations from their seats. In favour: Mr. Messenger (United States of America): Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Azerbaijan, The United States delegation would like to offer an Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, explanation of position on resolution 75/25, entitled Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Brunei “Follow-up to the Declaration and Programme of Darussalam, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, Action on a Culture of Peace”, as well as an explanation China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, of vote on resolution 75/26, entitled “Promotion of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, and cooperation for peace”, which were just adopted. Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, With regard to resolution 75/25, the United States Honduras, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic strongly believes in encouraging a culture of peace of), Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, through the promotion of justice, democracy, human Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as by rejecting Lebanon, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, violence and addressing the root causes of conflict. Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, We note that, as of 31 December 2018, the United Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Peru, States withdrew from the United Nations Educational, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Scientific and Cultural Organization and is no longer a Federation, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi party to it. In joining the consensus on resolution 75/25, Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Sri we refer members to our statement of 18 November Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, on our position with respect to the 2030 Agenda Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, for Sustainable Development. That concludes our Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, explanation of position on resolution 75/25.

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Turning to our explanation of vote on resolution at the local, national and international levels, can play a 75/26, the United States firmly supports efforts to positive role in combating religious hatred and violence. promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue The United States strongly believes in working together and cooperation. We thank the Philippines and to build a more secure and peaceful world through the Pakistan for their initiative in presenting the text on promotion of justice, democracy, human rights and an important topic that is of key interest to all United fundamental freedoms. Nations delegations. With respect to the invocation of moderation in We would like to take this opportunity to explain paragraph 12, we are concerned that the implementation our decision to abstain and to clarify some important of moderation-focused programmes and policies could points. We note that recent years have marked a be subject to abuse. In particular, we are concerned growing departure from previous approaches, including that such programmes and policies could undermine the approach established in Human Rights Council the enjoyment of freedoms of expression and thought, resolution 16/18 and the Istanbul Process, which are conscience and religion or belief. widely supported and offer a comprehensive road map We also note that, as of 31 December 2018, the to combating religious intolerance, while protecting United States withdrew from UNESCO and is no longer the freedom of expression and the freedom of religion a UNESCO member State. We refer members to our or belief. We have concerns about the potential for the statement of 18 November on our position with respect further erosion of such consensus approaches in this to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. and other resolutions that have been presented at the General Assembly. Nevertheless, we reiterate our appreciation for the efforts of the Philippines and Pakistan in presenting a The United States strongly supports the freedom resolution on interreligious dialogue. The United States of expression and the freedom of religion or belief. remains committed to working with Member States to We oppose any attempts to unduly limit the exercise promote tolerance and understanding. of those fundamental freedoms. In that context, we continue to have strong reservations about paragraph Mr. Mazzeo (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): 13 of resolution 75/26, in which the text suggests that Argentina voted in favour of resolution 75/26, entitled the protections for the freedom of expression and the “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, freedom of religion or belief are at odds with one understanding and cooperation for peace”, because we another. We strongly believe that protecting the freedom believe that dialogue among religions and cultures can of religion or belief and the freedom of expression contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of promotes a mutual respect and pluralism that are the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture essential to human dignity and a robust civil society. of Peace. We firmly believe that all people should be free to Argentina has the greatest respect for religious choose and practice their faith based on the persuasion freedoms and has adopted an approach that goes above of the mind and heart. Freedom of religion plays an and beyond mere tolerance and promotes understanding important societal role and is crucial to the creation of and mutual respect among those with theistic beliefs, tolerant and respectful societies. Those two freedoms non-theistic beliefs, such as those of some indigenous are mutually reinforcing, and both must be respected people, and atheistic beliefs. Religious freedom refers to in order to achieve mutual respect and meaningful a broad range of beliefs, encompassing institutionalized interreligious and intercultural dialogue. religions, cults, beliefs, popular observances and specific world views. Rather than seek restrictions to expression to deal with intolerance or hate speech, the United States The freedom of religion or belief, the freedom advocates for robust protections for speech, as well as of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful the enforcement of appropriate legal regimes that deal assembly and the right to freedom of association with discriminatory acts and hate crimes. We remind are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. They Member States that — as recognized in the Istanbul therefore play an important role in combating all forms Process — the open, constructive and respectful debate of intolerance and discrimination based on religion of ideas, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue or belief.

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In that regard, in his report contained in document Mr. Zlenko (Ukraine): Ukraine would like to make A/HRC/40/58, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of the following explanation of vote on resolution 75/26 religion or belief indicated that international human “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, rights law compels States to adopt a moderate approach understanding and cooperation for peace”, which was when addressing the tensions between the freedom just adopted. of expression and the freedom of religion or belief. Ukraine acknowledges the importance of That approach must be based on limitation criteria interreligious and intercultural dialogue for the that recognize the rights of all persons to the freedom purposes of peace and has always been a part of of expression and the freedom of religion or belief, international efforts to that end. In that regard, Ukraine regardless of whether they are critical of opinions, does not support the idea of the inclusion, in the text ideas, doctrines or beliefs or whether such expression of the resolution, of the reference to the intention of shocks, offends or disturbs others, provided that it does the Inter-Parliamentary Union to hold, in 2022 in the not extend to promoting religious hatred or incitement Russian Federation, the World Conference of Heads to discrimination, hostility or violence. of State, Parliamentarians and Representatives of the Therefore, we note with concern the fact World Religions on Intercultural and Interreligious that resolution 75/26 places an unnecessary and Dialogue for the Benefit of Peace and Mankind. counterproductive emphasis on restrictions of the right Regrettably, the Russian Federation attempts to to freedom of expression, in particular in its twenty- make all international events that it hosts serve the third preambular paragraph and paragraph 13. goal of whitewashing its aggressive policies against Finally, while we thank the facilitators, Pakistan sovereign States and its repressive practices in and the Philippines, for their efforts to bring delegations occupied areas, including in the religious and cultural closer together in their positions, a more extensive and domains. The ongoing pressure exerted against predictable timetable for negotiations would have been religious communities is a sad reality for people in the preferable and would have allowed proposals to be temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine today. considered in greater detail. The toolbox includes frequent police raids; the Mr. Musayev (Azerbaijan): Azerbaijan would like demolition of, and eviction from, buildings dedicated to offer the following explanation of vote on resolution to religion; new registration requirements that have 75/26, entitled “Promotion of interreligious and affected legal status and property rights; and threats intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation against, and persecution of, those belonging to the for peace”, which was just adopted. Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Protestant evangelical communities, mosques and Muslim religious schools, Azerbaijan voted in favour of the resolution and as well as Greek Catholics, Roman Catholics and welcomes its adoption with the overwhelming support Jehovah’s Witnesses. Dozens of peaceful Muslims have of Member States. We regret that, for the first time been convicted under trumped up charges of allegedly since 2004, the General Assembly was prevented belonging to Islamic organizations. from adopting the resolution by consensus. We also regret that we could not join other Member States in It is also worth noting that the challenging co-sponsoring the resolution. circumstances of the coronavirus disease pandemic make it of no real value to refer to the preparedness Our position on the event referred to in the thirty- for an event due to take place in almost two years. first preambular paragraph was explained in detail in Moreover, no credible information of preparatory the statement delivered by the delegation of Azerbaijan work already done that the General Assembly could at the plenary meeting of the General Assembly held on acknowledge has been provided. 15 April 2019 (see A/73/PV.75). However, Azerbaijan fully supports and shares the main objectives of Mr. Knyazyan (Armenia): I take the floor to resolution 75/26 and subscribes to its content, purpose explain the vote of Armenia on resolution 75/26, entitled and philosophy. We are grateful to the delegations “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, of Pakistan and the Philippines for their efforts and understanding and cooperation for peace”, which was impeccable professionalism. just adopted.

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As a country situated at the historical crossroads of in taking into consideration the concerns expressed by different civilizations, Armenia has cultivated deeply delegations and the language proposed. rooted traditions of coexistence with, and respect Mexico voted in favour of resolution 75/26 as towards, other cultures and religions. Armenia preserves a reflection of the constructive spirit and tolerance a rich cultural heritage, including a Hellenistic-era with which we participated in the consultations on the temple, some of the oldest Christian churches and resolution. We therefore wish to express our surprise monasteries in the world, a Jewish synagogue, an at the abrupt way the consultations were suspended eighteenth-century mosque in the very centre of our and the premature way the resolution was presented. capital, Yerevan, and the world’s largest Yazidi temple. The themes of the resolution, which are in themselves The protection of religious and ethnic groups from delicate issues, are worthy of careful consideration and identity-based hate crimes is a long-standing priority reflection. Further consultations could have allowed us for Armenia in international forums. Our objection to to forge language that would have been adopted without the thirty-sixth preambular paragraph of the resolution, a vote by the General Assembly. which refers to an event entitled the “World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue”, organized biennially Mexico hopes to continue discussions on this by Azerbaijan, is based on the fact that the country thematic topic in a transparent, constructive and hosting the event continuously advances the policy of inclusive manner to ensure that the opinions of all are organizing various international forums to distract the taken into account and new agreements can be reached attention of the international community from the dire for the benefit of multilateral solutions, which the human rights situation in that country, its promotion General Assembly must always seek. of anti-Armenian hatred and its destruction of the Mexico reiterates its commitment to the peaceful Armenian cultural and religious heritage. settlement of disputes, the international rule of law It would be erroneous to think that intercultural and the promotion of dialogue and international and interreligious dialogue is possible under conditions cooperation. That commitment is the basis for a safer of gross violations of human rights and fundamental and more peaceful world. freedoms, in particular the freedoms of expression, Mr. Ham Sang-Wook (Republic of Korea): My peaceful assembly and association, and the silencing of delegation voted in favour of resolution 75/26, entitled dissenting voices. The event referred to in resolution “Promotion of inter-religious and intercultural dialogue, 75/26 is continuously misused by its host country, understanding and cooperation for peace”. which seeks to turn it into an instrument of propaganda. We believe that, while organizing international events We note with appreciation that the facilitators made on intercultural dialogue and the promotion of peace, great efforts to accommodate the concerns of the widest due regard should also be given to the record of the possible membership. However, we believe that there host country in terms of adherence to its obligations was still room for improvement in that regard. Indeed, under international human rights law, as well as it is regrettable that we could not reach consensus on a the protection of cultural heritage of historical and resolution that to date has been adopted by consensus. religious significance. We voted in favour of resolution 75/26 based Armenia therefore disassociates itself from the on the understanding that tolerance and respect for thirty-sixth preambular paragraph of resolution 75/26, religion and belief should be upheld. Nevertheless, my which contains a reference to the above-mentioned event. Government is of the view that the right to freedom of opinion and expression is one of the fundamental Ms. Jáquez Huacuja (Mexico) (spoke in Spanish): human rights and should not be compromised. My Mexico thanks Pakistan and the Philippines for their delegation will continue to constructively engage with work as co-facilitators of resolution 75/26, entitled the international community to ensure that the right to “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, freedom of opinion and expression is fully respected. understanding and cooperation for peace”, which was just adopted, in particular for having convened The President: We have heard the last speaker in multiple rounds of negotiation and for their flexibility explanation of vote on the resolutions just adopted.

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The exercise of the right of reply has been requested. subversive activities that are planned, sponsored and May I remind members that statements in the exercise endorsed by the Indian regime to destabilize our region. of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the We have also caught red-handed Indian agents first intervention and to five minutes for the second who have confessed to committing those activities, intervention and should be made by delegations from such as Commander Kulbhushan. Since Bharatiya their seats. Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh zealots Mr. Amba (Pakistan): My delegation is obliged cannot realize their dream of Akhund Bharat, they try to take the floor in response to the statement made to enlist, train, fund and sponsor terrorists to do their by the representative of India a short while ago. We bidding and further their destabilizing agenda in all of categorically reject India’s wilful propaganda against their neighbouring countries. Instead of crying foul all the Katarpur corridor. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, the time, India would be well advised to take steps to Imran Khan, took that landmark initiative last year in the protect its minorities and their places of worship, rather openly hostile environment created by the belligerence than feeding misleading and sham concerns about the and warmongering of our eastern neighbour solely to rights of minorities elsewhere. promote interreligious and intercultural harmony in Mr. Musayev (Azerbaijan): There is nothing our region. surprising in the inadequate, irrelevant and unethical We knew full well that it was beyond the capacity comments just made by the representative of Armenia. of India’s current regime to comprehend gestures of His allegations once again eloquently confirm that peace and interreligious harmony, but we still decided culture, peace and dialogue are alien to Armenia. The to open the Katarpur corridor to the Gurdwara Darbar representative of Armenia went so far as to lecture Sahib, which was constructed as the world’s biggest others about principles and values that his Government Sikh gurdwara; we welcomed members of the Sikh has consistently disregarded and opposed. community from all over the world; and we granted The purpose of Armenia’s allegations is evidently them visa-free access to one of their holiest sites. to camouflage its own racist policy and hate crimes. We are not surprised that India continues to It is Armenia whose President invented the notion of politicize that peaceful initiative by coming up with ethnic incompatibility. It is Armenia that has become baseless and fallacious propaganda. Insinuations about uniquely monoethnic and has methodically and transferring the affairs of the Katarpur-Gurdwara systematically pursued a policy of destroying any traces Darbar Sahib corridor are aimed at creating religious of other cultures in the territories under its control. It is disharmony, casting mischievous aspersions against Armenia that is responsible for numerous war crimes, the interests of the Sikh community and diverting crimes against humanity and acts of genocide. It is in attention from India’s own reprehensible human rights Armenia that international terrorists and war criminals violations against minorities in India. They have are national heroes. also been rejected by the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara With regard to the comments on human rights and Prabandhak Committee. democracy, the Armenian authorities should first look While Pakistan is opening doors to the Sikh closely at themselves rather than blame other countries. community and gaining their gratitude and appreciation Indeed, all successive Governments in Armenia, all over the world, Hindutva zealots are following a including the current one, have come to power violently well-planned strategy to eradicate their identity. I will and have resorted to the cruellest possible methods of not go into the history, but one only has to follow what dealing with political opponents. is happening around Delhi these days to find out how Following the latest change of Government in the Fascist Indian regime treats its minorities, including Armenia, the new authorities at the outset started to Muslims and Sikhs. diligently accuse their predecessors of authoritarian As far as terrorism is concerned, it is rather rich rule, systemic corruption, election rigging and the for a country that uses terrorism as an instrument of suspension of democracy and human rights. However, State policy against all its neighbours to point fingers the natural question arises as to whether and on what at others. Only recently, Pakistan shared with the world grounds the current Armenian authorities should be a detailed and extensive account of the terrorist and regarded differently.

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The crackdown on the opposition, persecution of fighters, was accompanied by atrocity crimes and the political opponents, politically motivated killings, limited barbaric destruction of ancient Armenian cultural freedom of the media and interference in the judiciary and religious heritage. The inhumane and degrading are bitter realities in today’s Armenia — which at the treatment of prisoners of war and civilian hostages and same time projects itself as a proponent of human rights the widespread glorification of that behaviour on social and democracy, albeit wrongly and unsuccessfully, and networks, with a clear sense of impunity, are deplorable. continues to exploit the cynical and perpetual narrative of victimized Armenians. The current Government Regardless of the number of international events of Armenia continues without any hesitation to deny organized by Azerbaijan, it will never whitewash the its responsibility for the heinous crimes committed policy of anti-Armenian hatred, which goes against the against Azerbaijan and its citizens in the course of values of humankind. the aggression. The President: The General Assembly has thus Armenia’s denial of responsibility for wrongdoing concluded this stage of its concentration of agenda and the resulting human rights suffering — including item 15. through apparent falsifications and distortions of the past and present and the glorification of war crimes Programme of work and their perpetrators — represent a defiance of human rights, a direct obstacle to genuine reconciliation and a The President: Before adjourning, in reference to threat to regional security and stability. my letter dated 1 December 2020, I would like to draw the attention of members to the date of recess of the We hope that, instead of sowing dissension and current session. challenging various global initiatives and international events for racist purposes, Armenia will learn lessons, Members will recall that, at its second plenary accept and reconcile with the new realities and meeting, on 18 September 2020 (see A/75/PV.2), the finally realize that diversity, dialogue and mutual General Assembly decided that the seventy-fifth session understanding and respect are values, not threats. would recess on Monday, 14 December 2020. However, Mr. Knyazyan (Armenia): We reject the narratives in the light of the work that remains to be completed just put forward by the representative of Azerbaijan, for this part of the session, I would like to propose to which could serve as textbook examples of hate speech. the Assembly that it postpone the date of recess until In our assessment of the record of Azerbaijan in Monday, 21 December. promoting intercultural dialogue, we proceed not from If there is no objection, I shall take it that the the number of window-dressing events but from the dire realities on the ground. Assembly agrees to postpone the date of recess until Monday, 21 December 2020. Although positioning itself as a model of tolerance and multiculturalism, in reality Azerbaijan has It was so decided. achieved the complete annihilation of every trace The President: I would also like to consult of the civilizational presence of Armenia in the members regarding an extension of the work of the territory currently under its jurisdiction, in particular Fifth Committee. in Nakhchivan, the occupied parts of Nagorno Karabakh and other areas. The barbaric destruction Members will recall that, at its second plenary in 1998 to 2005 of the ancient Jugha cemetery — with meeting, on 18 September 2020 (see A/75/PV.2), the more than 5,000 khachkars, or medieval Christian General Assembly approved the recommendation cross-stones — is illustrative in that regard. It is a of the General Committee that the Fifth Committee documented fact that Azerbaijan rejected all requests should complete its work by Friday, 11 December. by international organizations, including the European However, I have been informed by the Chair of the Fifth Parliament, to send a fact-finding commission to Committee that it requests an extension of its work to Nakhchivan to investigate that crime. Monday, 21 December, with a view to facilitating the The recent aggression unleashed against the people comprehensive consideration of the important agenda of Artsakh, with the involvement of foreign terrorist items before it.

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If there is no objection, I shall take it that the programme of work of the plenary. The consideration Assembly agrees to extend the work of the Fifth of agenda item 40, “The situation in the occupied Committee until Monday, 21 December 2020? territories of Azerbaijan”, originally scheduled for It was so decided. Monday, 14 December, has been postponed to a later date to be announced. The President: I would furthermore like to make the following announcement concerning the The meeting rose at 5.45 p.m.

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