Summary: November 10, 2004: Statement by Mr. Arjan Hamburger, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN, on behalf of the European Union. FIFTY-NINTH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - THIRD COMMITTEE. Item 105 (c) Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives on the "Situation of human rights in Zimbabwe" (New York)
Introduction to draft Resolution on the "Situation of human rights in Zimbabwe" (A/C.3/59/L.46)
Mr. Chairperson,
On behalf of the European Union and all the co-sponsors, I have the honour to introduce under agenda item 105(c) the draft resolution entitled "Situation of Human Rights in Zimbabwe" as contained in document A/C.3/59/L.46. In addition to the co-sponsors listed in the L-document, Iceland and Turkey have also decided to sponsor the resolution.
Mr. Chairperson,
The EU believes that the situation of human rights in Zimbabwe merits being addressed by the Third Committee of the General Assembly this year.
The EU recognizes Zimbabwe's past traditions of democratic debate and civil society activism, the severe challenges facing Zimbabwe, including the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, as well as the inequitable distribution of land ownership which existed in Zimbabwe at independence and the ongoing need for land reform.
The European Union is concerned, however, that conditions do not exist at present in Zimbabwe for holding free and fair elections in accordance with existing principles and guidelines to which Zimbabwe has committed itself and obligations under international human rights instruments. We are moreover concerned about the restrictions on the freedom to operate without fear of harassment and intimidation of members of parliament, independent civil society and human rights defenders.
We accordingly believe it is important, by means of this resolution, to signal our common concerns about the current situation in Zimbabwe and to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to take all appropriate measures to make sure free and fair elections can be held.
Mr. Chairperson,
The European Union is committed to working closely together with all interested delegations, in particular those of the African Union, to get this resolution adopted by the General Assembly, and in this regard we are prepared to engage actively with the delegation of Zimbabwe on the text. The EU accordingly hopes that this resolution will meet with general support.
Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.
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