UNHRC PR Day 5 Afternoon
14 March 1997
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION TAKES UP DEBATE ON RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION
Participants Conclude General Discussion on Situation in Occupied Territories, SelfDetermination
The Commission on Human Rights concluded its general discussions on the question of the violation of human rights in the occupied Arab territories and the right to selfdetermination, immediately moving on to a debate on rising racism and xenophobia around the world.
During the afternoon session the Commission's Special Rapporteur on the occupied territories offered his condolences to Israel's people and Government over the killing yesterday of seven Israeli schoolgirls. Mr. Halinen, whose report served as the basis for much of this first week's deliberations at the Commission, said the debate on the situation in the occupied territories had been unexpectedly calm and constructive', which he saw as a good sign.
The Commission then took up the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.
Taking the floor this afternoon were the representatives of Israel, Egypt, China, Argentina, Nepal, the Netherlands and the International Labour Organisation, as well as the following nongovernmental organizations (NGOs):
Arab Lawyers Union, the International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, International Institute for Peace, International Indian Treaty Council, International Islamic Federation of Student Organisations, World Peace Council, Society for Threatened Peoples, Christian Solidarity International and the International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism.
Statements in exercise of the right of reply were heard from China, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Armenia, Algeria, Palestine, Portugal, Mexico, Iran, Zaire and Indonesia.
The Commission will continue its debate on racism and racial discrimination on Monday, 17 March, at 10 a.m.
Statements
XIE BOHUA (China) said a small number of NGOs had launched an attack on China and openly advocated the independence of Tibet and the dismemberment of a sovereign country. The United Nations Charter clearly defined the concept of the right of peoples to selfdetermination. However, any statement or action in the pursuance of this right which threatened the sovereignty or territorial integrity of a State could only lead to disturbances and affect world peace.
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