YouSaid · the spoken record

van der Klaauw

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65

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1978-09-24

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1980-09-24

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un-general-debate

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1. “We believe that more use could be made of valuable instruments that are already at our disposal. For instance, more frequent recourse to one of the main organs of the Organization, the International Court of Justice, and, even more important, abidance by its decisions would be conducive to the settlement of conflicts between nations. 48. In a world in which political and economic tensions seem to grow rather than to diminish, the demand for a more peaceful world with a chance for every citizen of every country to lead a decent life becomes more imperative. In this ever more interlocking and interdependent world, we must come to grips with the economic and social problems and provide peace and security for each and every one.”

   1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

2. “The founder Members of the United Nations built a structure that, we believe, has kept its basic validity to this day. It has built-in checks and balances between the various groups of Members. Its size and composition make it an instrument for deep discussions and well considered decisions. In the present circumstances, any proposals for drastic change may upset the present checks and balances and make the instrument at our disposal less, rather than more, effective. Of course, the present machinery should, in certain instances, be improved. The strengthening of the Organization for coping with the calamities which I just mentioned is a case in point. I would also like to see more support given to the peacekeeping activities of the Organization.”

   1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

3. “We were encouraged by the Secretary General’s positive reaction to the initiative taken in the Economic and Social Council last summer for a review of the emergency operations of the United Nations system. 46. A number of years ago, my country made a proposal to raise the capacity of the United Nations system for coping with manmade disaster situations." It is my Government's sincere wish that when the Secretary General presents his review we once more seriously consider how to cope with them. The only road that can lead to success in this respect is a close, continuous and institutionalized cooperation between nations and the United Nations system, as well as within the United Nations systems itself, to provide on the shortest possible notice the assistance required for any given specific calamity. 47.”

   1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

4. “Problems of refugees and displaced persons as well as demands for relief and rehabilitation on a massive scale exist in Africa and Asia. .. . Considerable strain is imposed on the fragile economies of countries that receive large numbers of refugees, and they naturally expect the international community to share the burden they carry. "In addition, international assistance is required to deal with the ravages of drought and famine which have spread from the Sahelian countries to many other countries in Africa, leaving in their wake starvation and social disruption." 45. The international community has a responsibility to see to it that these calamities are avoided.”

   1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

5. “It is our wish that at some time in the future the implementation of all human rights instruments will be monitored by a United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, an institution we will continue to promote. 44. In his report on the work of the Organization, the Secretary General has once again presented to us with clarity and precision a concise picture of the political and economic situation of the world of today. The picture is not bright. I wish to pay special attention to the plight of millions of people suffering from disease and starvation who are forced to leave their homesteads, and I shall quote from the Secretary General’s report where it says: "Political and military conflicts and upheavals invariably engender human suffering which, on occasion, reaches disaster proportions. . . .”

   1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

6. “These achievements have prompted my Government to continue to work for the further broadening and deepening of United Nations policy for women's equality, in particular in the field of multilateral development cooperation. 43. My country attaches great importance to the legislative process with regard to the promotion of human rights within this Organization. I would appeal to all who participate in that process to speed up the work on a declaration on the elimination of religious intolerance, on a convention on the prohibition of torture and on a declaration on the rights of individuals who are not citizens of the country in which they live. The question of this last declaration is on the Assembly's agenda under item 12.”

   1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

7. “The Netherlands delegation was unable to support the Programme of Action adopted at Copenhagen as such. Nevertheless, the Kingdom of the Netherlands stands ready to continue, within the United Nations and in the framework of the Decade, to work for the advancement of the position of women. Fortunately, there have been important achievements during the Decade, such as the conclusion of a Convention on the Elimination of AH Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the operation of the Voluntary Fund for the United Nations Decade for Women, the World Plan of Action adopted at Mexico City in July 1975 and the great number of positive clauses in the Programme of Action adopted at Copenhagen.”

   1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

8. “I strongly appeal to those Governments which, at the closure of the eleventh special session, were not able to join in the consensus, to make every effort to overcome the present difficulties during this session. 41. On the subject of furthering the advancement of human rights, I want to underline the importance of attaining equality between women and men. The idea of convening a World Conference at Copenhagen this summer, midway through the United Nations Decade for Women, was a good initiative. It was therefore regrettable that the work of the Conference was thwarted by extraneous political questions which had very little bearing on the subject under discussion. Unfortunately, I feel compelled to express my regrets that such events have affected other discussions in the United Nations as well. 42.”

   1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

9. “I therefore wish to limit myself to a few remarks on the follow-up of that session. 39. It is our sincere desire that the Assembly should adopt the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade with a view to its implementation as from the beginning of next year. Let me echo the feelings of grave concern that you, Mr. President, expressed in your opening statement, that so many countries have not reached the 0.7 per cent aid target. That target should indeed, in our view, be reached in the first half of this decade. 40. My Government shares the widespread disappointment that no final agreement could be reached on a procedural framework for the new round of global negotiations.”

   1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

10. “However, let us not forget that armed conflicts in various parts of the world are being waged at this very moment with conventional weapons that maim and kill, albeit on a smaller scale. I hope the decisions to be taken by the Disarmament Commission on that problem will lead to at least the start of serious discussion within the United Nations of conventional disarmament measures. 37. Just to underline the great importance the Netherlands attaches to disarmament and arms control, I should like to mention in passing that this week has been proclaimed "Peace Week" in my country. 38. The conclusions of the eleventh special session of the General Assembly are still fresh in our minds. There will be other occasions when we can explain in detail our Government's views on the present stage of the North South dialogue.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

11. “The Second Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons has unfortunately failed to reach a consensus. 35. We should not close our eyes to the possible serious repercussions of that setback. Broad political support remains the basis for a viable non-proliferation regime. A worldwide meeting of minds on that vital issue is essential. In that context, we have noted with appreciation the intention of the United States Government to move forward as speedily as possible after the presidential elections towards the ratification of the SALT II Treaty. 36. The excruciating problem of nuclear armament and nuclear disarmament tends to overshadow all other problems.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

12. “The growing tensions in the world compel us to pay special attention to effective measures aimed at disarmament and arms control and the curtailing of arms traffic. 33. Disarmament matters are discussed in various forums. However, inspiration is often lacking in those deliberations. Nuclear arms issues are taking a prominent place in those discussions. A comprehensive test ban treaty would be desirable in itself and would provide us with an important psychological stimulus for nuclear disarmament. It would also strengthen the non-proliferation regime. 34. A growth in the number of nuclear Powers would inescapably lead to nuclear chaos. We therefore regret that the non-proliferation discussion has developed overtones of a North South controversy, whereas it concerns the security and survival of all of us.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

13. “The Helsinki Final Act is a code of conduct, a set of ground rules for multilateral and bilateral relations between States, as well as between States and private citizens. 31. At Madrid, a frank and business-like discussion should take place on the full implementation of the provisions of the Final Act. In such conditions, we believe it will be necessary to discuss negative developments, such as those in the human rights sphere. Only in that spirit can the aim of the Conference be fulfilled. 32. Confidence-building and other measures should be agreed upon in the interests of peace, security and stability in the world. My Government will endeavour to arrive at meaningful confidence-building measures for the whole of Europe which should go beyond mere declarations of intent.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

14. “They certainly lead to less security and peace for mankind. 28. My Government's policy remains directed at the attainment of peace and security and the lessening of international tensions. This presupposes the creation of a climate of trust in which the ground rules underlying the relations between nations and individuals are respected. 29. East West relations are under stress as a result of developments in Southwest and southeast Asia. They are also affected by the continued Soviet military build-up. 30. We hope that the second review session of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, to be held at Madrid in November of this year, will contribute to the lessening of East West tensions.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

15. “However, we cannot consider the recent referendum on the new Constitution in Chile as a step forward. In our view, that Constitution is not likely to guarantee a speedy return to Chile's traditional democratic form of government. 26. The Kingdom of the Netherlands, part of which is situated in the Caribbean, is understandably concerned about the recent controversies in that region and in Central America. We think that a climate of stability and cooperation is of the utmost importance if true progress and development are to be achieved. 27. The international situation has worsened rather than improved in the past year. The conflicts I have mentioned all lead to greater suffering. They also lead to greater demands on resources which could be used for development and for the improvement of the deteriorated economic situation.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

16. “It is true that in certain countries the human rights situation has improved, but from other corners of the world we hear of serious situations and new waves of repression. Bolivia is a case in point. The process leading to a return to democracy has been interrupted in that country and repressive measures, often of a violent nature, are being taken. That development is the more regrettable because of the growing cooperation between the countries belonging to the Andean Pact and the European Community. At this stage I want to reiterate our wish to intensify relations between the European Community and the democracies in Latin America. 25. For many years my Government has, together with others, strongly advocated a return to democracy and respect for human rights in Chile.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

17. “We attach great importance to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, including the reestablishment of the sovereignty of the Lebanese Government over its entire territory. I have mentioned the territorial integrity of Lebanon since it constitutes a prerequisite for stability in the Middle East. 23. A battalion of Dutch soldiers in the service of the United Nations is involved in the peacekeeping activities of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. We deeply regret all sorts of obstacles preventing UNIFIL from carrying out the task entrusted to it by the Security Council. From this rostrum I call upon all parties concerned to enable the UNIFIL contingent to fulfil in safety its difficult and important mandate. 24.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

18. “These two principles—the right to existence and to security of all States in the region, including Israel, and justice for all peoples, which implies recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people—should now be put into practice. 21. At this stage I do not wish to prejudge the results of the current process of consultations and deliberations. What I can say, however, is that the Netherlands adopts a positive approach to any activity which will lead to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement. 22. I now come to the situation in Lebanon. The Netherlands Government takes a particular interest in what happens in that strife torn country.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

19. “Outstanding issues have been clarified and we are confident that the greatest possible impartiality in implementing that resolution can now be achieved. Therefore South Africa should, without any further delay, be prepared to start implementation of the settlement plan in coordination with the United Nations. 20. Concerning the Middle East, Mr. Thorn, speaking on behalf of the European Community, has already elaborated on this issue. I, too, wish to stress that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement can only be based on the rule of law and respect for the individual. The nine countries of the European Community expressed this in their meeting at Venice, notably emphasizing two principles.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

20. “A policy of discrimination can never be made acceptable to those who are being discriminated against or to the international community as a whole. We make an urgent plea to the South African Government to face the inescapable truth that the apartheid policy will come to an end. In its own efforts to attain this goal, the Netherlands Government is in the process of sounding out friendly countries on any possible concerted efforts, including economic measures, to bring about a change in South Africa which will bring to this part of the world the dignity that mankind deserves. 19. My Government will continue to support the Secretary General, the group of five Western States and the frontline States in their efforts to implement settlement proposal for Namibia approved by the Security Council in its resolution 435 (1978).”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

21. “The Government of the Netherlands, conscious of the impact of economic and social development in a number of countries in southern Africa on political progress in Namibia and South Africa, has decided to set up a special aid programme for southern Africa. In this way we wish to make a contribution to the important political initiative of the nine States of southern Africa, members of the Organization of African Unity, aimed at achieving economic independence from South Africa and cooperation among themselves. We will avail ourselves of this General Assembly session to give an impulse towards this goal. We urge many countries to do the same, and we think that the Assembly should address itself to this issue. 18. Effective outside pressure on South Africa should be stepped up as much as possible.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

22. “From this rostrum I make an urgent appeal to both parties to observe the utmost restraint and to resolve their dispute by peaceful means. 16. The ending of the war in Southern Rhodesia and the emergence of the sovereign State of Zimbabwe have removed a major source of tension in southern Africa. It is evident, however, that other sources of tension in southern Africa remain, notably the issue of apartheid and the question of Namibia. The developments in Zimbabwe have given hope to many throughout southern Africa. Positive changes which occur in the neighbourhood of South Africa and which satisfy aspirations for human dignity and stability cannot fail to make themselves felt in South Africa itself. They will thus promote increasingly effective pressure from within. 17.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

23. “We have witnessed another violation of the rule of law in international relations in the region in the taking hostage of the personnel of the American Embassy in Teheran, an action that is a threat to peace as well as a violation of human rights. The Security Council has said as much on several occasions. I listened with great attention to what United States Secretary of State Muskie had to say on this subject [4th meeting], and I cannot but agree with him that this tragic impasse should be resolved quickly. Once again, we solemnly appeal to the Islamic Republic of Iran to release the hostages and thus put an end to their suffering. 15. For my country, the recent outbreak of hostilities between Iran and Iraq is a reason for grave concern.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

24. “Here again, the stability of the area and world peace and security are threatened. The Netherlands Government will continue to support the efforts to help the victims of this conflict. It is even more important to address ourselves to the causes of this conflict. The Netherlands therefore supports wholeheartedly the initiative of the countries members of the Association of southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN] to convene an international conference on Kampuchea. The political problem caused by Viet Nam's role in Kampuchea should be faced and solved in such a way as to allow the Kampuchean people to decide their future for themselves without outside interference, and thereby to restore peace and stability in the region. 14.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

25. “That is still the position, and we hope that such a solution will be pursued for the sake of the Afghan people and for the sake of world peace. 12. The effect of the intervention has been a human tragedy for the Afghan people in terms of casualties and of hundreds of thousands of refugees in neighbouring countries. In view of the human suffering and of the threat to peace, the Netherlands Government reiterates its support of measures to restore Afghanistan's traditional status as an independent and nonaligned country, to enable its people to determine its own future in freedom. 13. In southeast Asia, the conflict in and around Kampuchea remains unresolved. Here again a human drama continues to unfold with complete disregard for elementary human rights and the freedom of the individual.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

26. “The Soviet intervention in Afghanistan has been a cause of deep concern to my Government, and we have expressed this concern on more than one occasion. The Governments of the European Community have also appealed to the Soviet Union to withdraw its troops unconditionally. On these occasions it was stressed that detente is indivisible, that developments in one region have repercussions in other regions of the world. The Community, in April' and June of this year, proposed as a solution an agreement between the big Powers and the countries bordering on Afghanistan to respect that country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to desist from interfering in its affairs, from stationing troops and from any form of military association with Afghanistan. Any initiative in that direction would be supported by the Community.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

27. “I intend to discuss some of the major themes that are of concern to the community of nations and that affect the lives and destinies of millions of people. 9. My friend and colleague, Mr. Thorn, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, expressed the views of the nine countries of the European Community on some major international problems before the General Assembly . He also dwelt on the issues I have just mentioned. 10. A clear violation of the rules of international relations and of the self-determination and sovereignty of a people is the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This action by a permanent member of the Security Council was condemned by the great majority of the members of this Assembly when it met in special session in January of this year. 11.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

28. “That means tolerance, justice and the right to live together in this world. 7. The Kingdom of the Netherlands throughout the ages has tried to build a society based on tolerance. As a result, our foreign policy is very much oriented towards the protection of the individual and his rights. That outlook has also inspired our development policy, which lays particular stress on the need of the poorest members of the international community. 8. The events that have occurred since the autumn of 1979 have affected many human lives. I feel that it is essential to find adequate solutions for the needs of the many individuals affected by war, famine, disease and discrimination. In my address I should, therefore, like to focus on the effect of international controversies on the individual, and on the widespread lack of justice.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

29. “In our endeavours to create a better international climate and to further understanding among nations, we should never forget that nations consist of human beings and that human beings first and foremost bear the brunt of the clashes, strife and discord among nations. Conversely, there will be no real basis for a stable peace and security as long as fundamental rights and freedoms of men, women and children are totally disregarded. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 says: "recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world" . 6. The attainment of respect for the individual and his rights all over the world is and will remain one of the principal tasks of our Organization.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

30. “We wish these sovereign and independent States a bright and peaceful future, and we declare our solidarity with them in their brave endeavours to that end. 4. The general debate in the Assembly presents us each year with a good opportunity to evaluate the events of the year behind us and to draw conclusions in respect of the future. And each year we try to formulate recommendations that appear to us most suited to the mood of the particular period. Developments in the international political situation since we met last year have been deeply disturbing, as they have tended to undermine rather than enhance the rule of law that should govern the relations not only among nations but also among individuals, 5.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

31. “Mr. President, it is a particular pleasure for me to congratulate you on your election to the high office of President of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly. You have, during the past few years, given ample proof of your knowledge of United Nations matters, of your wisdom and tact, and of your organizational abilities. We look forward to working with you in the days ahead. 2. We want, too, to extend our cordial congratulations to the President of the previous session of the General Assembly and to compliment him on the most efficient and exemplary way in which he guided our work. 3. We also wish to address very special congratulations to the delegation of Zimbabwe. Likewise, we welcome most warmly to our midst the delegation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”

    1980-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 35 (1980)

32. “The time has come to take stock of the situation and to start working for the consolidation of the family of international organizations. 334. To conclude, all nations and peoples are bound by the Charter of the United Nations. Peace, development and the dignity of man are interdependent. The recognition of this interdependence should guide us daily and be an inspiration for the General Assembly.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

33. “The Fifth is co-ordination and co-operation within the United Nations system. It is an anomaly that, while in numerous resolutions Member States are called upon to co-operate, the organizations of the United Nations system seem to attach too much importance to guarding their autonomy. Rivalry between international organizations belonging to the same system must come to an end. I call upon the Administrative Committee on Co-ordination urgently to tackle the problem of co-ordination and the cohesion of the United Nations system. 333. Sixthly, the uncontrolled proliferation of international organizations is creating problems of overlap and co-ordination. There is a lack of co-operation between United Nations organizations and organizations outside the system, including the non-governmental organizations, which I consider very important.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

34. “The capacity of the United Nations to deal with human rights issues must be strengthened. The potential is there. It must be used and strengthened. 331. The Fourth area concerns the role and functions of the Secretary-General and the executive heads of the United Nations system. I firmly believe in the scope and possibilities for leadership and action by a strong and devoted international civil service. There is a close interaction between Member States on the one hand and the organizations and their executives on the other. Executive leadership can and must influence and guide action by member Governments. I urge the Secretary-General to continue to search for new initiatives. The Charter has given him the necessary power and authority. I urge him to use that power. Governments should be ready to support and follow him. 332.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

35. “Members should have more frequent and earlier recourse to the United Nations and, in particular, to the Security Council and the International Court of Justice. 329. The second area is that of peace-keeping operations. There is, in my view, a new consensus emerging on peace-keeping operations. The record of the last few years is positive. The United Nations has shown itself capable of setting up in various circumstances effective peace-keeping forces, and satisfactory procedures for cost-sharing have been agreed upon. On behalf of the European Community, my German colleague announced an initiative of its nine members on peace-keeping [AISPC/33/L.19]. The time is ripe for further action. 330. The third is the area of human rights. The recognition of interdependence will lead us nowhere without a recognition of human rights.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

36. “The record of the United Nations over the past year shows both positive and negative points. The thirty-second regular session of the General Assembly can be assessed positively. It showed, in the words of its President, "a spirit of co-operation and mutual accommodation". 327. I see six areas for reflection, reconsideration and, possibly, further action for the United Nations. 328. First and foremost, it is the duty of all Member States to reassess their own attitude towards the United Nations. If in the past the United Nations has often failed to act effectively in accordance with the objectives of the Charter, Member States themselves must be blamed for their failure to carry out the recommendations which they themselves sometimes solemnly had approved.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

37. “The North-South dialogue ought not to deflect attention from creeping protectionism and other negative developments which directly affect the position of developing countries. Timely corrective and preventive measures in this field are at least as important as an increased transfer of resources. Here lies an urgent task for Governments and international organizations and their executive officers, in particular GATT, IMF, UNCTAD, OECD and the United Nations itself. 325. What is the role of the United Nations in the management of global interdependence—political and economic—and in enhancing the dignity of man in an interdependent world? Has the United Nations the capacity and the strength to deal with the burning issues of today? These questions must be posed in all honesty and sincerity. 326.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

38. “The Netherlands Government is deeply concerned at the lack of progress in the dialogue and at the failure of the Committee Established under General Assembly Resolution 32/174 to agree on its mandate and procedure. The General Assembly should without delay resolve the remaining differences of opinion, so that we can proceed with our urgent work on the substance. 323. The Netherlands Government welcomes the positive outcome of the United Nations Conference on Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries, held at Buenos Aires. In the building of "bridges across the South" a new dimension will be given to the attainment of collective Self-reliance by the developing countries. 324.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

39. “The recovery of the economy of the OECD countries is obviously of vital importance for the management of the world economy. The Netherlands will actively contribute to this recovery. 321. I see no contradiction between the concept of growth and global interdependence and the strategy to eradicate poverty and provide for basic human needs. The development policy of the Netherlands will in fact be guided by both these concepts. We shall strive for selective growth and positive readjustment measures in developed countries, for structural changes in the world economy and, thus, for the realization of the new international economic order. At the same time, the Netherlands policy will be directed at the eradication of mass poverty and unemployment. 322.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

40. “In conformity with the agreed target of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade [resolution 2626 (XXV)], our development budget in 1979 will remain at the high level of approximately 0.85 per cent of the gross national product in terms of official development assistance. 320. A major contribution, to co-operation for international development in the framework of growing interdependence was made by the OECD countries in their ministerial session of June last, when they decided on a programme of concerted action to promote growth and prosperity in the whole world economy, directed at growth stimulation in the North as well as in the South, among other things, by an increased transfer of resources.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

41. “In that case, the Netherlands will promote and support such a policy. 318. It is in particular with regard to international development co-operation that the world is becoming acutely aware of the interdependence between the developing countries and the industrialized nations of both the West and the East. 319. In the Netherlands development co-operation and development aid continue to receive priority in government policy. Last week my Government announced in Parliament cut-backs in public expenditure in all sectors except development aid.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

42. “Quite apart from compliance with the mandatory arms embargo, the Netherlands Government has already demonstrated by a series of voluntary measures taken either unilaterally or in co-operation with its partners in the European Community that it is ready to apply pressure on the Government of South Africa. Up till now those measures have fallen short of economic sanctions. I realize that such sanctions can be effective only under Chapter VII of the Charter or, in the case of voluntary measures, if applied by a sufficient number of those countries which have the potential to exert effective pressure. 317. Time is running out. South Africa will have to change its policy of racial discrimination. If it does not do so, there will be no choice but to increase pressure through economic sanctions.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

43. “I had hoped that a peaceful solution of the question of Namibia reached in co-operation with the South African Government might have generated confidence and opened the way to developments in South Africa itself. However, the decision taken last week by the South African Government, in incomprehensible blindness to political reality, seems to indicate that South Africa wishes to pursue a collision course. I emphatically endorse what Mr. Genscher said about Namibia. The South African decision must be rejected as irresponsible and dangerous to peace and security. 316. If South Africa chooses to isolate itself from the world community, the only possible course of action will be to exert pressure on it.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

44. “The position of the nine States members of the European Community on the issue of apartheid—one of the most serious cases of gross violation of human rights—has been clearly stated by the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany. He declared that the nine members are using their influence to bring about a change so that the State guarantees the enjoyment of human rights to all and ensures that they can all live together as equal citizens. 314. Influence can be exerted by persuasion and by pressure. We have seriously and honestly tried to engage in a meaningful dialogue with South Africa, but it takes two to hold a true dialogue. 315.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

45. “Thirty years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration, the United Nations should now further develop this potential for the actual promotion and protection of human rights. I remain convinced that a United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights would add significantly to this potential. The fight against racism and racial discrimination is a major objective of the United Nations. I regret that the recent world conference against racism took a course with which my country, along with several others, was unable to associate itself. However, this outcome will not deflect my country from its determination to fight racism and racial discrimination. 313.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

46. “It is frustrating to see the United Nations powerless in the face of gross and persistent violations of human rights and cases of massive cruelty bordering on genocide. It is no less frustrating to see that in some cases the United Nations is reluctant even to discuss such situations. But, as pointed out by the Secretary-General /see A/33/1, sect. VIII], some progress was made over the past year, as witnessed by the visit to Chile of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Situation of Human Rights in Chile, the first instance of on-the-spot investigation, and by the fact that the human rights situation in several countries is being actively considered by the Commission on Human Rights. 312.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

47. “With the entry into force of the two International Covenants on Human Rights and the Optional Protocol to one of them, the international bill of rights that was envisaged by the founders of the United Nations has become operational. There is, however, still work to be done. In particular the General Assembly ought, during this session, to complete the work on the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Promotion of the equality of man and woman in society still remains, three years after the Mexico Conference,23 a matter of high priority. 311 Promoting actual observance of human rights has proved to be even more difficult for the United Nations than the drawing up of norms and rules.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

48. “One cannot urge respect for political rights if one is not prepared to work for the realization of economic and social rights. The Netherlands will, therefore, pursue its active development co-operation policy. At the same time we shall continue to advocate respect for the essential rights of the individual, not only because of their intrinsic value but also because we believe that, ultimately and in accordance with article 28 of the Universal Declaration, political freedom is indispensable for human development in all other fields. 310 The United Nations can be proud of its achievements in setting norms and standards concerning human rights, starting with the adoption of the Universal Declaration nearly 30 years ago.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

49. “There is an increased and encouraging world-wide interest in the issue of human rights. It cannot be denied, however, that there is an undertone of mistrust in the position of many developing countries with regard to the position of others on human rights. The adoption, last year, of resolution 32/130 clearly posed the problem of economic and social rights as distinct from and, at least in the view of some, opposed to political rights. The issue is serious. The Netherlands is ready to face this challenge of new thinking on human rights. I recognize the interdependence of political, economic and social rights. Indeed, the preambles to the two International Covenants on Human Rights are identical. I recognize that the social and economic emancipation of developing countries is an indispensable element of the promotion of human rights.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)

50. “In that perspective, the results of the Camp David meetings should be regarded as an important step towards that goal. 309. In addressing myself to the issue of human rights, I am conscious of the complexity of the problem, of its changing, and at the same time expanding, scope in a changing and interdependent world and of the need for constant reappraisal. Respect for and the promotion of human rights are deeply engraved on the conscience of the Netherlands people. Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, deep changes have taken place. We have witnessed the political emancipation of the third world and the coming to independence of new nations with their own cultural and philosophical backgrounds, new nations still suffering under poverty and economic inequality.”

    1978-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 33 (1978)