Delegates Stress Importance Of Respect For All Human Rights ­- Economic, Social, Cultural, Civil, Political ­- AS THIRD COMMITTEE CONCLUDES GENERAL DISCUSSION

United Nations, Fri 14 Nov 2003

17/11/2003Press Release GA/SHC/3767

Fifty-eighth General Assembly

Third Committee

47th & 48th Meetings (AM & PM)

Speakers stressed the need to respect all human rights -­ civil, political, economic, social and cultural ­- in order to effectively fight terrorism, achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and establish a culture of peace, as the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) concluded its general discussion of alternative approaches for improving the enjoyment of human rights, and specific human rights situations.

JOSE LUIS GUTERRES () said that, over the last year, his country had ratified the core universal instruments for the protection of civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights. It had also initiated an open-governance program aimed at the full participation of all citizens in the political process.

His Government had assumed responsibility for providing health services in 13 districts and was committed to increasing access to primary and junior high school, resulting in 95 per cent primary school enrollments. His Government also recognized violence against women as an obstacle to development, and was working to strengthen national capacity to address gender-based violence. Timor-Leste also attached special importance to the protection of children’s rights.

He said his Government was firmly committed to the full respect of human rights and freedoms and believed that only through their full enjoyment could development and prosperity be achieved.

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2003/gashc3767.doc.htm

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