Notes by Rik Panganiban, CONGO
Summary: Sub-committee B met for what was to be the final meeting of the sub-committee, with final agreements on texts related to human rights references and to follow-up mechanisms still remaining to be decided upon. While progress was achieved on some paragraphs, in general contentious issues in Para 4 and 5 of DT12 and Paras 23-30 on follow-up in DT26 were not resolved and the sub-groups were asked to meet again and report back at 1600 hours.
Notes on specific paragraphs:
Chair : para 1 split into two parts. Para 3 and alt 3 deleted.
Change “leading role” to “key role” of government. Agreed.
Para 18 (DT26) on MSPs
Saudi Arabia: replace “may” with “could” Agreed.
Para 19 (DT26) on PPPs
Egypt: deleted reference to “national experience”
Agreed.
Para 4 and 5 (DT12) on human rights
Debate on reformulated para 4 from Norway and Iran sub-group.
EU and Canada has problem with “These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.”
US requests deletion of this section.
Morocco and EU has problem with 4C “We recall and recongnize that the freedom of expression carries with it duties and responsibilties, in conformity with national legislation and applicable international law.”
Ghana and Saudi Arabia amend 3A to switch “key” with “beneficial to development”
The EU proposes to delete text on “national legislation” and refer just to “Geneva declaration of principles.” Arab group and others want it in.
Canada: send it back to working group.
EU: Let’s delete the whole thing except reference to Geneva Declaration of Principles.
Chair: Let’s give it back to the small group. Come back to us by 4pm today.
Chair: refer back to group.
Canada and Russian Federation report that much of the text remains in brackets
“Chaired by ITU” text remains.
Chair: Let’s close and give group time to meet some more and report back at 4pm.
Norway and Iran will coordinate a meeting on Paras 4, 5 and 11N in Room Sidi Boussaid from 1500-1600 hours.
The meeting was adjourned.