Busy UN Disarmament Agenda in 2012

General Assembly President Points to Busy UN Disarmament Agenda in 2012

New York, Oct 21 2011 4:10PM
The President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, today said that disarmament will be an important issue on the United Nations agenda next year, with a number of crucial conferences on global weapons reduction planned.

“Nuclear disarmament, in particular, remains a prominent and ever-more pressing priority for the United Nations,” said Mr. Al-Nasser when he <"http://www.un.org/en/ga/president/66/statements/firstcom211011.shtml">addressed the Assembly’s first committee that deals with disarmament and international security.

Mr. Al-Nasser noted that on the UN disarmament agenda next year will be the UN Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty; the Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons; and the First Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, among others.

“I assure you that I will conduct the relevant consultations with all interested parties, and will exert all the necessary efforts so that long-awaited, tangible progress in these areas is realised,” he said.

Mr. Al-Nasser also addressed the third committee, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural affairs, stressing that its work was especially pertinent this year when people in a number of countries are demanding greater democracy, liberty, dignity and social justice.

“In your work, your consideration of topics ranging from social development to the advancement of women to the promotion and protection of children’s rights, are fundamental starting points for realizing the potential of democratic nations. These are also essential elements of peaceful and secure livelihoods for all,” he said.

The Human Rights Council, as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly, is also playing a crucial role in the protection and mainstreaming of human rights worldwide, he noted.

“Last year, the General Assembly carried out negotiations on the review of the Council, as mandated by the Assembly, so as to strengthen the Council’s functions and methods of work.

“I welcome the consensual approach and outcome that resulted from these negotiations, as well as the coordinated approach between Geneva and New York during the review. This practice should be strengthened.”
Oct 21 2011 4:10PM
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