European Union, etc.
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Costa Rica, etc.
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United Kingdom, etc.
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Uruguay, etc.
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(debate continued from previous page)
Uruguay: We helped to draft the Human Right to Peace. It is a process. Not a right we are creating but recognizing. Our Declaration of Independence in 1825 did not include all human rights. Human rights and duties are constantly evolving. They need legal definitions. This should not hinder us from acknowledging it. UNESCO's competence is this - having a representation from all countries. The culture of peace should be considered as a means to ensure human rights and the Human Right to Peace. The Executive Board should continue and carry on in-depth consideration of the Human Right to Peace.
Peru: the Human Right to Peace is the ambition of all people and should be elevated to a legal right. We need a group of experts for its legal aspects, but we should give it our full support in principle.
Spain: With regard to the Human Right to Peace Spain shares the concerns of the European Union.
Croatia: With regard to the Human Right to Peace, we need to give time to the Member States to reach a consensus.
Syria: Full priority should be given to the Human Right to Peace, but recognizing that there are many obstacles including military occupations and hegemony. Peace must be based on justice.
Malta: proposes a compromise position on the Human Right to Peace.
Bolivia: Supports the Human Right to Peace as a contribution to the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Guatemala: Supports the Human Right to Peace, as an ethical and utopian dream. We must end the manufacture and sale of weapons. Youth should be included in the meeting of experts to study the Human Right to Peace.
Paraguay: This rich discussion shows that the culture of peace is the central issue of this General Conference and that the Human Right to Peace is needed for individuals and states. While it has been said that the Human Right to Peace distracts from the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration, we say, to the contrary, that there is no better way to celebrate it than by carrying forward the torch of human rights. As for the question, who will defend and enforce it, this is a misguided question. Human rights have always been accepted by their universal acceptance. As all rights, the right to peace must win over those who are opposed. As for the question of mandate, this is our Constitutional mandate of UNESCO! Perhaps peace is a greater concern in the South where scarce resources are being diverted to war. We cannot allow an endless series of legal arguments to keep us from moving forward.
Iraq: The President of Iraq has sent a letter supporting the Human Right to Peace with some amendments. The Human Right to Peace must include the right to self-determination for all peoples and equality among nations. Without these there can be no Human Right to Peace.
Mr Badran on behalf of the Director-General: Notes overwhelming support for the culture of peace, but reservations and requests for modifications of the Human Right to Peace. Reservations concern the legal framework, procedure for consideration, and the competence of UNESCO. There is peace in the North but not in the South; hence it is the South that supports the Human Right to Peace. Paraguay is thanked for proposing a motion to establish a working group for the Human Right to Peace, but the Director-General prefers to work towards a consensus before moving forward.
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