Ársskýrsla_FNY_64allsherjarþings2009_2010

Skýrsla um störf fastanefndar Íslands hjá Sameinuðu þjóðunum á 64. allsherjarþinginu 2009 - 2010

Fastanefnd Íslands hjá Sameinuðu þjóðunum

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Efnisyfirlit Inngangur........................................................................................................................1 Öryggisráðið....................................................................................................................1 Almennt...............................................................................................................................................1 Sérstök málefni öryggisráðsins...........................................................................................................2

Allsherjarþingið..............................................................................................................2 Forseti 64. allsherjarþings Sameinuðu þjóðanna.................................................................................2 Fundir og viðburðir í ráðherravikunni.................................................................................................3 Samstarf Norðurlanda..........................................................................................................................4

Málefni tengd allsherjarþinginu....................................................................................4 Ráðstefna um áhrif efnahags- og fjármálakreppunnar á þróun...........................................................4 Endurbætur á öryggisráðinu................................................................................................................4 Rio +20 undirbúningsfundur...............................................................................................................5 Stuðningshópur öryggisráðsályktunar nr. 1325...................................................................................5 Ályktanir alsherjarþingsins um málefni hafsins .................................................................................5 Líffræðilegur fjölbreytileiki utan lögsögu ríkja ..................................................................................6 Óformlegi vettvangurinn um málefni hafsins og hafréttarmál ...........................................................6 Fundur vinnuhóps um reglubundið mat á ástandi heimshafanna ......................................................6 Endurbætur á skipulagi Sþ á sviði jafnréttismála................................................................................6 Samningaviðræður um yfirlýsingu leiðtogafundar um þúsaldarmarkmiðin.......................................7 Þátttaka Íslands í stjórn UNICEF........................................................................................................7 Kvennanefnd Sameinuðu þjóðanna ....................................................................................................7 Nefnd um sjálfbæra þróun...................................................................................................................8 Kosningar ...........................................................................................................................................9

Nefndir allsherjarþingsins.............................................................................................9 Fyrsta nefnd: Afvopnunar- og öryggismál..........................................................................................9 Önnur nefnd: Efnahags-, þróunar- og umhverfismál .......................................................................10 Þriðja nefnd: Félags- og mannréttindamál........................................................................................10 Fjórða nefnd: Sérstaka stjórnmála- og nýlendunefndin....................................................................11 Fimmta nefnd: Fjárhags- og stjórnsýslumál......................................................................................12 Sjötta nefnd: Þjóðréttarmál................................................................................................................13

I. Viðauki: Sendinefnd Íslands og starfsfólk fastanefndarinnar..............................15 II. Viðauki: Ræður í allsherjarþinginu og undirnefndum........................................16 Allsherjarþing Sþ: Ávarp utanríkisráðherra í almennum umræðum í ráðherravikunni, 26. september 2009...................................................................................................................................................16 Konur friður og öryggi: Ávarp varafastafulltrúa á opnum fundi öryggisráðsins, 5. október 2009...18 Skýrsla framkvæmdastjóra Sþ um störf stofnunarinnar: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á allsherjarþinginu, 6. október 2009......................................................................................................................................20 Fjármál Sameinuðu þjóðanna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í fimmtu nefnd, 6. október 2009.......................21 Afvopnun og takmörkun vígbúnaðar: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í fyrstu nefnd, 9. október 2009..............22 Jafnrétti kynjanna og efling kvenna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í þriðju nefnd, 12. október 2009..............24 Ástandið á hinum hernumdu svæðum Palestínumanna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á opnum fundi öryggisráðsins, 14. október 2009......................................................................................................25 Réttindi barna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í þriðju nefnd, 15. október 2009...............................................26 Goldstone-skýrslan: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á allsherjarþinginu, 5. nóvember 2009..............................27 Orkumál og loftslagsbreytingar: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í pallborðsumræðum í Scandinavia House í New York, 23 nóvember 2009..........................................................................................................28 Innbyrðis samstarf þróunarríkja: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á ráðstefnu í Nairóbí, 3. desember 2009........30 Málefni hafsins: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á allsherjarþinginu, 4. desember 2009....................................31

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Barnahjálp Sþ (UNICEF): Ávarp fastafulltrúa á stjórnarfundi 13. janúar 2010 ..............................33 Náttúruhamfarirnar á Haítí: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á framlagafundi, 15. janúar 2010 .........................33 Verndun og nýting líffræðilegs fjölbreytileika utan efnahagslögsögu ríkja: Ávarp varafastafulltrúa á vinnufundi, 1. febrúar 2010............................................................................................................34 Málefni kvenna: Ávarp félagsmálaráðherra, á fundi í kvennanefnd Sþ, 2. mars 2010.....................35 Útbreiðsla kjarnavopna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á endurskoðunarráðstefnu NPT-samningsins, 5. maí 2010...................................................................................................................................................36 Ásskýrsla Barnahjálpar Sþ (UNICEF): Ávarp fastafulltrúa á stjórnarfundi stofnunarinnar, 1. júní 2010...................................................................................................................................................38 Skýrsla Barnahjálpar Sþ (UNICEF) um jafnréttismál: Ávarp varafastafulltrúa á stjórnarfundi 4. júní 2010 ..................................................................................................................................................38 Málefni Mið-Austurlanda: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á opnum fundi öryggisráðsins, 21. júlí 2010..........39 Reglubundna ferlið um mat á ástandi heimshafanna: Ávarp varafastafulltrúa á vinnufundi um gerð tillagna fyrir allsherjarþingið, 30. ágúst 2010...................................................................................40

III. Viðauki: Ályktanir allsherjarþingsins..................................................................42 IV. Viðauki: Ályktanir 1. nefndar...............................................................................45 V. Viðauki: Ályktanir 2. nefndar................................................................................48 VI. Viðauki: Ályktanir 3. nefndar...............................................................................50 VII. Viðauki: Ályktanir 4. nefndar.............................................................................53 VIII. Viðauki: Ályktanir 5. nefndar............................................................................55 IX. Viðauki: Ályktanir 6. nefndar...............................................................................57

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Inngangur Skýrslu þessari er ætlað að veita yfirlit yfir störf fastanefndar á 64. allsherjarþingi Sameinuðu þjóðanna (Sþ) og á öðrum vettvangi stofnana og nefnda Sameinuðu þjóðanna í New York, frá september 2009 til september 2010. Í viðauka eru ræður ráðherra, fastafulltrúa og annarra fulltrúa Íslands í allsherjarþinginu, nefndum þess og í öryggisráðinu. Þá eru þar töflur sem sýna málefni hverrar nefndar allsherjarþingsins og afgreiðslu þeirra, sem og afstöðu Íslands til mála við atkvæðagreiðslur.

Öryggisráðið Almennt Á tímabilinu 1. ágúst 2009 – 31. júlí 2010, hélt öryggisráðið 191 formlegan fund, samþykkti samtals 54 ályktanir og gaf út 27 yfirlýsingar forseta ráðsins.

Forseti Bandaríkjanna stýrði leiðtogafundi ráðsins í fyrsta skipti þann 24. september 2009 þegar Barack Obama leiddi fjölsóttan leiðtogafund þess um afvopununarmál. Á fundinum var ályktun öryggisráðsins nr. 1887 um kjarnavopnaafvopnun og takmörkun útbreiðslu kjarnavopna samþykkt einróma. Í ályktuninni er mikilvægi samningsins gegn útbreiðslu kjarnavopna (NPT samningurinn) ítrekað og ríki sem eru aðilar að samningnum eru hvött til þess að hlíta ákvæðum hans að fullu. Fundurinn er talinn hafa lagt línur fyrir væntanlegar umræður á alþjóðavettvangi um afvopnunarmál.

Umfjöllun um málefni Afríku var sem fyrr tímafrek. Málefni Súdan voru efst á baugi vegna fyrirhugaðra kosninga um sjálfstæði suðurhluta landsins sem fara skulu fram 9. janúar 2011 í samræmi við friðarsamkomulagið frá 2005. Mikill tími fór einnig í málefni Tsjad og sendisveit Sþ í landinu, en forseti landsins fór fram á það í uppafi árs 2010 að dvöl sendisveitarinnar yrði ekki framlengd. Ráðið framlengdi umboð uppbyggingar- og stöðugleikasveitar Sþ í AusturKongó en þar er ástand enn slæmt, sérstaklega í austurhluta landsins þar sem skæruliðar ógna friði. Málefni Búrúndí, Mið-Afríkulýðveldisins, Fílabeinsstrandarinnar, Gíneu Bissá, Líberíu, Madagaskar, Síerra Leóne, Sómalíu og Vestur Sahara voru einnig á dagskrá. Í lok árs 2009 ákvað ráðið að taka upp nánara samstarf við Afríkusambandið í friðar- og öryggismálum.

Staðan fyrir botni Miðjarðarhafs var reglulega til umræðu og var boðað til opinnar umræðu á þriggja mánaða fresti. Opnar umræður voru í október 2009 um Goldstone-skýrsluna og ráðið lét einnig til sín taka júní 2010 með yfirlýsingu forseta og með skipan sérstakrar rannsóknarnefndar í kjölfar atviksins í júní þegar skipalest með neyðargögn til Palestínu var stöðvuð og færð til hafnar af ísraelskum yfirvöldum.

Af málefnum Asíu fór mestur tími í ályktun ráðsins í kjölfar tundurskeytaárásar Norður-Kóreu á herskip Suður-Kóreu í mars 2010. Tók nær þrjá mánuði fyrir ráðið að komast að samkomulagi um ályktun. Önnur mál í álfunni voru Afganistan, Írak, Mýanmar/Búrma og Austur-Tímor sem og ástandið í Nepal.

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Ráðið ræddi ástandið á Haítí nokkrum sinnum og sérstaklega í kjölfar jarðskjálftanna í landinu í janúar. Af því tilefni samþykkti ráðið ályktun sem féllst á tillögur framkvæmdastjóra Sþ um aukinn stuðning við stöðugleikasendisveit Sþ í landinu til að styðja við uppbyggingu í kjölfar jarðskjálftans.

Ráðið fylgdist reglulega með ástandinu í Kosóvó sem og á Kýpur en þar var umboð friðargæslusveitar Sþ framlengt.

Sérstök málefni öryggisráðsins Þó nokkur tími fór í þematískar umræður og almenn málefni þar með talið hryðjuverk sem ógn við frið og öryggi, vernd óbreyttra borgara í vopnuðum átökum, börn í vopnuðum átökum, konur frið og öryggi, friðargæslu, friðfrömun, frið og öryggi í Afríku og afvopnunarmál. Ráðið samþykkti auknar refsiaðgerðir gagnvart Íran sem hefur ekki orðið við kröfum alþjóðakjarnorkumálastofnunarinnar. Mál stríðsglæpadómstóla fyrrverandi Júgóslavíu og Rúvanda voru einnig rædd. Litlar breytingar urðu á starfsaðferðum á tímabilinu þó nokkuð hafi borið á umræðum innan og utan ráðsins um nauðsyn þeirra. Öryggisráðið fjallaði um konur, frið og öryggi á sérstökum fundi undir stjórn utanríkisráðherra Bandaríkjanna Hillary Clinton, miðvikudaginn 30. september 2009. Ráðið samþykkti einróma ályktun nr. 1888 um kynferðisglæpi í vopnuðum átökum sem festir í sessi fyrri ályktun nr. 1820. Ísland var meðflytjandi ályktunarinnar, en í henni er m.a. kallað eftir víðtækara eftirliti með skipulögðum kynferðisglæpum og skipun sérstaks fulltrúa framkvæmdastjóra Sþ til að leiða málið. Árleg opin umræða ráðsins um konur, frið og öryggi fór fram 5. október 2009. Ráðið samþykkti ályktun nr. 1889 sem styrkir enn frekar ákvæði ályktunar nr. 1325. Varafastafulltrúi flutti ávarp fyrir Íslands hönd.

Opnar umræður um málefni Miðausturlanda fóru fram 14. október 2009. Fulltrúi Líbíu bað um fundinn til þess að ræða Goldstone-skýrsluna. Fastafulltrúi flutti ávarp, en um 50 ríki tóku þátt í umræðunum. Ísland var meðflytjandi að ræðu ESB í opinni umræðu í ráðinu um vernd óbreyttra borgara í vopnuðum átökum þann 11. nóvember 2009. Opin umræða var haldin 25. nóvember 2009 um skýrslu friðfrömunarnefndar og fluttu Norðurlöndin sameiginlegt ávarp af því tilefni.

Allsherjarþingið Forseti 64. allsherjarþings Sameinuðu þjóðanna Forseti 64. allsherjarþingsins var einróma kjörinn 10. júní 2009. Fyrir valinu varð Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki frá Líbíu, en hann hefur gegnt stöðu ráðherra Afríkusambandsmálefna frá 2004, en auk þess stöðu utanríkisráðherra og verið fastafulltrúi hjá Sameinuðu þjóðunum þrisvar frá 1982.

Tuttugu og einn varaforseti allsherjarþingins var einnig kosinn, þar af sextán varaforsetar frá ríkjahópunum fimm (fulltrúar fastaríkjanna fimm í öryggisráðinu eru sjálfkjörnir). Fastafulltrúar Belgíu og Finnlands voru kosnir fulltrúar Vesturlandahópsins (WEOG).

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Fundir og viðburðir í ráðherravikunni Sextugasta og fjórða allsherjarþing Sameinuðu þjóðanna var formlega sett þriðjudaginn 15. september 2009. Ráðherravikan hófst 21. september og almenn ráðherraumræða allsherjarþingsins átti sér stað 23.-30. september með þátttöku utanríkisráðherra Íslands.

Fyrsti viðburður ráðherravikunnar var sérstakur leiðtogafundur um loftslagsmál sem framkvæmdastjóri Sþ boðaði til. Fundurinn var ekki samningafundur, heldur var honum ætlað að glæða samningaviðræðurnar í aðdraganda Kaupmannahafnarfundarins nýju lífi. Fundurinn var vel sóttur af þjóðarleiðtogum og varð að lokum fjölmennasti leiðtogafundur sem haldinn hefur verið um loftslagsmál. Yfir 100 þjóðarleiðtogar tóku þátt í fundinum. Fundurinn skiptist í allsherjarfund, þar sem valdir leiðtogar töluðu, og hringborðsumræður á átta borðum þar sem öllum leiðtogum gafst færi á þátttöku. Niðurstaða fundarins var í formi yfirlýsingar framkvæmdastjóra í lok fundarins. Utanríkisráðherra tók þátt í hringborði um hvernig gera megi grundvallarbreytingar á hagkerfum svo koma megi á sjálfbærum hagvexti með sem minnstri losun gróðurhúsalofttegunda.

Barack Obama, forseti Bandaríkjanna, ávarpaði allsherjarþingið í almennum umræðum allsherjarþingsins og kynnti nýjar áherslur Bandaríkjanna í alþjóðamálum. Hann lagði sérstaka áherslu á afvopnunarmál, frið fyrir botni Miðjarðarhafs, loftslagsmál og mikilvægi þess að binda sem fyrst endi á fjármála- og efnahagskreppuna. Þessir fjórir þættir voru raunar áberandi í ræðum leiðtoga og var sérstök áhersla lögð á stöðu þróunarríkja og aðstoð við þau í baráttunni gegn hlýnun jarðar, en að þróunarríkin yrðu jafnframt að leggja sitt af mörkum. Þá var kallað eftir endurbótum innan alþjóðafjármálastofnana og Sþ, þ.á.m. á öryggisráðinu. Utanríkisráðherra ávarpaði þingið laugardaginn 26. september og var í hópi fyrstu utanríkisráðherra á mælendaskrá.

Utanríkisráðherrar Norðurlanda og Eystrasaltsríkja komu saman til morgunverðarfundar í fastanefnd Íslands miðvikudaginn 23. september. Á fundinum var einkum rætt um undirbúning loftslagsráðstefnunnar í Kaupmannahöfn í desember 2009, framboðsmál, m.a. framboð Finnlands til öryggisráðsins og stöðu Norðurlanda og Eystrasaltsríkja gagnvart G-20 ríkjahópnum.

Síðarnefndu umræðuefnin tengdust einnig vangaveltum um sæti Norðurlanda og Eystrasaltsríkja í stjórn Alþjóðabankans/Alþjóðagjaldeyrissjóðsins, sem einstök stærri ríki munu hafa haft áhuga á að yrði tekið af ríkjunum átta. Voru ríkin sammála um að sporna bæri gegn slíkum hugmyndum og efla stöðu Norðurlandanna eftir því sem tök væru á.

Norðurlönd og Eystrasaltsríki áttu sameiginlegan fund með ríkjum Mið-Asíu (Kasakstan, Kirgistan og Tadjikistan) 25. september. Tilefni fundarins var formennska Kasakstan í ÖSE á árinu 2010, en Litháen mun taka við formennskunni árið 2011. Rætt var um áherslur Kasakstan, þ. á m. eftirfylgni við Korfú-ferlið, ráðstefnu um umburðarlyndi sem halda á í Almaty og þátttöku ÖSE í málefnum Afganistan og öðrum deilum.

Utanríkisráðherra átti ellefu tvíhliða fundi með öðrum ráðherrum, flestum þeirra frá Evrópu, auk þess sem hann sat þrjá fundi sem forseti Íslands átti með öðrum þjóðarleiðtogum. Þá átti ráðherrann fund með framkvæmdastjóra alþjóðagjaldeyrissjóðsins, Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Þann 25. september hélt öryggisráðið sérstakan leiðtogafund um takmörkun útbreiðslu kjarnavopna og kjarnaafvopnun. Fundinum stjórnaði forseti Bandaríkjanna, en Bandaríkin voru í formennsku í ráðinu í september. Fyrir ráðinu lá ályktun sem samþykkt var einróma (nr. 1887).

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Á fundinum greindi forsetinn frá fyrirætlunum Bandaríkjanna og Rússlands um að komast að samningi um fækkun langdrægra kjarnavopna og einnig frá leiðtogafundi sem haldin verður á árinu 2010 um kjarnorkuöryggi. Áberandi var hversu margir framsögmenn lögðu áherslu á rétt allra ríkja til þess að nýta kjarnorku í friðsamlegum tilgangi..

Dagana 24. og 25. september stóð yfir fundur ríkja sem hafa fullgilt samninginn um allsherjarbann við tilraunum með kjarnavopn (CTBT). Fundurinn er haldinn annað hvert ár, en markmið hans er að þrýsta á ríki um að fullgilda samninginn. Yfirlýsing fundarins var samþykkt einróma og kveður hún á um nauðsyn þess að ríkin sem í hlut eiga fullgildi samninginn svo hann taki gildi hið fyrsta.

Til viðbótar sótti fastanefnd fjölda hliðarviðburða þar sem m.a. var fjallað um afnám dauðarefsingar, börn og alnæmi og hvernig draga megi úr losun gróðurhúsalofttegunda af völdum eyðingar og hnignunar skóga. Einnig sótti fastanefnd hringborðsumræðu Danmerkur og International Peace Institute um tengsl loftlagsbreytinga og öryggismála.

Fastanefnd sat hliðarviðburð sem forsetar Finnlands og Líberíu héldu í sameiningu um málefni ályktunar nr. 1325 og loftslagsbreytingar og var framhald samskonar viðburðar 8. mars 2009 í Monroviu. Fundurinn var vel sóttur af háttsettum aðilum sem varð tíðrætt um afmæli ályktunarinnar á næsta ári og nauðsyn þess að betur takist til um framkvæmd hennar.

Fastanefnd og fulltrúi ráðuneytisins tóku þátt í eins dags hátíðardagskrá Palestínuflóttamannaaðstoðarinnar (UNRWA) 25. september sem haldin var í tilefni af sextíu ára afmæli stofnunarinnar.

Samstarf Norðurlanda Vikulegir fundir fastafulltrúa Norðurlandanna fóru fram í fastanefnd Íslands á árinu 2009. Hefð er fyrir slíkum fundum sem eru mikilvægir til að viðhalda og efla norrænt samstarf á vettvangi samtakanna. Þá funda fulltrúar Norðurlandanna reglulega um flest þau málefni sem eru á dagskrá nefnda allsherjarþingsins. Norðurlöndin hafa einnig í auknum mæli flutt sameiginlegar ræður í öryggisráði Sþ. Hafa fastanefndir Norðurlanda tekið saman sérstakt yfirlit um hvernig megi efla norræna samvinnu á vettvangi samtakanna enn frekar.

Málefni tengd allsherjarþinginu Ráðstefna um áhrif efnahags- og fjármálakreppunnar á þróun Í kjölfar ráðstefnu Sþ í júní 2009 um áhrif fjármála- og efnahagskreppunnar á þróun var settur á laggirnar sérstakur óformlegur vinnuhópur til þess að fylgja eftir niðurstöðum ráðstefnunnar.

Haldnir voru sjö fundir í vinnuhópnum þar sem m.a. var rætt um hvort aðgerðir stjórnvalda í kjölfar kreppunnar hefðu borið árangur, áhrif kreppunnar á framlög til þróunarsamvinnu, breytingar á fjármögnunarleiðum, bætt eftirlit með fjármálamörkuðum, endurbætur á alþjóðlega fjármálakerfinu og að lokum um mögulega aukna þátttöku Sþ í stjórnun alþjóðlega fjármálageirans. Vinnuhópurinn skilað skýrslu um störf sín 3. ágúst 2010.

Endurbætur á öryggisráðinu Samningaviðræður allsherjarþingsins um endurbætur á öryggisráði Sameinuðu þjóðanna héldu áfram á þingtímanum, en verkefnisstjóri var sem áður fastafulltrúi Afghanistan, Zahir Tanin.

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Í janúar 2010 hófst fjórða fundarlota samningaviðræðnanna. Markmið þeirrar lotu var að afmarka atriði sem aðildarríkin væru sammála um og leggja grunn að samningatexta sem byggt yrði á. Í kjölfar fjórðu fundarlotu var samantekt með sjónarmiðum og tillögum aðildarríkja gefin út um þá fimm málaflokka sem lagðir hafa verið til grundvallar: 1) Flokka aðildar, 2) neitunarvaldið, 3) svæðisbundin sjónarmið, 4) stærð og vinnuaðferðir, og 5) tengsl við allsherjarþingið. Fimmta fundarlota stóð yfir sumarið 2010 og var fundað um sérhvern málaflokk. Í kjölfarið var uppfærð útgáfa samningatextans tekin saman og munu samningaviðræðurnar um endurbætur á öryggisráðinu halda áfram á 65. allsherjarþingi Sþ.

Rio +20 undirbúningsfundur Undirbúningsfundur ráðstefnu Sþ um sjálfbæra þróun, sem haldinn verður í Ríó de Janeiro árið 2012, fór fram dagana 17. - 19. maí 2010. Samkvæmt ákvörðun allsherjarþingsins verða viðfangsefni UNCSD tvíþætt; grænt hagkerfi í samhengi við sjálfbæra þróun og útrýming fátæktar og stofnanaleg umgjörð sjálfbærrar þróunar. Átta fundardagar verða helgaðir undirbúningi ráðstefnunnar, en annar fundurinn í röðinni verður haldinn í mars 2011. Ákveðið var að haldnir verði þrír óformlegir milliþingafundir til viðbótar. Í umræðum til þessa hefur verið rækilega undirstrikað að útfæra þurfi hugtakið "grænt hagkerfi" með skilmerkilegum hætti. Þannig hafa þróunarríki kallað eftir skýringum á hvort gera eigi greinarmun á sjálfbærri þróun og grænu hagkerfi og í hverju munurinn sé fólginn. Þá hafa þau einnig lýst áhyggjum yfir að áhersla á grænt hagkerfi kunni að hamla frekar en greiða fyrir efnahagslegum framförum, einkum þar sem ljóst megi vera að tiltölulega fá þróunarríki hafi aðgang að hagstjórnartækjum og tækninýjungum sem gera muni þeim kleift að nýta "grænar" áherslur í sína þágu. Loks hafa þróunarríki varað við því að umræðan um grænkun hagkerfisins verði aðskilin aðgerðum á sviði loftslagsmála.

Stór hópur þátttakenda kom frá höfuðborgum, þ.á.m. Norðurlöndunum, en mörg aðildarríki hafa þegar markað samstarfi ólíkra ráðuneyta og stofnana farveg heima fyrir.

Samkomulag náðist ekki um fundarsköp ráðstefnunnar vegna ágreinings um stöðu Evrópusambandsins.

Verkefnisstjórar lögðu fram yfirgripsmikla samantekt í níutíu og þremur liðum um umræðurnar.

Samantektina má líta á sem leiðarvísi um helstu viðfangsefni sem líklegt er að fjallað verði um á sjálfri Ríó-ráðstefnunni.

Stuðningshópur öryggisráðsályktunar nr. 1325 Í apríl bauð Kanada Íslandi að gerast þátttakandi í samstarfshópi valinna ríkja um konur frið og öryggi, tengdum öryggisráðsályktun nr. 1325, en þar hefur verið fjallað um mælistikur fyrir Sþ og aðildarríki til að meta árangur af framfylgd ályktunar nr. 1325 og hvernig halda eigi upp á 10 ára afmæli ályktunarinnar í október 2010.

Ályktanir alsherjarþingsins um málefni hafsins Fyrri umferð óformlegu samningaviðræðnanna um ályktun allsherjarþingsins um málefni hafsins og hafréttarmál fór fram 29. september – 2. október. Helstu álitaefni fundarins voru hugmyndir Kína um nýjar greinar og orðalag um landgrunnsmál, hugmyndir Japans um nýtingu auðlinda á svæðum sem ágreiningur er um, baráttan við sjórán og loks hugmyndir ESB um nýjar greinar, m.a. ákvæði um norðurslóðir, sem ekki hlutu brautargengi. Seinni umferð samningaviðræðanna fór fram 9.- 13. nóvember.

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Fyrri umferð óformlegra samningaviðræðna um fiskveiðiályktunina fór fram 15.-18. september og sú seinni dagana 16. – 23. nóvember. Í aðdraganda samningaviðræðna um ályktun allsherjarþingsins um málefni hafsins og hafréttarmál bauð fastafulltrúi, annar tveggja verkefnisstjóra starfshóps allsherjarþingsins um reglubundna ferlið til að hafa eftirlit með og meta ástand heimshafanna (GRAME), til vinnufunda um drög að texta um ferlið í ályktun allsherjarþingsins um málefni hafsins og hafréttarmál. Þann 4. desember fór fram árleg umræða í allsherjarþinginu um málefni hafsins og hafréttarmál þar sem fastafulltrúi flutti ávarp. Árleg ályktun um fiskveiðar var samþykkt án atkvæðagreiðslu, en kosið var um ályktun um málefni hafsins og hafréttarmál sem var samþykkt með 120 atkvæðum gegn einu, en þrjú ríki sátu hjá.

Líffræðilegur fjölbreytileiki utan lögsögu ríkja Dagana 1. – 5. febrúar 2010 fór fram óformlegur vinnufundur starfshóps um gerð tillagna til allsherjarþingsins um verndun og nýtingu líffræðilegs fjölbreytileika í sjó utan efnahagslögsögu ríkja. Fundurinn hófst með almennum ávörpum og flutti fulltrúi fastanefndar ávarp undir þeim dagskrárlið. Dagskrá fundarins var yfirgripsmikil og m.a. rætt um öflun frekari þekkingar á svæðum í sjó utan efnahagslögsugu ríkja, færniuppbyggingu og tæknisamvinnu við þróunarríki og notkun verndarsvæða og mats á umhverfisáhrifum við stjórnun á nýtingu erfðaauðlinda utan efnahagslögsögu ríkja.

Verkefnisstjórar fundarins, í samvinnu við fulltrúa svæðahópa, lögðu fram drög að niðurstöðum og voru þau samþykkt að lokum sem málamiðlun.

Óformlegi vettvangurinn um málefni hafsins og hafréttarmál Ellefti fundur óformlega ferilsins um málefni hafsins var haldinn í New York dagana 21. til 25. júní. Auk fulltrúa ráðuneytisins sótti framkvæmdastjóri Sjávarútvegsskóla Háskóla Sþ fundinn og tók þátt í pallborðsumræðum. Aðal viðfangsefni fundarins var færniuppbygging í málefnum hafsins, þar með talið í sjávarvísindum og hafrétti. Einnig var rætt um samstarf og samvinnu alþjóðastofnana, hugsanleg önnur málefni sem vert væri fyrir allsherjarþingið að taka til umfjöllunar, og hvernig velja eigi umræðuefni og sérfræðinga í pallborðsumræður. Að lokum var fjallað um niðurstöður fundarins. Í ávarpi Íslands var m.a. vikið að mikilvægi áreiðanlegra upplýsinga um fiskveiðar og upplýsinga um ástand fiskistofna.

Fundur vinnuhóps um reglubundið mat á ástandi heimshafanna Starfshópur allsherjarþingsins um reglubundna ferlið (GRAME) kom saman í höfuðstöðunum dagana 30. ágúst - 3. september. Verkefnisstjórar þessa síðasta fundar í undirbúningsferlinu voru fastafulltrúi Íslands og fastafulltrúi Sao Tome og Principe. Meginverkefni fundarins var að fjalla um framkvæmd reglubundna ferlisins og stofnanalega umgjörð og gera tillögur til allsherjarþingsins um framkvæmd ferlisins með það fyrir augum að takast megi að ljúka fyrsta reglubundna matinu fyrir árslok 2014. Samkvæmt niðurstöðum fundarins verður settur á laggirnar formlegur starfshópur allsherjarþingsins til að hafa yfirumsjón með reglubundna ferlinu, umboð samráðshóps vísindamanna framlengt og deild Sþ sem annast málefni hafsins og hafréttarmál (DOALOS) falið að þjóna reglubundna ferlinu, ásamt viðeigandi sérstofnunum Sþ, þ.á m. Matvæla- og landbúnaðarstofnuninni (FAO).

Endurbætur á skipulagi Sþ á sviði jafnréttismála

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Á síðasta degi 63. allsherjarþingsins, þann 14. september 2009, var samþykkt samhljóða ályktun um að setja á laggirnar sérstaka stofnun innan Sþ er fari með jafnréttismál og leiði hana sérstakur aðstoðarframkvæmdastjóri. Jafnframt er kveðið á um að framkvæmdastjóri legði fram ítarlegar tillögur um útfærslu, en á þeim ættu síðan samningaviðræður allsherjarþingsins að byggja.

Fundaröð og samráðsferli aðildarríkja um samhæfingu stofnana og samkvæmni í störfum Sþ hófust í byrjun febrúar 2010. Í upphafi voru settir á laggirnar óformlegir vinnuhópar sem fjölluðu um málefni tengd stjórnun, fjármögnun, nýskipan jafnréttismála, sameiginlegum landaverkefnum og framkvæmd þeirra. Vinnuhóparnir luku störfum í apríl, og verkefnisstjórar tóku saman þau efnisatriði sem líklegust voru til að samkomulag næðist um í samningaviðræðunum sjálfum.

Um miðjan apríl hófust hinar eiginlegu samningaviðræður um viðeigandi ályktun allsherjarþingsins og var samkomulag í höfn 30. júní.

Almenn ánægja var með niðurstöðuna og var ályktunin samþykkt í allsherjarþinginu 2. júlí.

Samningaviðræður um yfirlýsingu leiðtogafundar um þúsaldarmarkmiðin Óformlegir undirbúningsfundir vegna leiðtogafundar um þúsaldarmarkmiðin hófust 4. mars 2010. Áður en farið var í beinar samningaviðræður um lokaskjal fundarins voru haldnir óformlegir fundir um þúsaldarmarkmiðin með háttsettum fulltrúum stjórnvalda, Sþ, vísindasamfélagsins, félagasamtaka og stofnana. Samráðsfundir um innihald lokaskjalsins hófust í byrjun júní og stóðu fram í september. Yfirlýsingin var gagnrýnd fyrir að vera ekki nógu leiðbeinandi um aðgerðir sem nauðsynlegar eru til að ná markmiðunum og fjármögnun þeirra.

Þátttaka Íslands í stjórn UNICEF Árið 2010 tók Ísland í fyrsta sinn eitt af 12 sætum Vesturlandahópsins í framkvæmdastjórn UNICEF, en 36 ríki eru í stjórn sjóðsins sem tekur ákvarðanir um stefnu- og fjármál stofnunarinnar. Þrír formlegir stjórnarfundir voru haldnir á árinu, en þeirra á milli sótti fastanefnd óformlega samráðsfundi í Norðurlandahópnum og Vesturlandahópnum. Á fyrsta fundi stjórnarinnar í janúar 2010 var Ísland meðflytjandi að þremur norrænum ávörpum sem fjölluðu um ársskýrslu UNICEF til ECOSOC, um vinnu- og fjárhagsáætlun vegna einkafjársöfnunar UNICEF og eftirfylgni vegna ákvörðunar sem stjórnin tók árið 2009 vegna aukafjárlaga fyrir árin 2010-2011. Fastafulltrúi tilkynnti um framlag Íslands til UNICEF á árinu 2010 sem nemur um 130 milljónum króna. Ársfundur stjórnarinnar var haldinn í byrjun júní. Nýr framkvæmdastjóri, Anthony Lake, var kynntur, en hann tók við starfi af Ann M. Veneman. Tvö formleg ávörp voru flutt fyrir Íslands hönd, annars vegar um ársskýrslu framkvæmdastjóra UNICEF, hins vegar um mat á framkvæmd jafnréttismála innan UNICEF, en það ávarp var einnig flutt fyrir hönd Danmerkur, Finnlands, Noregs, Malaví og Líberíu. Framkvæmdastjóri landsnefndar UNICEF á Íslandi tók þátt í fundinum og kynnti landsnefnd Íslands. Þriðji og síðasti stjórnarfundurinn fór fram í byrjun september. Ísland tók þátt í tveimur samnorrænum ávörpum, um mats- og úttektarskýrslu UNICEF og skýrslu UNAIDS.

Kvennanefnd Sameinuðu þjóðanna Fimmtugasti og fjórði fundur kvennanefndar Sameinuðu þjóðanna (CSW) var haldinn í New York dagana 1.-12. mars 2010. Ísland á ekki sæti í nefndinni að þessu sinni en nær öll ríki Sþ sækja fundinn. Hann var að þessu sinni helgaður framkvæmdaráætlun kvennaráðstefnunnar í

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Peking frá 1995 og farið yfir árangur sem náðst hefur í jafnréttismálum síðan. Árni Páll Árnason, félags- og tryggingamálaráðherra, leiddi sendinefnd Íslands.

Fram kom á fundinum að þrátt fyrir að margt hefði áunnist á síðustu 15 árum væri langt í land. Áhersla var lögð á að jafna völd og áhrif kynjanna á öllum sviðum og tryggja þátttöku kvenna í ákvarðanatöku. Mannréttindi kvenna voru áberandi, sem og kynbundið ofbeldi og þörfin á að efla hlut kvenna í atvinnu- og viðskiptalífi. Margir nefndu að með nýskipan jafnréttismála mætti auka áherslur enn frekar á málefni kvenna, en samstaða um málið var þó ekki meiri en svo að ekki mátti minnast á nýju jafnréttisstofnunina í yfirlýsingu fundarins. Ýmis álitaefni komu fram í viðræðum um ályktanir, m.a. um mæðradauða og valdeflingu kvenna.

Félagsmálaráðherra flutti ræðu þriðjudaginn 2. mars, þar sem m.a. farið var yfir stöðu jafnréttismála á Íslandi. Sama dag tók ráðherra þátt í hliðarviðburði sem norræna ráðherranefndin stóð fyrir þar sem norrænir jafnréttisráðherrar sögðu frá árangri og viðfangsefnum heima fyrir.

Um kvöldið ræddu ráðherrarnir óformlega um samstarf þjóðanna í jafnréttismálum. Þá tók ráðherra þátt í hringborði um þúsaldarmarkmiðin og fjármálakreppuna mánudaginn 1. mars.

Norræna ráðherranefndin stóð fyrir norrænum hliðarviðburði þar sem Kristín Ástgeirsdóttir tók þátt fyrir Íslands hönd og sagði frá rannsóknarverkefni á Norðurlöndunum og nýsamþykktum lögum um 40% kvóta á hlutafélög þar sem 50 eða fleiri starfsmenn starfa.

Pallborðsumræður fóru fram um sex mismunandi viðfangsefni. Ísland tók þátt í umræðum um áhrif alþjóðlegu fjármála- og efnahagskreppunnar á jafnréttismál.

Síðari vikuna fóru fram samningaviðræður um ályktanir. Ísland tók virkan þátt í viðræðum um ályktun um efnahagslega valdeflingu kvenna. Einnig var fylgt eftir viðræðum um ályktun um mæðraheilbrigði og mæðradauða. Alls voru sjö ályktanir samþykktar, um konur, stúlkur og HIV/alnæmi, konur og börn sem sæta gíslingu í vopnuðum átökum, stöðu Palestínukvenna og aðstoð við þær, efnahagslega valdeflingu kvenna, útrýmingu mæðradauða með valdeflingu kvenna, styrkingu jafnréttismála innan Sþ með hinni nýju jafnréttisstofnun og um afnám skaðsamlegra aðgerða á kynfærum kvenna. Ísland var meðflytjandi ályktana um efnahagslega valdeflingu kvenna og nýja jafnréttisstofnun Sþ. Flestar voru ályktanirnar samþykktar samhljóða, en atkvæði greidd um ályktun um stöðu og aðstoð til Palestínukvenna.

Nefnd um sjálfbæra þróun Átjándi ársfundur nefndar um sjálfbæra þróun (CSD) var haldinn dagana 3.-14. maí 2010 í höfuðstöðunum. Viðfangsefni fundarins voru flutningar, efnasambönd, meðhöndlun úrgangs, námagröftur og tíu ára aðgerðaráætlun um sjálfbæra neyslu- og framleiðsluhætti. Í ár var endurmatsfundur yfirstandandi tvíæris sem helgað er þessum viðfangsefnum, en fundurinn á árinu 2011 verður stefnumótunarfundur. Fulltrúi umhverfisráðuneytisins, Danfríður Skarphéðinsdóttir, hljóp undir bagga seinni vikuna.

Fyrri vikan var helguð umræðum um viðfangsefnin fimm sem og stöðuna innan svæðahópa. Í umræðum um stöðuna í Evrópu kom fram í máli Noregs að Ísland væri gott dæmi um hvernig sjálfbærum neyslu- og framleiðsluháttum hefði verið komið inn í námskrá skóla.

Seinni vikan hófst á degi smárra eyþróunarríkja (SIDS) og olli vonbrigðum. Ráðherrahluti fundarins fór fram 12.-14. maí og þótti umræðan vera endurtekning á því sem kom fram í vikunni á undan. Einnig var skortur á samræðum í hringborðsumræðunum gagnrýndur, svo og takmörkuð

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skoðanaskipti milli aðildarríkja, alþjóðastofnana og frjálsra félagasamtaka. Þá virtist hafa gleymst að bjóða ákveðnum stofnunum innan Sþ.

Hliðarviðburðir þóttu hvorki áhugaverðir né fjölbreyttir og dæmi um að sami aðili talaði sjö sinnum á ólíkum viðburðum. Þátttaka í fundum JUSCANZ-hópsins var dræm líkt og á CSD fundinum sjálfum. Endurtekningar settu svip á fundinn og var rætt um hvort hægt væri að stytta endurmatsfundina og jafnvel sleppa ráðherrahlutanum. Einnig var rætt hvort hægt væri að nota Río +20 fundinn til að endurbæta stöðu nefndarinnar. Á fundi JUSCANZ-hópsins með ESB var aðallega rætt um Río +20 fundinn árið 2012. Horfa yrði til framtíðar frekar en leggja áherslu á endurmat. Fyrsti undirbúningsfundurinn af þremur var haldinn 17.- 19. maí 2010 og er annar fundurinn áætlaður í mars 2011.

Kosningar Í október kaus allsherjarþingið fimm ríki, Bosníu og Hersegóvínu, Brasilíu, Gabon, Líbanon og Nígeríu til setu í öryggisráðinu fyrir tímabilið 2010-2011. Þá voru 18 ríki kjörin til þriggja ára setu í Efnahags- og félagsmálaráðinu (ECOSOC): Argentína, Bahamaeyjar, Bandaríkin, Bangladess, Belgía, Chile, Egyptaland, Filippseyjar, Gana, Írak, Ítalía, Kanada, Kómoroseyjar, Mongólía, Rúanda, Sambía, Slóvakía og Úkraína. Í nóvember kaus allsherjarþingið ennfremur fulltrúa í alþjóðaviðskiptalaganefnd Sþ (UNCITRAL), stjórn Umhverfisstofnunar Sþ (UNEP), ráðstefnunefndina (Committee on Conferences), sameiginlegu eftirlitsmannanefndina (Joint Inspection Unit) og áætlana- og samræmingarnefndina (Committee for Programme and Coordination).

Fimmta nefnd kaus í nóvember fulltrúa í ráðgjafarnefnd um stjórnsýslu- og fjárlagamál (ACABQ), framlaganefnd Sþ (Committee on Contributions), fjárfestinganefnd (Investments Committee), nefnd endurskoðenda (Board of Auditors) og alþjóðlegu embættismannanefndina (International Civil Service Commission). Kjör fimmtu nefndar var í kjölfarið staðfest í allsherjarþinginu. Í maí kaus allsherjarþingið eftirfarandi átta ríki í mannréttindaráðið: Bandaríkin, Bangladess, Belgíu, Djíbútí, Jórdaníu, Kamerún, Kína, Kúbu, Kyrgystan, Máritíus, Mexíkó, Nígeríu, Noreg, Rússland, Sádí-Arabíu, Senegal, Ungverjaland og Úrúgvæ.

Allsherjarþingið kaus auk þess í stöðu dómara við alþjóðlegu stríðsglæpadómstólana fyrir Rúanda og fyrrverandi Júgóslavíu sem og í stöður við innri dómsstóla Sþ. Þá var kosið í ýmsar smærri nefndir og ráð, fyllt í embætti sem losnuðu fyrir lok kjörtímabils og skipað í stöður framkvæmdastjóra undirstofnana, þ.á m. UNEP og UN-Habitat.

Nefndir allsherjarþingsins Fyrsta nefnd: Afvopnunar- og öryggismál Formaður fyrstu nefndar á 64. allsherjarþingi var José Louis Cancela, fastafulltrúi Úrúgvæ.

Nefndin starfaði frá 1. október til 2. nóvember 2009 og fór lokaatkvæðagreiðsla um ályktanir nefndarinnar fram í allsherjarþinginu 2. desember.

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Starf nefndarinnar var með hefðbundnu sniði og hófst á almennri umræðu. Fastafulltrúi flutti ræðu 9. október og lýsti afstöðu Íslands til afvopnunarmála og takmörkunar vígbúnaðar.

Nefndin samþykkti að þessu sinni 50 ályktanir og 4 ákvarðanir. Af þeim voru 33 samþykktar samhljóða og 22 í atkvæðagreiðslu. Ísland var meðflytjandi að 9 ályktunum. Á síðustu árum hefur hlutfall ályktana sem samþykktar eru samhljóða í fyrstu nefnd hækkað og hefur aldrei verið hærra en á árinu 2009. Einnig vakti eftirtekt í þessari fundalotu að ný ríkisstjórn undir forsæti Barack Obama hefur breytt afstöðu Bandaríkjanna til ýmissa mála, m.a. til samningsins um allsherjarbann við tilraunum með kjarnavopn, en þetta var í fyrsta sinn sem ályktun um samninginn var samþykkt samhljóða. Þá voru Bandaríkin í hópi 151 ríkis sem studdi ályktunina um vopnaviðskiptasamning, en árið 2008, þegar ályktunin var samþykkt í fyrsta sinn, greiddu Bandaríkin atkvæði gegn henni. Ályktunin kveður á um að halda eigi ráðstefnu um vopnaviðskiptasamning árið 2012, þar sem markmiðið er að þróa lagalega bindandi samning um staðla í viðskiptum með hefðbundin vopn. Helsti ásteytingarsteinninn í samningaviðræðunum um ályktunina var hvort samþykkja yrði slíkan samning samhljóða. Önnur mikilvæg ályktun nefndarinnar fjallaði um skýrslu afvopnunarnefndarinnar í Genf, þar sem fagnað var ákvörðun um að hefja samningaviðræður um bann við framleiðslu kjarnakleyfra efna árið 2010.

Önnur nefnd: Efnahags-, þróunar- og umhverfismál Formaður nefndarinnar var fastafulltrúi Suður-Kóreu, Park In-kook. Nefndin hóf störf 5. október með almennum umræðum sem stóðu yfir í þrjá daga. Nefndin hélt alls 35 fundi um hefðbundin málefni en að auki var fundað 11 sinnum um sérstök viðfangsefni þar sem sérfræðingum var boðið til pallborðsumræðu. Sérstök málefni sem rætt var um voru; samvinna og fæðuöryggi, þúsaldarmarkmiðin og undirbúningur fyrir leiðtogafundinn árið 2010, loftslagsbreytingar og vegferðin fram að Kaupmannahafnarfundinum, réttarbætur í þróunarríkjunum, loftslagsbreytingar, grænn hagvöxtur og sjálfbær þróun, viðræður við framkvæmdastjóra svæðastofnana Sþ, áhrif efnahagskreppunnar á atvinnustig, viðskipti, fólksflutninga og erlendar skuldir, endurlífgun alþjóðlega fjármálakerfisins, lágmarks félagsvernd og endurbætur á stjórnun vatnsnýtingar. Óformlegar viðræður um ályktanir í nefndinni hófust óvenju seint, í byrjun nóvember. Ísland var meðflytjandi að þremur ályktunum, um breytingar á stofnsáttmála Háskóla Sþ, um réttarbætur í þróunarríkjunum og landbúnaðartækni og þróun. Samtals voru samþykktar 42 ályktanir og voru 36 þeirra afgreiddar samhljóða, en greiða þurfti atkvæði um 6 ályktanir.

Fastanefnd tók þátt í og fylgdist einkum með viðræðum um ályktun um breytingar á stofnskrá Háskóla Sþ, um réttarbætur í þróunarríkjunum og um eflingu nýrra og endurnýjanlegra orkugjafa. Fastanefnd tók þátt í vikulegum fundum JUSCANZ-hópsins um málefni 2. nefndar, auk þess sem fulltrúar fastanefnda Norðurlandanna áttu þrjá samráðsfundi.

Þriðja nefnd: Félags- og mannréttindamál Þriðja nefnd allsherjarþingsins, hóf starf sitt mánudaginn 5. október og stóðu fundir til 24. nóvember. Ellefu efnisliðir voru á dagskrá nefndarinnar, sem sumir greindust í nokkra undirliði.

Formaður þriðju nefndar var Normans Penke, fastafulltrúi Lettlands. Nefndin samþykkti að þessu sinni 60 ályktanir og tvær ákvarðanir. Alls voru 17 ályktanir og ákvarðanir samþykktar með

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atkvæðagreiðslu auk þess sem kosið var um breytingartillögu og einstaka málsgrein í tveimur öðrum ályktunum. Aðrar ályktanir voru samþykktar samhljóða. Ísland tók virkan þátt í umræðum um mannréttindi, málefni kvenna og jafnréttismál. Fulltrúar Íslands ávörpuðu nefndina tvisvar: í umræðum um málefni kvenna og barna.

Náið samráð var meðal norrænu ríkjanna. Norðurlönd lögðu fram sex ályktanir; um skrifstofu flóttamannafulltrúa Sþ, framkvæmd samnings um afnám alls ofbeldis gegn konum og alþjóðasamning um efnahagsleg, félagsleg og menningarleg réttindi. Allar þrjár ályktanir eru lagðar fram á tveggja ára fresti og venjulega samþykktar án atkvæðagreiðslu. Í ár varð breyting á þegar hópur Afríkuríkja fór fram á breytingar á tveimur efnisgreinum sem lutu að ráðgefandi skýrslum mannréttindanefndarinnar (Human Rights Committee) og nefndar um efnahagsleg, félagsleg og menningarleg réttindi (Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights).

Einnig lögðu Norðurlönd fram ályktanir um pyntingar og aðra vanvirðandi meðferð og um réttindi verjanda mannréttinda og réttindi flóttamanna í eigin landi. Þar sem Svíþjóð var í formennsku Evrópusambandsins, lagði Svíþjóð fram allnokkrar ályktanir, m.a. um ástand mannréttinda í Mjanmar/Búrma og Norður-Kóreu.

Líkt og undanfarin ár urðu umtalsverðar deilur innan nefndarinnar vegna ályktana um ástand mannréttindamála í einstökum ríkjum, einkum í Norður-Kóreu og Mjanmar/Búrma auk þess sem Kanada lagði fram ályktun um mannréttindaástand í Íran. Ísland var meðflytjandi að ályktununum. Nefndin ályktaði um rétt palestínsku þjóðarinnar til sjálfsákvörðunar, en ályktun þar að lútandi var lögð fram af Egyptalandi. Ísland var meðflytjandi að ályktuninni, sem og Evrópusambandið og Noregur.

Fulltrúi utanríkisráðuneytisins sótti formlega og óformlega fundi þriðju nefndar á tímabilinu 20.27. október. Fastanefnd tók virkan þátt í samningaviðræðum um þær ályktanir sem helst tengjast áherslum Íslands og var Ísland meðflytjandi að 21 ályktun. Auk fyrrgreindra ályktana ber að nefna hefðbundnar ályktanir um eflingu aðgerða til að koma í veg fyrir ofbeldi gegn konum, afnám alls misréttis og skort á umburðarlyndi á grundvelli trúarbragða og réttindi barnsins. Allar voru þær samþykktar án atkvæðagreiðslu og var það í fyrsta skipti sem Bandaríkin kölluðu ekki eftir atkvæðagreiðslu um ályktunina um réttindi barnsins. Þá tók fastanefnd þátt í samningaviðræðum um ályktun um virðingu fyrir mannréttindum í aðgerðum gegn hryðjuverkastarfsemi, sem Ísland var meðflytjandi að. Erfiðlega gekk að ná samkomulagi um ályktunina en hún var að lokum samþykkt.

Samningaviðræður um ályktun um framkvæmd Durban-yfirlýsingarinnar, sem Suður-Afríka leiddi, gengu stirðlega og sat Ísland hjá í atkvæðagreiðslu um ályktunina líkt og Noregur, Sviss og 20 ríki Evrópusambandsins.

Fjórða nefnd: Sérstaka stjórnmála- og nýlendunefndin Fjórða nefnd allsherjarþingsins, sérstaka stjórnmála- og nýlendunefndin, hóf störf 1. október undir stjórn fastafulltrúa Katar, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. Fundað var 27 sinnum og lauk nefndin störfum 11. nóvember. Dagskrá var hefðbundin og einkum rætt um málefni nýlendna, Friðarháskóla Sþ, upplýsingamiðlun Sþ, áhrif frumeindageislunar, alþjóðasamvinnu um friðsamlega nýtingu himingeimsins, málefni friðargæslu Sþ og málefni Palestínu.

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Sérstakar pallborðsumræður fóru fram um Friðarháskóla Sþ, nýtingu himingeimsins, upplýsingmál Sþ, friðargæslumál, eyðingu jarðsprengja og Flóttamannaaðstoð Sameinuðu þjóðanna fyrir Palestínumenn (UNRWA).

Undir dagskrárliðnum um nýlendur var orðið við beiðni 96 einstaklinga um áheyrn vegna málefna Gíbraltar, Gvam, Nýju Kaledóníu, Vestur Sahara og Bandarísku Jómfrúreyjanna.

Alls voru samþykktar 11 ályktanir um málefni nýlendna og þurfti að kjósa um fimm þeirra. Ísland kaus með ályktun um upplýsingar frá nýlendusvæðum sem dreift er skv. 73. gr. sáttmála Sþ, efnahagslega og aðra starfsemi sem hefur áhrif á nýlendur, miðlun upplýsinga um nýlendusvæði og framkvæmd yfirlýsingarinnar um sjálfstæði nýlendna, en sat hjá við afgreiðslu ályktunar um framkvæmd sérstofnana Sþ og tengdra stofnana á yfirlýsingum um sjálfstæði nýlendna. Aðrar ályktanir um málefni nýlendna voru samþykktar án atkvæðagreiðslu, um tilboð aðildarríkja um þjálfunarstöðvar til handa íbúum nýlendna, málefni Vestur-Sahara, Nýju Kaledóníu, Tókelá, smáeyjanna Amerísku Samóa, Angvilla, Bermúda, Bresku Jómfrúeyjanna, Keimaneyja, Gvam, Montserat, Pitcairn, Sankti Helenu, Turks- og Caicos-eyja og Bandarísku Jómfrúreyjanna og um málefni Gíbraltar.

Kosið var um allar ályktanir um málefni Palestínumanna og greiddi Ísland öllum atkvæði nema einni. Ísland sat hjá við afgreiðslu ályktunar um störf sérstöku rannsóknarnefndarinnar um framfylgd mannréttinda á hernumdu svæðunum af hálfu Ísraels, en greiddi atkvæði með ályktunum um aðstoð við Palestínuflóttafólk, flóttafólk vegna sex daga-stríðsins 1967, aðstoð UNRWA við Palestínuflóttafólk í Mið-Austurlöndum, eignir og tekjur Palestínuflóttafólks, gildi Genfarsamningsins varðandi óbreytta borgara á stríðstímum á hernumdu svæðunum, landnemabyggðir Ísraelsmanna á hernumdu svæðunum, aðgerðir Ísraelsmanna sem hafa áhrif á mannréttindi Palestínumanna og um hernumdar Gólanhæðir.

Aðrar ályktanir nefndarinnar voru samþykktar án atkvæðagreiðslu, um Friðarháskóla Sþ, aðstoð á sviði eyðingar jarðsprengja, áhrif frumeindageislunar, alþjóðasamvinnu um friðsamlega nýtingu himingeimsins og um þrjár ályktanir varðandi upplýsingamiðlun Sþ.

Fimmta nefnd: Fjárhags- og stjórnsýslumál Formaður nefndarinnar var Peter Maurer, fastafulltrúi Sviss. Nefndin fundaði í þremur lotum.

Fyrsta lota hófst í byrjun október og stóð til jóla, önnur fundalota stóð allan marsmánuð og sú þriðja frá byrjun maí til loka júní. Þegar nefndin fundar eru jafnan haldnir vikulegir samráðsfundir Norðurlandanna, auk Írlands, Hollands og Sviss (Nordic +), sem og vikulegir fundir WEOG-ríkja.

Stærstu málefnin á dagskrá nefndarinnar í fyrstu fundalotunni voru fjárlög Sþ fyrir tvíærið 20102011 og framlagaskali Sþ fyrir tímabilið 2010-2012. Að auki voru ýmis önnur málefni til umfjöllunar og ber þar helst að nefna endurnýjun á upplýsingakerfi Sþ (ERP/ICT), öryggismál starfsmanna Sþ, fjárlög stérstakra stjórnmálasendinefnda og mannauðsstjórnunarkerfi Sþ.

Upphaflegar fjárlagatillögur framkvæmdastjóra námu 4.8 milljörðum Bandaríkjadala fyrir tvíærið en ljóst var að við þær myndu bætast ýmis útlát. Ber þar hæst fjárútlát fyrir sérstakar stjórmálasendinefndir. Eftir nær þriggja mánaða samningaviðræður náðust niðurstöður um fjárlög er nema rúmlega 5.1 milljarði Bandaríkjadala fyrir tvíærið. Samningaviðræðurnar voru strembnar á köflum, en voru ekki jafn átakmiklar og oft áður. Flest aðildarríki Sþ voru að þessu sinni sammála um mikilvægi aðhalds í fjármálum, auk þess sem upprunalegar tilögur

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framkvæmdastjóra kölluðu ekki á mikla hækkun frá fyrri árum. Eina undantekningin er sérstakar stjórnmálasendinefndir, en umfang þeirra hefur farið ört vaxandi, t.a.m. í Afganistan og Írak.

Framlagaskalinn er ákvarðaður til þriggja ára í senn og honum til grundvallar liggur aðferðafræði er miðar að því að endurspegla sem best hlut hvers ríkis í alþjóðahagkerfinu. Helsta ágreiningsefnið í samningaviðræðunum var hvort að breyta ætti aðferðafræðinni og fór ESB þar fremst í flokki. Miðuðu breytingatillögur ESB einkum að því að auka við hlut ört vaxandi millitekjuríkja á borð við Brasilíu, Rússland, Kína og Indland. Undir óbreyttri aðferðafræði borga þessi ríki mun minna en hlutur þeirra í alþjóðahagkerfinu gefur til kynna, en þau hagnast á hinum ýmsu leiðréttingum á skalanum sem miða að því að gefa fátækari ríkjum afslátt af framlögum. Á móti kemur að hlutur margra iðnríkja er langt yfir hlut þeirra í alþjóðahagkerfinu og á það m.a. við um Ísland.

Eðli málsins samkvæmt voru samningaviðræður um framlagaskalann erfiðar og lauk þeim ekki fyrr en rétt fyrir jól. Ísland tók virkan þátt og var málflutningurinn í takt við áherslur ESB og annara Vesturlanda. Það fór þó svo að lokum að aðferðafræðinni var ekki breytt, en ályktunin kveður þó á um að viðræður um breytingar á aðferðafræðinni skuli hefjast tímanlega með það að markmiði að ná samkomulagi fyrir lok 66. allsherjarþings. Samkvæmt núverandi ályktun hækkar hlutur Íslands úr 0,037% í 0,042% af heildarfjárlögum Sþ, þ.m.t. fjárlögum friðargæslusveita. Önnur fundalota nefndarinnar fór fram dagana 1. – 19. mars þar sem samþykktar voru sjö ályktanir, allar án atkvæðagreiðslu. Þriðja fundalota var að vanda helguð fjármögnun friðargæslusveita og hófst 3. maí. Áætlað var að störf nefndarinnar stæðu yfir í fjórar vikur en vegna þess hvað illa gekk að ná samstöðu um framlögin lauk vinnu nefndarinnar ekki fyrr en eftir sjö vikur. WEOG-ríkin voru óánægð með seinagang með lokauppgjör og endurgreiðslu til aðildarríkja vegna fyrri friðargæsluverkefna og átöldu framkvæmdaskrifstofuna fyrir að virða að vettugi ályktanir nefndarinnar um endurgreiðslur. Einnig var gagnrýnt hvernig farið er með fjármuni friðargæslunnar hvað varðar birgðahald og ofgreiðslu til verktaka, svo nokkuð sé nefnt.

WEOG-ríkin lögðu til almennan niðurskurð á kostnaði friðargæslusveitanna. Þar fór fremst í flokki ESB sem lagið til 1% lækkun fyrir minni friðargæslusveitir en 1,5% fyrir þær stærri og Japan sem lagði til 1% lækkun á allar sveitir. Á móti vildu þróunarríki (G77) ekki lækka fjárveitingar. Að lokum náðist þó samkomulag og voru 22 ályktanir samþykktar fyrir 15 friðargæslusveitir, þar af ein í atkvæðagreiðslu, um fjármögnun friðargæslusveitar Sþ í Líbanon (UNIFIL). Heildarfjárlög til friðargæslu samkvæmt þessum ályktunum nema 7,2 milljörðum Bandaríkjadala fyrir fjárlagaárið 1. júlí 2010 – 30. júní 2011 að fjórum sveitum undanskildum þar sem framlögin voru einungis áætluð fyrir hluta tímabilsins. Þessar sveitir eru UNMIS (Súdan), MINURCAT (Tsjad), MINUSTAH (Haítí) og MONUSCO (Austur-Kongó). Endanleg fjármögnun þessara sveita verður tekin fyrir í fyrstu fundalotu 65. allsherjarþings. Hlutur Íslands í fjármögnun friðargæslusveita Sþ er 0,042% af ofangreindri upphæð.

Sjötta nefnd: Þjóðréttarmál Sjötta nefnd, sem fjallar um þjóðréttarmál og lagaleg málefni, starfaði frá 5. október til 12. nóvember, auk þess sem hún kom saman 9. desember. Formaður nefndarinnar var Mourad Benmehidi frá Alsír. Sautján efnisliðir voru á dagskrá nefndarinnar.

Almennir efnisliðir voru: Refsiábyrgð embættismanna Sþ og sérfræðinga í sendinefndum; áætlun Sþ um aðstoð við að kenna, nema, kynna og auka hróður þjóðarréttar; gildi réttarins á landsstigi 13

og alþjóðavettvangi; gildissvið og beiting altækrar lögsögu; aðgerðir til að útrýma alþjóðlegum hryðjuverkum; og framfylgd réttlætis innan Sþ. Þá var fjallað um þrjár skýrslur, þ.e. skýrslu viðskiptalaganefndar Sþ um starf hennar á 42. fundatímabili hennar, skýrslu alþjóðlegu laganefndarinnar um 61. fundatímabil hennar og skýrslu gistiríkisnefndar Sþ.

Allar ályktanir nefndarinnar voru afgreiddar án atkvæðagreiðslu. Óformlegar viðræður fóru fram í sérstökum vinnuhópum sem störfuðu að þeim málefnum sem til umræðu voru, Umtalsverður tími fór í vinnu að ályktunum um aðgerðir gegn hryðjuverkum annars vegar og refsiábyrgð embættismanna Sþ og sérfræðinga í sendinefndum hins vegar. Minnstu munaði að samkomulag næðist ekki um ályktun um allsherjarlögsögu. Að venju fór umtalsverður tími í umfjöllun um árlega skýrslu alþjóðalaganefndarinnar og flutti fulltrúi Noregs ræðu í tengslum við störf hennar fyrir hönd Norðurlandanna.

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I. Viðauki: Sendinefnd Íslands og starfsfólk fastanefndarinnar Sendinefnd Íslands á allsherjarþinginu Dr. Össur Skarphédinsson, utanríkisráðherra, formaður Dr. Gunnar Pálsson, fastafulltrúi, varaformaður Gréta Gunnarsdóttir, sviðsstjóri alþjóða- og öryggissviðs Jón Erlingur Jónasson, varafastafulltrúi Kristján Guy Burgess, aðstoðarmaður utanríkisráðherra Anna Hjartardóttir, sendiráðunautur María Mjöll Jónsdóttir, sendiráðsritari Tómas H. Heidar, þjóðréttarfræðingur Petrína Bachmann, sendiráðsfulltrúi Thor H. Thors, ráðgjafi Kristín Anna Tryggvadóttir, stjórnarráðsfulltrúi Ingibjörg Davíðsdóttir, sendiráðunautur Martin Eyjólfsson, sviðsstjóri viðskiptasviðs Árni Þór Sigurðsson, þingmaður Vinstrihreyfingar - græns framboðs Einar Guðfinnsson, þingmaður Sjálfstæðisflokks Oddný Hermannsdóttir, þingmaður Samfylkingar Róbert Marshall, þingmaður Samfylkingar Starfsfólk fastanefndar í New York Dr. Gunnar Pálsson, sendiherra, fastafulltrúi (2009) Jón Erlingur Jónasson, sendifulltrúi, varafastafulltrúi (2009) Anna Hjartardóttir, sendiráðunautur (í leyfi 31.12. 2009) María Mjöll Jónsdóttir, sendiráðsritari (í barneignarleyfi 15.12. 2009 – 31.08.2010) Stella Samúelsdóttir, sendiráðsfulltrúi (hóf störf 1.01.2010) Petrína Bachmann, sendiráðsfulltrúi Kristín Anna Tryggvadóttir, stjórnarráðsfulltrúi (flutt 30.06.2010) Fríða Kristinsdóttir, ritari og skjalavörður (hóf störf 1.06.2010) Davíð Örn Sveinbjörnsson, starfsnemi (hóf störf 1.07.2010) Herculano Sabas, bifreiðarstjóri

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II. Viðauki: Ræður í allsherjarþinginu og undirnefndum Allsherjarþing Sþ: Ávarp utanríkisráðherra í almennum umræðum í ráðherravikunni, 26. september 2009 Only a year ago, this very weekend, my country, Iceland found itself in the beginning of the global financial storm. It swept almost the entire banking system off the ground, and left Iceland facing her most severe economic set-back in living memory.

We were the first country to fall victim to the greed and excess of financiers who abused rules, followed dubious work-ethics, hid their money in tax-asylums and induced an irresponsible system of stellar bonuses that incited reckless behaviour and risk taking far beyond anything the world has seen.

In Iceland, those responsible left in their wake a scorched earth, bewildered citizens, full of sorrow and anger, scarred by the possibility of imminent bankruptcies, loss of their houses and jobs.

Iceland, however, is pulling through, first and foremost due to the hard work of our people but we also had support. Our Nordic family didn’t desert us. The Baltic countries gave us moral support.

Poland, out of the generosity of her heart, lent us a hand without even being asked – which we shall never forget. The IMF offered us a stabilization program, which remains broadly on track, although I have to voice Iceland’s grave dissatisfaction with the fact, that unrelated bilateral disputes have prevented the program to be fully implemented. Our application to join the European Union has also been warmly received by our European neighbours.

I am therefore confident when I say, that the financial storms that ravaged Iceland are beginning to break. That is due both to the resilence and hard work of the Icelandic people but also because you, the international community, lent us important support.

This is perhaps the punctum saliens. In a globalised world, we have to tackle problems together globally. We need to fight together the corruption that contributed to the international recession; to ensure that the financial czars are not allowed to speculate again with peoples’ lives, to obliterate the tax-havens they used, and we need to lock arms to create a sound global regulatory framework.

The world has to fight the recession together – in the spirit of the United Nations and within the framework of the United Nations.

Earlier in the week I participated in the Leaders’ Summit on climate change. It touched my heart to hear the president of Kiribati describe the plight of his country, which might be obliterated from the face of the earth by the drastic climatic changes. He asked for the only thing that every human and every nation deserve. He asked for justice.

The best way to give that justice to the people of Kiribati , to the nations of the small islands in the South Pacific and elsewhere, to future generations, is to put all our efforts into reaching a decision on a legally binding agreement in Copenhagen that will strike to the core of the problem.

The best way to convince our nations, our governments, to take that step is to highlight the success stories in this respect. We have to show that our goals are realistic, achievable.

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Here at the beginning of this session we heard President Lula present the success of Brazil. Let me tell you about the success of Iceland.

A generation ago, we were as dependent on imported fossil fuel as any other nation.

A generation later, 80 % of our energy needs are met by renewables. All our heating, all our electricity is 100 % renewable.

What we did was to use the treasures that were under our feet, and before our very eyes: Hydro and geothermal.

What we did, others can do.

I want especially to draw your attention to the vastly underestimated possibilities in geothermal.

Many of the countries of the African Rift Valley have similar potential as Iceland does. In SouthEast Asia we have the greatest geothermal potential in the world. Latin America has valuable potential too.

Many of these countries could, for example with Icelandic expertise, achieve a clean energy transformation. Some of them could even become self sustainable in terms of energy, but as always we need finance.

What we need is a global climatic fund to transfer renewable technologies to the developing countries to enable them to continue growing – on a sustainable, renewable basis.

Our Icelandic expertise is available, and I like to add, that despite our present difficulties we have safeguarded the geothermal training program of the United Nations University in Iceland. It remains open to you, as it has been for the last 25 years.

Climate change is also exerting drastic effects on the Arctic. Iceland, the only state that lies entirely within the arctic region, is designating the Arctic as one of the main areas of her foreign policy. Science tells us that within soon a great part of the Arctic Ocean may be ice-free at the end of summer. This will open a new pathway for transportation between the Pacific and the Atlantic – with great benefits to trade. For better or worse it will also facilitate access to vast resources in the Arctic. But we must tread very carefully – the Arctic also possesses the most fragile ecosystem of the world. It will be a challenge to strike the right balance between this fragile environment and the use of its resources. We believe, that it is very important these challenges be addressed regionally through the Arctic Council. And territorial claims, as we have already seen emerge, should be settled on basis of the UN Convention on the law of the sea.

The climatic changes are also likely to have negative effects on the fishing stocks of the world.

More than a billion people depend on fish as their main source of protein. 95% of those live in developing countries. As you know, Iceland’s track-record in the sustainable management of fishing stocks is second to none. In this field, as in the geothermal, we also have technological expertise to share. I would be very pleased if you take us up on that.

In this respect, I am happy to tell the United Nations that despite our financial woes we have ensured, that the UN University’s Fisheries Training Programme in Iceland is fully funded – and available to you.

During this week I have heard a lot of speakers criticize the UN. But I would like to use this opportunity to praise the work of the UN. The UN has done well in times when the odds have

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sometimes been heavily stacked against. I want especially to take two examples – out of a great many.

My government has strongly endorsed the rights of women. We have especially taken to our heart the Security Council’s resolution 1325 on the rights of women to take part and be active in the peace processes in warn-torn regions. Next year is the 10th anniversary of 1325, and I urge the UN to actively use it to promote the role of women as peacemakers all over the world. In this context the unanimous decision of the General Assembly to create a new and consolidated UN gender unity to be headed by a special Under-Secretary was also very helpful. Thank you, UN, for these important steps.

The other cause of my gratitude is the unanimous decision of the Security Council to call for global efforts to stop the spread for nuclear arms and to boost disarmament. I remember when I was a very young editor in 1986 when President Reagan and Secretary Gorbachev met in Reykjavik. That meeting really signalled the end of the Cold war. I’ll never forget that for the first time in my life a world free of a nuclear nightmare became a realistic goal. This is a goal that must be vigorously pursued, it is strongly supported by my government, and I am grateful to the UN for providing the framework for that.

There are other happy events from these first days of mine at the UN. It was invigorating to hear president Barack Obama boldly describe his vision of a peace agreement in the Middle-East based on the two-state solution and the cessation of all settlements. His strong declaration has created a fresh political momentum that must not be allowed to fade away.

Iceland is a small nation, but we have a lot to offer.

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Our expertise in geothermal can be of vital importance against a climatic crisis.

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Our experience in sustainable fishing can be instrumental to stave off depletion of stocks.

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Our geopolitical position in the Arctic and our cohabitation with it for more than a millenium can be of great value to strike the right balance between a fragile ecosystem and use of its resources.

True, the crisis destroyed financial assets but Iceland’s real assets remain intact, natural resources, human capital, and social welfare.

This is why I am so confident, that although Iceland was the first to fall victim to the global financial crisis, she is aldready on the road to recovery.

Konur friður og öryggi: Ávarp varafastafulltrúa á opnum fundi öryggisráðsins, 5. október 2009 Let me at the outset thank you for convening this open debate on Women Peace and Security to discuss the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325. The focus you have chosen for our discussion, “Responding to the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations for sustainable peace and security”, is highly relevant and provides ample scope for reflecting on what should be the focus of our work in light of the 10th anniversary of the resolution next year.

Iceland maintains a strong commitment to resolution 1325, being one of the few countries that have adopted a 1325 National Action Plan. The Icelandic government has decided to focus its work on 1325 on post conflict reconstruction and women’s access to peace negotiations, being

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convinced that the inclusion of women in peace processes is a security issue, essential for sustainable peace.

In particular, Iceland has supported the extraordinary work of the International Women’s Commission for a Just and Sustainable Israeli Palestinian Peace, the IWC. This is an organisation where women from opposite sides of the conflict, together with a group of women from the international community, have managed to find viable ways to promote peace and peaceful alternatives to conflict.

Last summer Iceland organized an International Conference on 1325, entitled “Women Negotiating Peace”, which highlighted how best to ensure that women are included in formal and informal peace processes.

Allow me to contribute to this discussion by recapitulating some of the main issues addressed at the Reykjavik-conference. Four themes were predominant: Firstly, the conference emphasized the importance of raising awareness of resolution 1325 and recognized the importance of using the forthcoming 10th anniversary of the resolution for that purpose. Awareness should be promoted in the international community, within the UN system, as well as within Member States and societies in or emerging from conflicts.

Secondly, there is need for increased high level commitment to the resolution, both within the UN system and by the Member States. Here, the main concern was the issue of gender architecture within the UN system, which now has been alleviated in part through the unanimous adoption of General Assembly resolution 63/311, calling among other things for a new and consolidated United Nations gender entity to be headed by an Under-Secretary General. The Security Council could establish a Working Group on Resolution 1325 and set an example by incorporating the gender perspective when discussing conflict.

Thirdly, there was a strong call to the UN system and Member States to use the 10th anniversary as an impetus to get serious about implementation. The Secretary-General should insist on accountability for the implementation of resolution 1325 by the UN system. To increase the focus on results the High-level Steering Group, chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, should focus on the implementation of 1325. More women should be appointed as Special Representatives and Envoys of the Secretary-General and Gender Advisers should be accorded a higher status to ensure that gender mainstreaming does not become sidetracked. On the membership’s side, the lead must be taken in implementing the resolution, prioritizing the adoption and implementation of National Action Plans.

Finally, but perhaps most importantly, the conference identified a clear need for accountability and reporting mechanisms to ensure successful implementation. Therefore, the Security Council is urged to consider the setting up of a mechanism for holding Member States accountable for the implementation of resolution 1325. The mechanism should be based on clear performance targets and timelines and have the necessary political backup to report on achievements and failures of implementation by Member States. UNSCR 1612 regarding the use of child soldiers might provide a convenient model for how reporting and accountability can be ensured.

One of the workshops at the conference approved recommendations on how to mark the 10th anniversary of resolution 1325 next year. As time does not allow me to mention them here, the nine recommendations will be circulated with the printed version of my text. The anniversary provides us with an opportunity to draw attention to the resolution, promote greater commitment

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and improved implementation as well as to work towards the strengthening of the resolution. Let us seize that opportunity.

Skýrsla framkvæmdastjóra Sþ um störf stofnunarinnar: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á allsherjarþinginu, 6. október 2009 Allow me at the outset to thank the Secretary-General for his concise and valuable report on the work of the Organization.

The past year has been a grueling one for the world and for the United Nations. The global financial and economic crisis has affected the well-being of millions of people, threatening to set back the development efforts of the international community by several years.

At a time of dwindling national resources, the crisis is putting unprecedented strain on our multilateral system, raising questions about the effectiveness of our organization in addressing some of its manifestations. But the primary lesson of the recent turmoil is hardly that we should now turn inward or fall back on our individual means. Quite the opposite, the need to cooperate within the existing framework of international institutions is now greater than ever. As the Secretary-General rightly observes, this is the “ultimate multilateral moment”.

The world community must do its utmost to prevent the financial crisis from turning into a real development emergency. Extraordinary efforts will be needed to prevent the financial crisis from reversing the hard-won gains made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in areas like primary education, maternal health and the fight against hunger. I take this opportunity to compliment the Secretary-General for the initiative he is taking in introducing the Global Impact and Vulnerability Alert System (GIVAS).

One on the risks associated with the current global crisis, is that it may undermine confidence in the international system, including the United Nations, at a time when we can least afford it. To prevent this from happening, we need, among other things, stronger and more representative international institutions, sound global regulatory frameworks and greater surveillance and supervision in the area of international finance.

But more is required in order to fashion the new multilateralism that the Secretary-General has called for in his report. We must also accelerate progress on a comprehensive United Nations reform. Key to this effort is the urgent need to improve the working methods of the Security Council and to widen its membership. A Security Council that is more representative of the world we live in, including the developing countries, will carry greater weight and authority. As small states comprise a large share of the United Nations membership, any enlargement must also ensure that the interests of small states are fully taken into account.

The promotion of greater accountability and efficiency in the work of the Organization, as well as measures to render the wider United Nations system more coherent, coordinated and responsive, is another important facet of the process of reform. This includes strengthening the so-called gender architecture, long characterized by fragmentation and the lack of accountability. Iceland welcomes the General Assembly´s unanimous decision to create a new and consolidated United Nations gender entity to be headed by and Under-Secretary General and urges the SecretaryGeneral to move forward as expeditiously as possible.

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However, to redeem the full potential of the United Nations we need more than structural improvements. We should also reform the way our organization reacts to global challenges of the highest order. The genocides of the 20th century show that too often the international community has failed in preventing or adequately responding to mass atrocities. By moving to operationalize the concept of the responsibility to protect, the Organization can now take deliberate steps to shore up the protection of basic human rights and the rule of law. My Delegation hopes that 64th United Nations General Assembly will work constructively towards that end.

An extended economic crisis exacerbates the risks of conflict, the lack of food security and health care, while deteriorating living conditions in different parts of the world threaten to undermine the upholding of human rights. For this reason, Iceland fully subscribes to the Secretary-General ´s view that it is at this time imperative for the United Nations to make a special effort to promote respect for human rights.

To ensure prosperity and peace for future generations, it is also essential that we take measures to safeguard the earth’s ecosystem. While climate change may, in the words of the SecretaryGeneral, be the defining challenge of our generation, the interlinkages between climate and other aspects of our ecosystem, including land-use, energy and oceans, should also be recognized.

Just as no country is shielded from the impacts of climate change, an effective solution to the problem will require the active cooperation of each and every member of the United Nations. We must join hands and seek to conclude a legally binding agreement in Copenhagen. At the same time, a gradual but fundamental reorientation of energy policy should be seen as instrumental to preventing future climate change. Member states should work, among other things, to increase the share of renewable energy resources in world energy demand, aided not least by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), established in January of this year.

In connection with climate change, we must also consider the state of the oceans, instrumental in sustaining the world´s social and economic development. A host of man-made environmental hazards, including pollution, overfishing and climate change, are threatening the productivity of our oceans. If we are to eradicate poverty and hunger, reduce child mortality and combat disease it is necessary that we prevent and reverse the degradation of the oceans.

Regrettably, there is currently no systematic effort to keep the state of the world’s oceans under continuing review. This is why world leaders decided at the Johannesburg Summit seven years ago to launch a regular process under the United Nations for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects. As the start-up phase of this valuable initiative has now been completed, Iceland supports the initiation of the first fully integrated assessment of the regular process to be completed by the year 2014.

As the Secretary-General´s report makes clear, the tasks before us have rarely been more demanding or diverse. This should not be a source of discouragement. Let´s instead make the best possible use of the opportunity afforded by “the ultimate multilateral moment” to ensure a fruitful and productive session of the 64th United Nations General Assembly

Fjármál Sameinuðu þjóðanna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í fimmtu nefnd, 6. október 2009 Allow me to begin by congratulating you, as well as other members of the bureau, on your election, and assure you of our full cooperation and support.

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Let me also thank the chairman of the Committee on Contributions and the Chief of the Contribution Section for their reports.

Iceland believes that the sharing of financial responsibilities among the member states of the United Nations should be guided by fairness and that the principle of capacity to pay should be applied as the fundamental criterion for apportioning the expenses of the organization.

We concur with the Committee on Contributions (CoC) that the best way to capture this principle is to use the most current and comprehensive data on Gross National Income available as a basis, and to reflect in this way each country’s share in the world economy.

As we all know, the current scale of assessment is at odds with present economic realities. Over the past years there have been sweeping changes in the world economy, bringing about a realignment of economic and financial power. The recent global financial turmoil has served to underline these changes and may affect the world’s financial and economic architecture in years to come.

These developments call for some adjustments in the UN´s scale of assessment so as to ensure that the scale remains fair and equitable. If not, we risk undermining the underlying principle of capacity to pay.

Based on the current methodology, my own country, to take one example, would contribute to the UN budget for the years 2010-2012 over 27% more than our share in the world economy, as calculated by the CoC, would require. As was noted by the European Union and Japan, in similar comparisons yesterday, such discrepancies are clearly not in line with the principle of capacity to pay.

We do fully accept that capacity to pay cannot, and should not, guide the scale of assessments to the exclusion of all other considerations, including important adjustments that provide relief to the most vulnerable countries. At the same time, we do believe that time is ripe for some countries that have been experiencing buoyant economic growth over the past years to assume a share of the regular UN budget that is more in line with their relative size in the world economy.

This would be fair and consistent with the collective nature of our organization and it would reinforce the membership’s commitment to the fundamental principle of capacity to pay.

Afvopnun og takmörkun vígbúnaðar: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í fyrstu nefnd, 9. október 2009 At the outset allow me to congratulate you on your election and assure you of my delegation’s full cooperation and support.

The impasse that has to a large extent characterized multilateral discussions and negotiations on arms-control and disarmament over the past years has been broken. These important issues are now at the forefront of the international agenda, and, as was observed by speakers during the Security Council's meeting two weeks ago, the next 12 months will be instrumental in setting the tone for our future efforts.

For the first time, a world free of nuclear weapons, a distant vision at the time of the ReaganGorbachev Summit in Reykjavík in 1986, has become a realistic working goal. The unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 1887, pledging the Council's support for progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation has brought that goal one step closer.

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The recent commitments made by US President Obama and President Medvedev of Russia to pursue a legally binding successor treaty to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), has also provided an important impetus to further disarmament efforts.

While being witness to these positive developments, the world community remains confronted with grave risks of proliferation. We call upon all states to honor their international obligations and cooperate fully with the IAEA. The Non-Proliferation Treaty remains the cornerstone of our global security. While the treaty has stood the test of time, it has confronted numerous challenges in recent years. These include the risks of further proliferation, the acquisition of nuclear weapons by non-state actors and nuclear terrorism. Such challenges should harden our resolve to strengthen the NPT´s universality, effectiveness and authority and to combine our efforts in ensuring a successful 2010 NPT Review Conference that genuinely restores confidence in the non-proliferation regime.

The early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a critical building block in the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture. Therefore, it is disappointing that out of the 44 states whose ratifications are required for the treaty to enter into force, nine have yet to either sign or ratify it. We welcome the positive signals coming from the individual countries in that regard, which hopefully will encourage others who have yet to ratify the treaty to come forward. Thanks to these recent developments the CTBT´s entry into force could be within reach.

A verifiable Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) is another essential step toward nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We sincerely welcome the adoption of a program of work by the Conference on Disarmament and hope that negotiations on a FMCT will begin early next year.

Two other key areas of the WMD arms-control and disarmament agenda are biological and chemical weapons. Iceland fully supports the universalisation and complete implementation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTCW) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and calls upon those countries that have not acceded to these instruments to do so without delay.

Small and light weapons have often been referred to as the real weapons of mass destruction. A major challenge confronting global peace and security is their misuse and illicit spread. Working to prevent the proliferation of such weapons also serves the cause of development and human rights. Therefore, Iceland strongly supports the UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the illicit Trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects, and calls for reinforced efforts to further strengthen its implementation.

Likewise, landmines and cluster munitions have been shown time and again to cause unacceptable harm to civilians, both during and in the aftermath of conflict. We therefore fully support the Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel mines and hope that the Summit in Cartagena, Colombia, later this year will bring us even closer to its universalisation. Iceland also wishes to acknowledge the adoption of the Convention on Cluster Munitions last year as a major milestone in addressing the humanitarian damage inflicted by these munitions.

Furthermore, we believe that a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty to regulate import, export and transfer of conventional arms is much needed in our efforts to reduce the human cost associated

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with the proliferation of conventional arms. Iceland will support measures to that end during this General Assembly and we hope that the negotiations on the treaty will begin as soon as possible.

Iceland shares the view, expressed by some delegations, that in order to take full advantage of the conducive atmosphere that seems to be emerging, a fundamental review of the intergovernmental machinery in the area of arms-control and disarmament, set up by the United Nations more than 30 years ago, may now be called for.

Iceland is among the 20 plus member states that have never had or have abolished their own military. Therefore, it was particularly revealing for my delegation to hear Mr. Duarte, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, at the opening of this session inform the committee that the estimated global military expenditures last year exceeded $1, 4 trillion, a 4% real increase compared to the previous year, and an alarming 45% increase from 1999. Let us hope that the current optimism and high expectations in the field of arms-control and disarmament can be converted into a reversal of this disturbing trend over the coming years.

Jafnrétti kynjanna og efling kvenna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í þriðju nefnd, 12. október 2009 As this is the first time Iceland takes the floor in the third committee during the 64rd Session of the General Assembly, allow me at the outset to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau on your election. I assure you of the full cooperation and support of my delegation.

Women play a central role in economic and social development and experience has shown that strong links exist between women’s empowerment and poverty reduction. Hence, the advancement of women and women’s rights is not only a question of basic human rights, but should be central to most other aspects of the work of the United Nations.

The current economic and financial crisis is likely to affect women and children particularly hard.

It is the responsibility of Governments to ensure that women and children are not discriminated against in times of structural change and economic recession. Therefore, children’s welfare and gender considerations should be duly taken into account as we gradually steer our way to recovery.

The recession may further exacerbate existing human rights violations, including trafficking in women, one of the most lucrative criminial activities in the world, coming second to drugs. To combat this evil, Iceland has recently adopted a national action plan against trafficking in human beings. The plan will reinforce cooperation by relevant agencies against trafficking and includes measures to protect victims. Iceland has also passed legislation criminialising the purchase of prostitution services. Given the international nature of trafficking, comprehensive and concerted cooperation is called for.

Women and girls remain subject to persistent and grave gender-based violence in all parts of the world – be it domestic violence behind closed doors, trafficking in women and children, or a systematic aggression involving millions of girls and women. Women and girls continue to be targets and victims of injustice, assaults and sexual violence in armed conflicts and post conflict situations – a clear violation of their dignity, security and human rights. Impunity for atrocities committed towards women and children remains to be adequately addressed.

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Violence against women is never acceptable, it should never be tolerated and it should never be justified. Iceland reaffirms its strong commitment to urgent eradication of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and children.

Instead of seeing women as a vulnerable group, we should regard them as rights-holders. We need to ensure equal opportunities. Equal participation of women is fundamental to achieving, maintaining and promoting sustainable peace and security as well as the human rights of women.

Therefore, we need to ensure women’s participation in policy and decision making, not least those relating to peace and conflict resolution Iceland hopes that member states will seize upon the 10th Anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security to build momentum and enhance compliance with the resolution. Important steps were taken recently, with the adoption of resolution 1888, which reinforces resolution 1820, calling for the appointment of a Special Representative and better monitoring of the use of sexual and gender-based violence as tactics of war, as well as the adoption of resolution 1889, reinforcing resolution 1325 and requesting a set of indicators to track its implementation. Iceland stands ready to cooperate with others to realize the objectives of these important resolutions.

This year, 30 years have passed since the adoption of the landmark Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women [CEDAW Convention]. Iceland is firmly committed to the full and effective implementation of the CEDAW convention and its optional protocol. We urge all Member States that have not done so to ratify the Convention and the Protocol as soon as possible. Iceland furthermore highly values the work of the CEDAW Committee, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and regards UNIFEM as an important partner in its work on gender equality and women’s empowerment, a continuing priority for Iceland.

Although some progress has been made towards the advancement of women and gender equality in many parts of the world, a large gap remains between existing commitments and their implementation. To bridge this gap, the UN plays a central role, both through global advocacy and leadership, as well as through operational work at national and regional levels. Therefore, Iceland supports the establishment of a strong UN Gender Entity, headed by an Under-Secretary General, and urges the Secretary General to proceed swiftly in this regard.

Ástandið á hinum hernumdu svæðum Palestínumanna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á opnum fundi öryggisráðsins, 14. október 2009 Iceland welcomes the opportunity to address the Council in this open debate. The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) remains of grave concern and continues to threaten stability far beyond the region.

Although Operation Cast Lead has ended, Gazans remain besieged through limited freedom of movement, import restrictions on even the most basic necessities, near total prohibition of export and reversal of economic development. For the ordinary civilians of Gaza, the situation remains unacceptable by international standards.

Meanwhile, the closure regime is still operated in the West Bank. Iceland remains deeply concerned at the continued house demolitions, evictions and settlement activities in the oPt’s, including in East Jerusalem. There must be an immediate end to settlements and impunity. The

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prolonged situation of impunity has created a crisis of justice in the oPt’s that needs to be addressed.

Iceland fully recognizes Israel´s legitimate security concerns, including weapons smuggling and the unacceptable firing of rockets from Gaza, destroying and endangering lives of civilians. At the same time, such violations do not warrant the disproportionate use of force and breaching of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The comprehensive report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission has concluded that there is evidence indicating serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed both

by Israel during Operation Cast Lead and in the West Bank, as well as by Palestinian armed groups in their repeated launching of rockets into Southern Israel. The report deserves serious consideration and follow-up. The conclusions drawn require concrete action and the establishment of a credible system of investigation into the alleged violations. Every Member State must commit itself to full cooperation with the United Nations.

It is imperative that every effort be made to bring the human tragedy in the oPt’s to an end, through negotiations and mediation. The international community must step up pressure on both sides and revitalise the Peace Process. More needs to be done, especially by the UN Security Council, through a concerted effort to actively further the goal of ending the occupation and achieving a two state solution - a prerequisite for durable peace. The political momentum that has been created must not be allowed to fade away.

Réttindi barna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í þriðju nefnd, 15. október 2009 This year we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the advances we have made since its conclusion. We sincerely hope that States Parties will seize this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to implementing the provisions of the convention and urge Member States that have not done so to ratify the Convention and its two optional protocols.

The Convention has undoubtedly influenced the way we view children, who are now increasingly regarded as rights-holders. But as we review the achievements so far, the remaining challenges are apparent. The international community has set various benchmarks towards to the eventual realization of every child’s rights, but our efforts must be strengthened if we are to succeed. The economic and financial crisis threatens to further slow or even reverse progress made towards the Millennium Development goals, all of which have direct impact on the well-being of children, and the goals for “a world fit for children”, set out by the General Assembly’s special session on children in 2002.

Efforts to fulfil the MDGs have brought some progress in areas such as poverty reduction and education. Iceland applauds progress made towards ensuring primary education for all children, girls and boys alike. At the same time, 75 million children are not enrolled in primary education, 55% of whom are girls, and access to secondary education is unsatisfactory. Realizing children’s right to education is, of course, essential to both anti-poverty goals and health-related goals, as all the MDGs are interlinked.

Unfortunately, progress has not been comparable as regards other child-related MDGs. Despite considerable reduction in mortality rates among children under five years of age, more than six million children die every year of preventable diseases and insufficient neonatal care. As a result of the economic crisis and elevated food prices, malnutrition is reportedly on the rise.

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Poverty reduction, education and improved access to food and water are substantial targets in their own right. They are also important elements of a comprehensive strategy to relieve conflict and support enduring peace. Deplorably, children continue to be recruited by armed groups as well as groups associated with terrorism and organized crime.

Some positive developments should nevertheless be noted. The work of the Special Representative on Children in armed conflict, in partnership with UNICEF and other UN agencies, has lead to the release of numerous child soldiers and helped raise awareness about the dire situation confronting children in armed conflicts in different parts of the world. In line with the Special Representative’s recommendation, the Security Council, following the adoption of resolution 1882, should now include on its agenda all conflicts where warring parties are found to be associated with the killing and maiming of children, as well as rape and sexual violence, in addition to recruitment. Further steps should be taken to ensure compliance and end impunity with regard to such crimes.

Remaining and emerging challenges require our continued vigilance. Fundamental barriers to the realization of children’s rights remain in many countries. Early and forced marriage is one such barrier and every day 200 million children perform work that is damaging to their health and development. All over the world, children are victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking and corporal punishment. We urge Member States to end all forms of violence and discrimination against children and to take practical measures to realize children’s rights. What better way, Mr. Chairman, to mark the anniversary of one of the most basic of our human rights conventions, the Convention on the Right of the Child?

Goldstone-skýrslan: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á allsherjarþinginu, 5. nóvember 2009 The comprehensive report of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict (A/HRC/12/48) has concluded that there is evidence indicating serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law committed both by Israel during Operation Cast Lead and in the West Bank, as well as by Palestinian armed groups in their repeated launching of rockets into southern Israel.

The report deserves serious consideration and follow-up. The conclusions drawn require concrete action, including the establishment of a credible system of investigation into the alleged violations. We reiterate our shared principle that every Member State must commit itself to full cooperation with the United Nations.

Iceland fully recognizes Israel’s legitimate security concerns, including over weapons smuggling and the unacceptable firing of rockets from Gaza, which destroy and endanger the lives of innocent civilians. At the same time, such violations do not justify the disproportionate use of force or the breaching of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The conflict continues to threaten stability far beyond the region and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains of grave concern. The people of Gaza remain besieged by limited freedom of movement, import and export restrictions and a worsening economic situation. Their situation remains unacceptable by international standards.

Meanwhile, the closure regime is still operating in the West Bank. Iceland remains deeply concerned over the situation there as well, including violence and evictions in East Jerusalem.

Settlement activities must be ended.

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The prolonged climate of impunity has created a crisis of justice in the occupied Palestinian territory that needs to be addressed. In this regard, the aforementioned system of investigation, recommended by the Fact-Finding Mission Report, would be a welcome step in the right direction.

In line with the Report, we urge both the Israeli and Palestinian parties to launch independent investigations, in conformity with international standards, into the allegations of serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. We also support requests to the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report to the next session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and for the Secretary-General to report to this Assembly on further development.

Orkumál og loftslagsbreytingar: Ávarp fastafulltrúa í pallborðsumræðum í Scandinavia House í New York, 23 nóvember 2009 A binding treaty to cut global carbon emissions may no longer be in prospect this year, but Copenhagen could still mark a decisive step on the road to halting the impact of climate change.

The challenge now is to ensure, through a voluntary process, that we come as close as possible to the goal recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of limiting global temperature increase to 2 degrees Celsius. Should some such understanding take shape, we may still be able to snatch a modest success from the jaws of defeat in Copenhagen.

For the United Nations, which has staked so much on the outcome of COP15, this may not be the result we had hoped for. In addition to the ongoing global financial and economic crisis, the impacts of climate change are already hurting developing countries and complicating efforts at poverty reduction, a key target of the Millennium Development Goals.

However, it would be wrong to view Copenhagen as the beginning or the end of all. Whatever happens in Copenhagen two weeks from now, we should recognize the progress that is being made across the globe as we transition, however slowly, towards a low carbon future.

To be sure, Iceland, like the other Nordic countries, fully supports the target set by the IPCC of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25% to 40%. Our government has, for example, pledged to reduce net emissions by 50-75% by 2050 and by 15% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, an ambitious goal for a country where 80% of total energy consumption is already met through renewable energy.

But we also take the view that in order to be effective, any post-Kyoto regime must be linked to the gradual but fundamental reorientation of energy policy, through technological advancement and innovation. In effect, the world as a whole must make the switch from fossil fuels to more sustainable and climate friendly energy resources.

Here, the Nordic countries, within their own region as well as in their development assistance, are well placed to take the lead. For purposes of illustration, let me focus my remarks on Iceland’s energy policy.

Today, Iceland produces close to 100% of its electricity from clean energy resources, hydro and geothermal. Almost 90% of homes and workplaces are heated through geothermal hot water.

However, Iceland is still dependent on fossil fuel imports for about 20% of its total energy consumption.

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A comprehensive energy strategy is now being formulated to have renewable energy sources replace imported energy in Iceland altogether. In the transport sector, there is a growing belief that the future technology in the car industry is the electrical drive-train; in the short-term through hybridization but then moving towards plug-in battery vehicles and fuel cell vehycles. Therefore, the city of Reykjavík, in cooperation with Mitsubishi Motors, is working on a project to replace a large part of the car fleet in the city of Reykjavík with electric cars. In fact, users of electric cars can now draw free electricity for their vehicles by plugging them into a designed post in the city’s main shopping centers.

In parallel, a public-private company, Iceland New Energy, is initiating a project to have ten hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, test driven for a period of time. This project comes on the heels of another project, where three buses using hydrogen only were successfully operated for a number of years. For the eco-tourist, a hydrogen-powered rental car is already available at Hertz.

Being a small country sometimes has advantages. In this instance, Iceland, with both a supportive environment and a sophisticated infrastructure, can offer itself as a platform for trial and demonstration of new “green driving” technologies where the transformation of an entire national energy system can be observed. The reason why is simple. In the past seventy years, Iceland has twice transformed its energy infrastructure – moving first from coal to oil and then, in the seventies, from oil to geothermal.

Two other Icelandic cooperation projects that could be of relevance to the longer term combat against climate change bear mentioning: A so-called Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP), supported by, among others, the US National Science Foundation, explores the economic feasibility of extracting energy and chemicals out of hydrothermal systems at supercritical conditions, meaning extremely high pressure and temperatures below 3.5 km (2.2 miles) depth. If successful, deep drilling could yield 5 to 10 times more power from each well. Considering that more than 60 countries could harness energy from geothermal resources, the research could have important applications in other parts of the world.

The other is the so-called CarbFix project, supported by the Earth Institute of Columbia University among others. The aim of this project is to show the viability of capturing and storing CO2 from geothermal steam in basaltic bedrock at a depth of 400 to 800 meters (1300 - 2600 feet), thereby demonstrating that a near zero CO2 emission geothermal power plant is possible.

This technology, if proven, could then be exported and applied to storing captured carbon, whatever the source, in other countries rich in basaltic rock.

One should not underestimate the economic and technological obstacles confronting all four of these forward-looking projects. The consumer price of an electric car may still not be competitive. Decades may go by before hydrogen comes on line as a mainstream energy carrier.

As to our deep drilling, this project recently suffered a temporary setback when the drilling of the first well hit magma at only 2.1 km (1.3 mile) depth. Notwithstanding such problems, we remain confident that we will, through experimentation and innovation of this kind, eventually find our way to a low carbon future.

In the United Nations one frequently hears the objection that such cutting-edge technologies rarely have applications in the developing world. This is not necessarily the case. Being at a less

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advanced stage economically, should give many developing countries an opportunity to leapfrog carbon-based industrial technologies. By hindsight we also know that the “high tech” of today may be mainstream of tomorrow.

With this in mind, our private sector and government have taken steps to work with developing countries in low-carbon growth development, directly and through the World Bank. Last week, for example, a joint venture of Icelandic and Chinese companies inaugurated a geothermal district heating system in the Shaanxi Province of China that will offset 33.000 tons of carbon emissions every year, equivalent to the emissions from 11.000 cars. Also, for close to thirty years, more than 500 specialists from the developing world have been trained through the geothermal program of the United Nations University based in Iceland.

To conclude, regardless of what happens in Copenhagen, we need to stay the course and recognize the changing mind-set on energy and climate that is taking shape around the globe.

Whether this awakening is sufficient to stave off an environmental catastrophe in the coming years we are not in a position to tell. But let us at least take some encouragement from the fact that the Nordic countries are doing their part in promoting a low carbon future, be it through hydro, wind, biofuel, solar, geothermal or even nuclear power. In Copenhagen, we should not be shy to let that story be told.

Innbyrðis samstarf þróunarríkja: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á ráðstefnu í Nairóbí, 3. desember 2009 Allow me first of all to congratulate Prime Minister Odinga and the Government of Kenya for hosting this successful high-level conference on South-South cooperation. Without a doubt, this conference will come to be seen as a significant milestone in the continuing evolution of SouthSouth cooperation from its inception more than thirty years ago.

For my country – and for me personally – it has been an honor to be associated with the SouthSouth process as a Co-facilitator of the Outcome Document. The mere fact that a representative of one of the Northernmost countries in the world – actually the only country that has all of its territory inside the Arctic region – is invited to co-facilitate in this process is a testimony to the relevance of South-South cooperation for all of us at the United Nations, wherever we hail from.

The comprehensive Outcome Document that Member States are about to adopt, serves as a reminder of the impressive gains that have been made in the area of South-South and triangular cooperation since the Buenos Aires conference. As such, the document reinforces the standing of South-South cooperation as an ever more important strand in the work of the United Nations.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many who have made it possible for us to obtain a consensus document. The outcome is the result of a hard-won compromise and was accepted by all parties involved in the negotiation. Therefore, I wish to thank, in the first instance, the delegates of Member States for engaging in earnest in the drafting process and for demonstrating the flexibility necessary to come together, look past their differences and unite in a common position for the benefit of all.

I am grateful to the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, for his leadership, his personal involvement and for the confidence he placed in the two Co-facilitators.

The role played by the President of the General Assembly’s High-level Committee on SouthSouth cooperation, H.E. Mr. Al-Nasser, Ambassador of Qatar to the United Nations, in the runup to this conference also deserves special mention. Furthermore, let me acknowledge the 30

valuable support of UNDP´s Special Unit for South-South cooperation throughout this entire process.

Finally, a word appreciation is due to my Co-facilitator, H.E. Mr. Abdullah Alsaidi, Ambassador of Yemen to the United Nations, for the cooperation he has so generously extended to me in this joint effort over the past few weeks.

Málefni hafsins: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á allsherjarþinginu, 4. desember 2009 The Convention on the Law of the Sea provides the legal framework for all our deliberations on the oceans and the law of the sea. Iceland welcomes recent ratifications of the Convention, which bring the total number of States Parties to 160, as well as signals of further ratifications in the near future. By ratifying and implementing the Convention, the international community sustains and promotes a number of its most cherished goals. Every effort must be made to utilize existing instruments to the fullest before other options, including possible new implementation agreements under the Convention, are given serious consideration.

The three institutions established under the Law of the Sea Convention are all functioning well.

The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf has received submissions from more than 50 coastal states, my own country included, regarding the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. Further submissions are expected in the near future.

My delegation notes with satisfaction the progress in the work of the Commission but share the concern expressed in the draft resolution on oceans and the law of the sea that the heavy workload of the Commission places additional demands and challenges on its members and the United Nations Division on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS). Iceland supports the decision of the nineteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention to continue to address, as a matter of priority and through an informal working group, issues related to the workload of the Commission, including funding for its members attending sessions. In order to enable the Commission to consider the high number of submissions in an efficient and timely manner, the Commission should have the possibility to meet more often and hold longer sessions in New York.

Everything must be done to preserve the integrity of the Law of the Sea Convention.

Unfortunately, there has been lack of appreciation in some fora of the nature of the rights of the coastal state over its continental shelf. In order to address this, it was considered appropriate to include a paragraph in the draft resolution on oceans and the law of the sea, which refers to article 77, paragraph 3, of the Convention and spells out that the rights of the coastal state over the continental shelf do not depend on occupation, effective or notional, or on any express proclamation. The rights of the coastal state, are in other words, inherent rights and are not dependent upon a submission to the Commission or recommendations by the Commission which are technical in nature and do not address the legal entitlement of the coastal state over its continental shelf.

The United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement is of paramount importance, as it strengthens considerably the framework for conservation and management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). The effectiveness of the Agreement depends on its wide ratification and implementation. Therefore, we welcome recent ratifications of the Agreement, bringing the number of States Parties to 77. My delegation looks

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forward to the resumed Review Conference in May next year which will serve to promote a wider participation in the Agreement and strengthen its implementation.

My country participated actively in the negotiations within United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) on the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. The Port State Agreement is the first global treaty focused specifically on the problem of IUU fishing. We welcome its approval and opening for signature last month. The objective of the Agreement is to combat IUU fishing through the implementation of effective port state measures, and thereby to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources and marine ecosystems.

Under customary international law, the coastal state enjoys full territorial sovereignty over its internal waters. Consequently, foreign vessels’ rights to access a state’s port are subject to the state’s permission. An exception only applies in the case of force majeure or distress. Although port state measures are clearly one of the most powerful and cost-effective means of combating IUU fishing, there has been a lack of coherent application of such measures by port states. While many states have closed their ports to vessels that have engaged in IUU fishing, others states have continued to provide such vessels with services in their ports, thereby supporting illegal activity.

To remedy this situation, the international community, including the General Assembly, has been calling for a legally binding international instrument on minimum standards for port state measures.

The Port State Agreement provides minimum standards for port state measures and describes both the measures as such and the conditions for them to be taken. Iceland, which has signed the Agreement and plans to ratify it as soon as possible, encourages other states to do the same, with a view to the early entry into force of the Agreement.

This fall, the General Assembly conducted a review of actions taken by states and RFMOs regarding bottom fisheries and the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) from destructive fishing practices, as called for in its sustainable fisheries resolution 61/105. In our view, the review, which was conducted in a constructive manner and greatly facilitated by the report of DOALOS in cooperation with the FAO, was highly successful.

Iceland fully endorses the paragraphs of the draft sustainable fisheries resolution relating to this important issue. The resolution welcomes, among other things, the important progress made in implementing the relevant paragraphs of resolution 61/105 and addressing the impact of bottom fishing on VMEs. My country attaches great importance to the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (UNICPOLOS). UNICPOLOS is a unique forum for comprehensive discussions among stakeholders and a host of disciplines related to the oceans and the law of the sea, consistent with the framework provided by the Law of the Sea Convention and chapter 17 of Agenda 21. We look forward to the eleventh meeting of UNICPOLOS in June next year which will focus its discussions on the important issue of capacity-building, including marine science.

Iceland welcomes the start-up of the first cycle of the regular process for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects, which is endorsed in the draft resolution on the oceans and the law of the sea. The course of action set out in the draft resolution, allows for the necessary preparatory work to be conducted in the first year

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so as to have the first fully integrated assessment of the regular process completed by the year 2014.

We look forward to the reconvening of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole at the end of August 2010, to further consider and make recommendations to the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session on the modalities for the implementation of the regular process. To ensure a successful outcome of the meeting, my delegation encourages all states to use the opportunity to submit their views to the Secretary-General on the fundamental building blocks of the regular process, as called for in the draft resolution on the oceans and the law of the sea.

As a final note, Iceland would like to emphasize that the vast seas of the Arctic region are vital and vulnerable components of the earth´s environment and climate system. The Arctic Ocean should continue to be a priority area for research in the area of climate change. In this regard the role and responsibility of the Arctic Council and its eight member states should continue to be recognized.

Barnahjálp Sþ (UNICEF): Ávarp fastafulltrúa á stjórnarfundi 13. janúar 2010 Allow me to congratulate H.E. Dr. Abdul Momen on his election as President of the Board. I also wish to thank the outgoing President, H. E. Mr. Oumar Daou, for his dedication and good work during the past year.

At the outset, I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincere condolences to the people of Haiti in light of the disastrous earthquake yesterday. Following contacts with Haitian officials and relevant coordinating agencies, my Government has already dispatched the Icelandic International Search and Rescue Team to Haiti and the Icelandic Red Cross has initiated fundraising efforts among the Icelandic public.

The adverse impact of the global financial and economic crisis and a combination of other factors, including climate change, the recent food crisis and the H1N1 influenza pandemic, makes UNICEF’s contribution to development and humanitarian assistance more important than ever.

UNICEF plays a unique role as a guardian of the most vulnerable, alleviating the plight of impoverished children and giving them a hope for the future.

Furthermore, the increased attention given by UNICEF to gender equality, including in the areas of education and health, makes the fund an important partner for Iceland in its development efforts.

As we all know, the international financial and economic crisis has taken it’s toll on the national treasuries of countries all over the world, including development budgets. In this regard, my own country is certainly no exception. After years of continued growth, Iceland has been constrained to scale back its development cooperation. Bearing in mind the excellent track record and priorities of UNICEF, an effort has nevertheless been made to safeguard Iceland’s support for the fund.

Therefore, I am pleased to announce that the Government of Iceland will contribute 130 million Icelandic kronur to UNICEF in the year 2010.

Náttúruhamfarirnar á Haítí: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á framlagafundi, 15. janúar 2010

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Allow me to reiterate my sincere condolences to the government and people of Haiti following the calamity that struck their country last Tuesday. Also, our hearts go out to the families of UN staff who lost their lives or are still unaccounted for following the disaster.

We are confronted with the daunting task of bringing emergency relief to those who survived and to help them reconstruct their devastated society. This will require a momentous and coordinated effort on the part of - not least - the United Nations and the different humanitarian organizations.

In response to the flash appeal, my Government has decided to disburse without delay 7 million Icelandic kronur to the World Food Programme´s efforts in Haiti.

At the same time, the Icelandic International Search and Rescue Team that arrived on the scene within 24 hours of the earthquake and was among the first to touch down in Port-au-Prince, will remain engaged over the coming days. This is a team of 37 specialists, fully equipped and selfsufficient for up to seven days, deployed in coordination with OCHA/UNDAC as well as Haitian authorities.

Finally, I should mention that we were able to use the aricraft carrying the team to Haiti to evacuate dozens people from the disaster area.

Before I close, I would like to commend Secretary General and the United Nations system for their leadership and vigorous commitment to relieving the plight of the Haitian people in these last trying days.

Verndun og nýting líffræðilegs fjölbreytileika utan efnahagslögsögu ríkja: Ávarp varafastafulltrúa á vinnufundi, 1. febrúar 2010 The marine ecosystem is under increased pressure from a range of activities, including pollutants, overfishing, waste and litter, invasive alien species, climate change and ocean acidification. It is undeniable that human activities do affect marine biodiversity, both within and beyond areas of national jurisdiction. This may result in loss of biodiversity, ecosystem integrity and resilience, with corresponding harmful effects for goods and services.

As our Ad Hoc Working Group is meeting weeks after the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, let us be mindful of the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity. Changes in water chemistry and temperature alone may threaten a number of vulnerable ecosystems, including cold-water coral reefs, and lead to great shifts in biodiversity, especially in sensitive zones such as the polar areas. Many marine organisms, in particular those inhabiting the deep sea, tend to live within narrow temperature ranges and may be unable to adapt to sudden changes.

For the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction it is vital for decision makers to be well informed of the state of the marine environment. Scientific research must be encouraged and capacity building ensured in order to for developing countries to contribute effectively.

For these reasons, and many others, we should welcome the start-up of the first cycle of the regular process for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects. The endorsement of the start-up phase allows for the necessary preparatory work to be conducted in the first year so as to have the first fully integrated

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assessment of the regular process completed by the year 2014. This process should be taken fully into account as our meeting considers appropriate recommendations to the General Assembly.

This year we commemorate the International Year of Biodiversity. Looking ahead to the one-day high-level event on biodiversity next September, prior to the general debate of the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly, we should make sure that the issue of biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction is given the consideration it deserves.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides the legal framework for all activities in the oceans, including the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. A number of specialized agreements supplement the Convention by providing measures for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity. The implementation of the Convention and relevant agreements will promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

In our view, the Law of the Sea Convention provides a sufficient legal framework for the conservation and exploitation of marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction and offers at the same time a great amount of flexibility. Iceland is willing to engage in a constructive debate for the purpose of finding fair and equitable practical solutions regarding the conservation and exploitation of marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including benefit sharing, within the existing legal framework.

We look forward to a constructive and fruitful discussion in the coming days.

Málefni kvenna: Ávarp félagsmálaráðherra, á fundi í kvennanefnd Sþ, 2. mars 2010 As we, representatives of governments of the United Nations, gather here on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we must recognise that although we have made some gains towards gender equality in the last fifteen years, serious challenges remain.

Presently we see a real risk that the global economic and financial crisis will further lead to the disadvantaged situation of women. This illustrates the importance of the effective implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Let us remember that the advancement of gender equality is not only a goal in itself but an important precondition for meeting the Millennium Development Goals and making the world a safer and better place.

In recent times, my country has witnessed some very positive developments as regards gender equality. Last year, for the first time, a woman was appointed Prime Minister, the number of men and women in the government became equal and the representation of women in Parliament rose to 43%. These changes have brought Iceland to the top of the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Index for 2009.

However, challenges remain.

One of the most pressing is bridging the gender pay gap. A study conducted in 2008 found that the gap was still approximately 16%, despite the fact that Iceland has for almost five decades had legislation in force on equal pay for equal work.

We are currently dealing with the repercussions of the financial crisis, which hit Iceland particularly hard with a combined currency and banking crisis. Dealing with the resulting

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recession is today our primary task. This requires fiscal prudence at the same time as positive measures to ensure social fairness are in great demand.

Our challenge in all our work is to ensure that both sexes benefit equally – or suffer equally – from economic measures and that a gender perspective is a primary concern in all policy and decision making.

We are mindful to maintain and improve as possible the social measures already in place, which were designed to strengthen gender equality. A case in point is our parental leave system and to encourage fathers to use their rights. Although the government has been forced to lower the payments, we have been able to safeguard the system under which both parents enjoy equal rights, with some of the leave entitlements non-transferable. So far, over 90% of fathers have taken the leave they are entitled to.

Violence against women is another factor where we want to increase our focus. Last year, the Icelandic parliament enacted a law criminalizing the buying of sex. Iceland has thereby joined Sweden and Norway in defining prostitution as one form of violence against women that must be eliminated. We are also strengthening our efforts in dealing with human trafficking.

The Icelandic government has defined, and continues to define, gender equality as one of the priorities of its foreign policy. Special focus has been given to women’s empowerment, particularly as regards development co-operation, climate change and peace processes.

Later this year, the international community will celebrate the tenth anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. It is worrying that despite some progress made in the last decade, the knowledge and experience of women is still consistently ignored and women remain largely excluded from peace processes. This we must change, as equal participation of both sexes is imperative to achieving a lasting and sustainable peace.

In this line, Iceland supports the extraordinary work of the International Women’s Commission for a Just and Sustainable Peace, an organization where Israeli and Palestinian women work, together with women from the international community, on resolving the conflict.

It is Iceland’s firm belief that the creation of a new UN gender entity to be led by an UnderSecretary General will be a very positive step towards an increased focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Progress has been made last year on the establishment of the composite gender entity and we now have a comprehensive proposal addressing many of the concerns raised. We need to use this momentum to demonstrate our commitment to quick delivery. The gender entity should be operational without further delay.

The work for gender equality is more important than ever. It is the base for a safer, more just, more democratic, and more sustainable world we owe to our children and future generations.

Útbreiðsla kjarnavopna: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á endurskoðunarráðstefnu NPTsamningsins, 5. maí 2010 The NPT has in many ways been a remarkably successful multilateral effort. Today, forty years after the treaty entered into force, the states parties are almost as many as the members of the United Nations, making the treaty the most widely adhered to multilateral disarmament agreement in history. Among other things, the NPT provides the basis for the very important work of the IAEA, exemplified by the thousands of extensive inspections carried out by the

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agency in a great number of countries every year. Thanks to the NPT, non-proliferation has become a global norm.

Yet, the NPT has been under critical stress for a number of years. The proliferation of nuclear weapons and the capabilities to deliver them over long distances is an issue that is increasingly being recognized as one of the key challenges confronting the international community and one of the most difficult to solve.

The purpose of the eighth NPT Review Conference is to chart the course for next five years or more. Recent developments, including the conclusion of the new START agreement of the Russian Federation and the United States, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1887, the Nuclear Security Summit held last month in Washington D.C., as well as the renewed commitment of the United States to seeking to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and initiate negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, have set the stage for progress to be made.

We must now move beyond the stalemate that held up our last review conference five years ago.

The outcome of this conference needs to demonstrate that the parties as a whole are willing to assume their full responsibility to uphold the treaty for the benefit of all. We need to make progress on a balanced review of each of the three pillars to the treaty, non-proliferation, peaceful uses of nuclear energy and safeguards and nuclear disarmament. On the whole, we need to aim at strengthening and reaffirming the NPT, bearing in mind that this treaty is the cornerstone of the broader NPT-regime.

To realize that goal it is essential to ensure strict compliance with existing non-proliferation obligations. We share the concerns that many have expressed in this regard about the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and the Islamic Republic of Iran and call upon both states to meet their obligations consistent with United Nations Security Council resolutions and agreements of the IAEA. Iran´s nuclear activities are also a matter of regional security. Iceland supports efforts by states to make progress towards a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, in conformity with the NPT resolution of 1995.

The NPT gives clear expression to the inalienable right of all parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and of use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Reliable supplies of energy are vital for sustainable development and more and more countries are considering nuclear energy as a means of meeting their energy requirements.

We are all aware of the view that there is an inherent weakness in the NPT, namely, that it gives scope for countries to acquire technologies that bring them to the very brink of nuclear weapons capability without explicitly violating the agreement. We must all seek the common ground on how to respond to a State´s withdrawal from the Treaty. Leaving the NPT must not be without consequences for the state concerned.

As we begin our important work at this conference, Iceland hopes that the momentum created by the new START agreement and other recent developments in the area of nuclear disarmament will help bring us closer to the eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons, as envisaged in Article VI of the NPT. This would be the greatest service our conference could render to the cause of international peace and security and the fittest way of honouring the basic purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

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Ásskýrsla Barnahjálpar Sþ (UNICEF): Ávarp fastafulltrúa á stjórnarfundi stofnunarinnar, 1. júní 2010 Allow me to thank the Executive Director for the clear vision set out in his comprehensive statement to the Executive Board this morning.

As to the Annual Report - and here let me thank the Director for presenting it - I would first of all like to note the improvements that have been made in accordance with Executive Board Decision 2010/1 of last January. At the same time, we remain of the view that the report would benefit from a more qualitative analysis of the results achieved and the challenges encountered by the fund over the reporting period. Thus it would be helpful in a number of instances if the fund could clarify how exactly the fund obtained or, as the case may be, contributed to a particular result.

Let me illustrate. We are informed, for example, that the procurement of insecticide-treated bednets to contain malaria increased by 62% in 2009. But we are not shown to what extent the correct use of such nets contributed to the observed decline in malaria prevalence. As important as the growing procurement of bednets may be, we need also ascertain that more bednets are actually being used as intended. Is it possible that other improvements, including better drugs or their greater availability, are contributing to lowering prevalence rates? If UNICEF had the information on such different factors and were able to assess their relative importance, this would no doubt give us a more accurate picture of the results achieved.

Turning to other aspects of the report, it is encouraging that external evaluations are playing a greater part in the programme design of UNICEF. We would suggest a clearer separation of the report proper and the in-depth review. We would also consider it useful to include a succinct statement of the priority issues that UNICEF anticipates in the coming years.

UNICEF has made considerable efforts in mainstreaming gender equality in focus areas of its work. We encourage the fund to stay on course, guided by results-based indicators. Obviously, to be effective in this regard the fund requires appropriate levels of funding. Therefore, we very much welcome the Executive Director’s support for the follow-up to the gender-policy evaluation with a special allocation of 4.25 million USD. Lastly, UNICEF has an important role to play in humanitarian work, including emergencies, whether as a leader or contributor. Here also, we look forward to receiving an update on UNICEF’s efforts to strengthen gender equality as mentioned in the report.

In conclusion, allow me congratulate our new Executive Director, Mr. Anthony Lake, on his appointment. I wish to assure him of Iceland’s undivided support and look forward to working closely with him and his capable staff.

Skýrsla Barnahjálpar Sþ (UNICEF) um jafnréttismál: Ávarp varafastafulltrúa á stjórnarfundi 4. júní 2010 I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the following six countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Liberia, Malawi and Norway.

After examining the report on progress in the implementation of the management response to the gender policy evaluation and the matrix, it is our conclusion that UNICEF has responded well to the gender policy evaluation recommendations. We find the surveys on gender mainstreaming conducted in 2009 and planned for May 2010 to be an innovative way of establishing a baseline

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for the mainstreaming efforts. This should enable the organisation to track the progress and report the outcome to Board meetings in the future. We also appreciate the actions UNICEF has taken in response to the evaluation results, in order to strengthen gender mainstreaming in humanitarian work.

The report is mainly focused on internal organisational processes and the results reporting in the matrix are very much focused on inclusion of gender in analysis and plans. While these are clearly important achievements, it is crucial that the mainstreaming efforts be linked to concrete and measurable goals for gender equality in the operations of UNICEF. Furthermore, this should be institutionalised in a way that will make the Fund able to report on results at country and regional levels. We are pleased that the MTSP key result matrix and indicators include gender equality results and encourage UNICEF to continue these efforts at country level.

Women’s rights are human rights. Moreover, gender equality and women’s empowerment are key enablers of development, and as such preconditions for the successful achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Therefore, it is one of our core responsibilities as the Executive Board to raise gender to the level it deserves in relation to UNICEF’s core mandate.

Málefni Mið-Austurlanda: Ávarp fastafulltrúa á opnum fundi öryggisráðsins, 21. júlí 2010 The situation in the Middle East remains of grave concern and continues to threaten stability far beyond the region.

My Government attaches great value to the proximity talks between Israelis and Palestinians and trusts that they will pave the way for the resumption of bilateral negotiations leading to the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State. We also welcome the steps that are being taken in the review of Israels´s policy on Gaza and look forward to the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1860 (2009) leading to the unconditional opening of Gaza crossings for humanitarian aid, commerce and people.

At the same time, Iceland remains deeply concerned at the continued house demolitions, evictions, settlement activities and the building of the wall in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) and fears this may lead to the erosion of the two state solution.

Only last week, the Jerusalem municipality approved the construction of 32 new Israeli homes in a settlement in East Jerusalem. This policy of continued settlement activity is obviously not going to increase confidence in the peace process and must be put to an end.

Also, the policy of house demolitions should be ceased immediately. Last week, again, Jerusalem municipality demolished a number of Palestinian structures throughout East Jerusalem, forcibly displacing at least 25 people, including 12 children. These and additional demolitions in the Jordan Valley this week, bring recorded demolitions in the oPt this year to a total of 198 structures, resulting in the forced displacement of almost 300 Palestinians, half of them children, while 600 others have been otherwise affected.

While recognizing Israel´s legitimate security concerns, Iceland strongly believes the blockade of Gaza to be in violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains deplorable as a result of the blockade. We align ourselves with those who call upon the Government of Israel to immediately and fully lift the blockade so that the people in Gaza can regain their dignity and revive their economy.

39

Iceland, following a discussion in the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, strongly condemned action leading to the loss of lives on 31 May during the Israeli raid on a flotilla sailing to Gaza and supports calls for an immediate, full and impartial inquiry into the incident with international participation.

In conclusion, Iceland remains a firm supporter of a peaceful resolution of the conflict and the two state solution. This requires genuine political willingness by both parties to reach an agreement on all the final status issues including borders, refugees and Jerusalem. It has been said by some supporters of the two state solution that we are currently at one minute to midnight.

The urgency is clear but what remains unclear is whether the parties, in conjunction with the international community, are ready to take the measures necessary. Let us hope that we can join forces and overcome the remaining hurdles before the fateful hour strikes.

Reglubundna ferlið um mat á ástandi heimshafanna: Ávarp varafastafulltrúa á vinnufundi um gerð tillagna fyrir allsherjarþingið, 30. ágúst 2010 Over the coming days, our Working Group will address a number of specific and detailed issues, consistent with the mandate contained in General Assembly resolution 64/71. But at the start, we should also be mindful of the broader significance of our wide-reaching and complex undertaking. This is particularly appropriate as we look forward to the series of high-level United Nations meetings now on the near horizon.

We might begin by acknowledging the fundamental contribution the oceans can make to improving human health, food security and poverty alleviation as set out in the Millennium Development Goals. For example, in a recent study, “The Sunken Billions”, the World Bank has estimated that the difference between the potential and actual net economic benefits from marine fisheries is in the order of $50 billion per year – equivalent to more than half the value of the global seafood trade.

Iceland believes that a well-functioning Regular Process could support sustainable fisheries to become an even greater driver of economic growth, increasing food security and reducing poverty in the world. The Regular Process, provided it is given the high-level commitment it deserves, has the potential to become the most important contribution the United Nations can make to improving ocean governance, including the governance of capture fisheries, enabling countries rich and poor to recapture a substantial proportion of the of the $50 billion annual economic loss reported by the World Bank.

Furthermore, in the International Year of Biodiversity, the Regular Process should also be recognized as an integral part of our efforts to improve our protection of marine biodiversity and as a contributor to achieving sustainable development in Small Island Developing States in the context of the Mauritius Strategy. With global warming increasingly being seen as a driver of change in the ocean environment, useful synergy could be established between the Regular Process, including its socio-economic aspects, and work undertaken under the auspices of the UNFCCC. Therefore, Mr. Co-Chair, I entirely agree with your point that our deliberations this week should not be seen in isolation from the forthcoming meetings you mentioned.

In earlier meetings of our group, it was widely accepted that the Regular Process should promote and facilitate capacity-building, even if the process would not undertake direct capacity-building initiatives on its own. For Iceland, a fisheries nation, development cooperation has from the outset had a strong fisheries focus and has essentially revolved around capacity-building. The

40

establishment of the United Nations University Fisheries Training Programme in Iceland in 1998 provided scope for much wider cooperation in this area. To date, over 200 professionals from 40 countries have completed six month practical post-graduate training. This focus will continue and will in future support all work related to the Regular Process.

In regard to capacity-building and the overall assessment process, it must be emphasized that in order to ensure the success of the Regular Process, stakeholders on all levels, national, subregional, regional and global, must have an opportunity to contribute to and interact with the process. In the Arctic, for example, we would like to single out the important contribution of the Arctic Council’s working group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME), which, since 1991, has pioneered independent scientific assessments of the Arctic marine environment.

Finally, allow me to make a few points about the work expected of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole this week: We are already in the first cycle of the Regular Process, extending to the year 2014. Last year, we were able to lay a solid basis for the Regular Process by recommending, inter alia, a framework and a way forward, later endorsed by the General Assembly. It is now for this meeting to recommend the next steps, including modalities for the implementation of the Regular Process.

We need to be both ambitious and realistic. We need ambition, because the Regular Process has the potential of improving significantly the way issues related to the oceans are managed throughout the world. At the same time, our efforts need to be tempered with realism, as the Regular Process must be seen for what it is, a vast undertaking requring the constructive engagement and commitment of a host of players. For this reason, my delegation is in favour of a cautious, adaptive approach, while also making sure that we do put in place the elements needed to finalize our first scheduled assessment within the given timeframe. In other words, we need to identify what comes first and not dwell too long on issues that can be decided at a later stage.

In this perspective, we look forward to working with you, Co-Chairs, and all delegations to secure a successful outcome.

41

III. Viðauki: Ályktanir allsherjarþingsins Nr. 64/293

Ályktun United Nations Global Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons

64/292

The human right to water and sanitation

Atkvæði Án atkv.gr.

122-0-41  ESB(18), BNA  ESB(9), Belgía/Finland/Frakkland/Þýskaland/ Ungverjaland/Ítalía/Portúgal/Slóvenía/Spán n/Noregur  Án atkv.gr.

64/291

Follow-up to paragraph 143 on human security of the 2005 World

64/290

The right to education in emergency situations System-wide coherence

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

World Statistics Day Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

64/28 9 64/267 64/265

64/25 8 64/25

and international support Sixty-fifth anniversary of the end of the Second World War

Án atkv.gr.

64/256

Cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security

Án atkv.gr.

64/255 64/254

Treaty Organization Improving global road safety Follow-up to the report of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on the

Án atkv.gr.

98-7-31 

7

Gaza Conflict (II)

ESB(17), Noregur  ESB(10) Búlgaría/Tékkóslóvakía/Þýskaland/Ungverj aland/Ítalía/Lettland/Litháen/Pólland/Rúmen ía/Slóvakía 

64/25

International Day of Nowruz

BNA  Án atkv.gr.

Implementation of the recommendation contained in the report of the

Án atkv.gr.

3 64/252

Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable 64/251

peace and sustainable development in Africa International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural

Án atkv.gr.

64/250

disasters, from relief to development Humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and rehabilitation for Haiti in

Án atkv.gr.

64/235 64/226

response to the devastating effects of the earthquake in that country Institutionalization of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Assistance to survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, particularly

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

64/222

orphans, widows and victims of sexual violence Nairobi outcome document of the High-level United Nations Conference

Án atkv.gr.

64/194

on South-South Cooperation Modalities for the fourth High-level Dialogue on Financing for

Án atkv.gr.

Development

42

Nr. 64/184

Ályktun Organization of the High-level Plenary Meeting of the sixty-fifth session

Atkvæði

64/183

of the General Assembly Cooperation between the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation

Án atkv.gr.

64/126

Organization Credentials of representatives to the sixty-fourth session of the General

Án atkv.gr.

64/125

Assembly Assistance to the Palestinian people

Án atkv.gr.

64/109

The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict: breaking the link between the

Án atkv.gr.

Án atkv.gr.

illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict as a contribution 64/108 64/81

to prevention and settlement of conflicts Global health and foreign policy Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

cooperation for peace

64/80

International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-

Án atkv.gr.

Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010 64/79

2001-2010: Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries,

Án atkv.gr.

64/78

Particularly in Africa Return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin

Án atkv.gr.

64/77

Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United

Án atkv.gr.

64/76

Nations personnel Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of

Án atkv.gr.

64/75

the United Nations Participation of volunteers, “White Helmets”, in the activities of the

Án atkv.gr.

United Nations in the field of humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and 64/74

technical cooperation for development Humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and rehabilitation for El

Án atkv.gr.

64/72

Salvador as a result of the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida Sustainable fisheries, including through the 1995 Agreement for the

Án atkv.gr.

Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and highly Migratory Fish Stocks, 64/71

and related instruments Oceans and the law of the sea

64/21

The Syrian Golan

120-1-3  ESB (27), Noregur og BNA  116-7-51  ESB(26), Noregur  BNA 

64/20

Jerusalem

Kýpur  163-7-5  ESB(27), Noregur  BNA  164-8-5 

64/19

Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine

64/18

Special information programme on the question of Palestine of the

ESB(27), Noregur  BNA  162-8-5 

64/17

Department of Public information of the Secretariat Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat

ESB(27), Noregur  BNA  112-9-54  ESB(25), Noregur  BNA 

64/16

Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People

Kýpur/Malta  109-8-55  ESB(25), Noregur 

43

Nr.

Ályktun

Atkvæði BNA 

64/15

64/14 64/13 64/12 64/11 64/10

Permanent memorial to and remembrance of the victims of slavery and the

Kýpur/Malta  Án atkv.gr.

transatlantic slave trade The Alliance of Civilizations

Án atkv.gr.

Nelson Mandela International Day Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

promote and consolidate new or restored democracies The situation in Afghanistan Follow-up to the report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict

Án atkv.gr.

114-18-44  ESB(15), Noregur  Tékkóslóvakía/Þýskaland/Ungverjaland/Ítalí a/Holland/Pólland/Slóvakía/BNA 

64/9 64/8 64/7 64/6

Report of the International Criminal Court Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba

64/5 64/4 64/1

Kýpur/Írland/Malta/Portúgal/Slóvenía  Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

187-3-2  ESB(27), Noregur 

2010 International Federation of Association Football World Cup event in

BNA  Án atkv.gr.

South Africa Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal

Án atkv.gr.

High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation

Án atkv.gr.

44

IV. Viðauki: Ályktanir 1. nefndar Nr. 64/70

Ályktun Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and

Atkvæði Án atkv.gr.

Stockpiling of Bacteriological (biological and Toxin Weapons and on 64/69

Their Destruction Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

64/68

Strengthening of security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region

64/67

Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain

175-1-3  ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively

64/66

Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East

167-6-6  ESB(27), Noregur 

64/63

Report of the Disarmament Commission Report of the Conference on Disarmament United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and

BNA  Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

64/62

the Pacific United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa

Án atkv.gr.

64/61

Regional confidence-building measures: activities of the United Nations

Án atkv.gr.

64/60

Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development

Án atkv.gr.

64/59

in Latin America and the Caribbean Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons

64/65 64/64

64/58 64/57

United Nations regional centres for peace and disarmament Towards a nuclear-weapon-free world: accelerating the implementation of nuclear disarmament commitments

116-50-12  ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Án atkv.gr.

169-5-5  ESB(25), Noregur  Bretland  BNA/Frakkland 

64/56

64/55

Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use,

160-0-18 

Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on Their

ESB(27), Noregur 

Destruction Follow-up to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on

BNA  124-31-21 

the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons

ESB(20), Noregur, BNA  Austurríki/Írland/Malta/Svíþjóð 

64/54

Transparency in armaments

Kýpur/Finland/Rúmenía  153-0-23 

64/53

Nuclear disarmament

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  111-45-19  ESB(23), Noregur, BNA 

64/52

Second Conference of States Parties and Signatories to Treaties that Establish Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia

Austurríki/Írland/Malta/Svíþjóð  166-3-6  ESB(23), Noregur  Litháen/Pólland 

64/51

Problems arising from the accumulation of conventional ammunition

Frakkland/Bretland/BNA  Án atkv.gr.

stockpiles in surplus

45

Nr. 64/50

Ályktun The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects

Atkvæði 180-0-0 

64/49

Transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities

64/48

The arms trade treaty

64/47

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Án atkv.gr.

151-1-20 

Renewed determination towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  171-2-8  ESB(26), Noregur BNA 

64/46

Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development,

Frakkland  Án atkv.gr.

Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical weapons and on Their 64/45 64/44

Destruction Prohibition of the dumping of radioactive wastes Nuclear-weapon-free southern hemisphere and adjacent areas

Án atkv.gr.

170-3-6  ESB(25), Noregur  ESB(2)

64/43

Confidence-building

measures

in

the

regional

and

Bretland/Frakkland/BNA  Án atkv.gr.

subregional context 64/42

Conventional arms control at the regional and subregional levels

64/41 64/40

Regional disarmament National legislation on transfer of arms, military equipment and dual-use

64/39

goods and technology Treaty on the South-East Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (Bangkok Treaty)

64/38

Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction

64/37

Reducing nuclear danger

174-1-2  ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

174-0-6  ESB(26), Noregur  Frakkland, BNA  Án atkv.gr.

115-50-14  ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Án atkv.gr.

64/36

Convention on Cluster Munitions

64/35

International Day against Nuclear Tests

Án atkv.gr.

64/34

Promotion of multilateralism in the area of disarmament and non

122-5-49 

proliferation

ESB(26), Noregur 

64/33

Observance of environmental norms in the drafting and implementation of

Bretland, BNA  Án atkv.gr.

64/32 64/31

agreements on disarmament and arms control Relationship between disarmament and development Follow-up to nuclear disarmament obligations agreed to at the 1995 and

Án atkv.gr.

109-56-10 

2000 Review Conferences of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-

ESB(27), Norway, BNA 

64/30

Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Assistance to States for curbing the illicit traffic in small arms and light

Án atkv.gr.

64/29

weapons and collecting them Treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or

Án atkv.gr.

64/28

other nuclear explosive devices Prevention of an arms race in outer space

176-0-2  ESB(27), Noregur 

64/27

Conclusion of effective international arrangements to assure non nuclear-

BNA  118-0-58 

64/26

weapon States against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons Establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Án atkv.gr.

46

Nr.

64/25 64/24 64/23

Ályktun East Developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the

Atkvæði Án atkv.gr.

context of international security African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone

Án atkv.gr.

Implementation of the Declaration of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace

128-3-45 

Objective information on military matters, including transparency of

ESB(2)Frakkland/Bretland/BNA Án atkv.gr.

ESB(25), Noregur 

64/22

military expenditures

47

V. Viðauki: Ályktanir 2. nefndar Nr. 64/237

Ályktun Preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of assets of illicit

Atkvæði Án atkv.gr.

origin and returning such assets, in particular to the countries of origin, 64/236

consistent with the Untied Nations Convention against Corruption Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further

Án atkv.gr.

Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on 64/225 64/224

64/22

Sustainable Development Amendments to the Charter of the United Nations University

Ísl. meðfl.

Agriculture development and food security Towards global partnerships

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

South-South cooperation Operational activities for development of the United Nations system Appointment of the Executive Director of the United Nations Populations

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

3 64/221 64/220

64/21 9 64/21

Fund Human Resources development

Án atkv.gr.

64/217

Women in development

Án atkv.gr.

64/216 64/215

Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008-2017) Legal empowerment of the poor and eradication of poverty

Án atkv.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

64/21

Groups of countries in special situations: specific actions related to the

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

4

particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries:

8

outcome of the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries and Donor Countries and International

64/213 64/212 64/211

Financial and Development Institutions on Transit Transport Cooperation Fourth Untied Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries Science and technology for development Creation of a global culture of cybersecurity and taking stock of national

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

64/210

efforts to protect critical information infrastructures Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of

Án atkv.gr.

64/209

globalization and interdependence Towards a New International Economic Order

64/208 64/207

Development cooperation with middle-income countries Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on

124-0-50  ESB(27), Noregur, BNA Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

Human Settlements (Habitat II) and strengthening of the United Nations 64/206

Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy

Án atkv.gr.

64/205 64/204

Sustainable mountain development Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

64/203

Programme on its twenty-fifth session Convention on Biological Diversity

Án atkv.gr.

64/202

Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development,

Án atkv.gr.

Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical weapons and on Their 64/201

Destruction United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification

Án atkv.gr.

48

Nr. 64/200

Ályktun (2010-2020) International Strategy for Disaster Reduction

64/19

Follow-up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy

9

for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for

the

Sustainable

Development

Atkvæði Án atkv.gr.

of

Small

Án atkv.gr.

Island

Developing States 64/198

Midterm comprehensive review of the implementation of the International

64/19

Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, 2005-2015 Agricultural technology for development

64/19

Harmony with Nature Oil slick on Lebanese shores

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Án atkv.gr.

164-8-7  ESB(27), Noregur 

5 64/193

Ísl. meðfl.

146-1-32 

7 64/196

Án atkv.gr.

Follow-up to and implementation of the Monterrey Consensus and the

BNA  Án atkv.gr.

outcome of the 2008 Review Conference (Doha Declaration on Financing 64/192 64/191

for Development) Commodities External debt sustainability and development

64/190

International financial system and development

Án atkv.gr.

64/18

Unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic

124-3-51 

9

coercion against developing countries

64/188

International trade and development

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

ESB(27), Norway  BNA  122-47-8  ESB(27) BNA 

64/18

Information and communication technologies for development

Norway  Án atkv.gr.

7 64/18

Building connectivity through the Trans-Eurasian Information Super

Án atkv.gr.

6

Highway

64/185

Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied

165-8-7 

Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population

ESB(27), Noregur  BNA 

in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources Protection of global climate for present and future generations of

Án atkv.gr.

64/73

humankind

49

VI. Viðauki: Ályktanir 3. nefndar Nr. 64/238

Ályktun Situation of human rights in Myanmar

Atkvæði 86-23-39  ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Ísl. meðfl.

64/182

International cooperation against the world drug problem

64/181

United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

64/180

Treatment of Offenders Preparations for the twelfth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention

Án atkv.gr.

64/17

and Criminal Justice Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Ísl. meðfl.

9

Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity

Án atkv.gr.

64/178 64/177

Improving the coordination of efforts against trafficking in persons Technical assistance for implementing the international conventions and

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

64/17

protocols related to terrorism Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Ísl. meðfl.

74-49-59 

6 Situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Ísl. meðfl.

64/174

Human rights and cultural diversity

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  126-52-5

64/173

Promotion of equitable geographical distribution in the membership of the

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  131-53-2 

64/172

human rights treaty bodies The right to development

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  133-23-30 

64/17

99-20-63 

5

ESB(14), Noegur  ESB(13), Belgía/Búlgaría/Tékkóslóvakía/Danmörk/Ei stland/Þýskaland/Ungverjaland/Litháen/Holl and/Pólland/Slóvakía/Svíþjóð/Bretland/BN

64/17

Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights

A Án atkv.gr.

1 64/170

Human rights and unilateral coercive measures

132-54-0 

64/169 64/168

International Year for People of African Descent Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

64/167

terrorism International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced

Án atkv.gr.

64/166 64/165 64/164

Disappearance Protection of migrants Subregional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa Elimination of all forms of intolerance and of discrimination based on

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

64/163

religion or belief Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and

Án atkv.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human

Án atkv.gr.

Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons

Ísl. meðfl.

64/162

50

Nr.

Ályktun

Atkvæði

64/161

National institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights

Án atkv.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

64/160

Globalization and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights

Án atkv.gr.

129-54-3 

64/159 64/158

The right to food Strengthening United Nations action in the field of human rights through

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

the promotion of international cooperation and the importance of non64/157

selectivity, impartiality and objectivity Promotion of a democratic and equitable international order

64/15

Combating defamation of religions

127-54-5  ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  80-61-42  ESB(27), Noregur, BNA 

6 64/155

Strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing periodic and

Án atkv.gr.

64/15

genuine elections and the promotion of democratization Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional

Ísl. meðfl.

4

Protocol thereto

Án atkv.gr.

64/153

Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

Ísl. meðfl.

International Covenants on Human Rights

Án atkv.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

64/15

185-0-0 

2 64/151

Use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  126-53-4 

64/150

exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA  Ísl. meðfl.

176-6-3  ESB(27), Noregur 

64/149

Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination

64/148

Global efforts for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action

BNA  Án atkv.gr.

128-13-43  ESB(20), Noregur,  Tékkóslóvakía/Danmörk/Þýskaland/Ítalía/H

64/14

Inadmissibility of certain practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary

olland/Pólland/Rúmenía/BNA 127-1-54 

7

forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

ESB(27), Noregur  BNA 

64/146

Rights of the child

Ísl. meðfl.

64/14

The girl child

Án atkv.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

5 64/14

Án atkv.gr.

Office of the President of the Human Rights Council

Án atkv.gr.

Report of the Human Rights Council Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr.

Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women and full

Án atkv.gr.

4 64/143

64/14 2 64/141

implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 64/140 64/139 64/138

outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly Improvement of the situation of women in rural areas Violence against women migrant workers Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

51

Nr. 64/137

Ályktun Women Intensification of efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women

Atkvæði

64/136 64/135

Cooperatives in social development Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General

Án atkv.gr.

64/134

Assembly Proclamation of 2010 as International Year of Youth: Dialogue and

Án atkv.gr.

64/133

Mutual Understanding Follow-up to the tenth anniversary of the International Year of the Family

Án atvk.gr.

64/132

and beyond Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing

Ísl. meðfl.

64/131

Realizing the Millennium Development Goals for persons with disabilities

Án atvk.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

64/130

Policies and programmes involving youth

Án atvk.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

64/129

Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa

Án atvk.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

64/128

Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

64/127

Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Ísl. meðfl.

64/82

Follow-up to the International Year of Human Rights Learning

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

Án atkv.gr. Ísl. meðfl.

52

VII. Viðauki: Ályktanir 4. nefndar Nr. 64/266

Ályktun Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations

64/106

in all their aspects Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

64/105

Dissemination of information on decolonization

Atkvæði Án atvk.gr.

172-3-2  ESB(24), Noregur  Belgía/ Frakkland  Bretland/ BNA  173-3-1  ESB(25), Noregur  Frakkland 

64/104

Questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British virgin

A-B

Islands, the Cayman islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, saint Helena, the

Bretland/ BNA  Án atkv.gr.

Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands A. General

64/10

B. Individual Territories Question of Tokelau

Án atkv.gr.

Question of New Caledonia Question of Western Sahara Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of

Án atkv.gr. Án atkv.gr. Án atvk.gr.

3 64/102 64/101

64/10 0 64/99

64/98

Non-Self-Governing Territories Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to

123-0-53 

Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the

ESB(27), Noregur, BNA 

international institutions associated with the United Nations Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories

173-2-2  ESB(25), Noregur  Bretland/ Frakkland, 

64/97

Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations

64/96

Questions relating to information

A-B

A. Information in the service of humanity

64/95

B. United Nations public information policies and activities The occupied Syrian Golan

BNA  171-0-4  ESB(25), Noregur  Bretland/ Frakkland/ BNA  Án atvk.gr.

166-1-11  ESB(27), Noregur 

64/94

Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the

BNA  162-9-5 

64/93

Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East

ESB(27), Noregur  BNA  167-7-3 

Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan 64/92

64/91

ESB(27), Noregur 

Applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of

BNA  168-6-4 

Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the Occupied

ESB(27), Noregur 

Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the other occupied

BNA 

Arab territories Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting

92-9-74 

53

Nr.

64/90

Ályktun the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues

Atkvæði ESB(27), Noregur  BNA  168-6-3  ESB(27), Noregur 

64/89

Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

64/88

Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities

BNA  167-6-4  ESB(27), Noregur  BNA  166-7-4  ESB(27), Noregur 

64/87

Assistance to Palestine refugees

BNA  168-1-7  ESB(27), Noregur 

64/86 64/85 64/84

International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space Effects of atomic radiation Assistance in mine action

BNA Án atkv.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

64/83

University of Peace

Án atkv.gr.

54

VIII. Viðauki: Ályktanir 5. nefndar Nr. 64/288 64/287 64/286

Ályktun Financing of the United Nations Office to the African Union Financing of support of the African Union Mission in Somalia Financing of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic

64/285

and Chad Financing of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in

Án atkv.gr.

64/28

Darfur Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western

Án atkv.gr.

4

Sahara

64/283 64/282

Financing of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan Financing of the Untied Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

Atkvæði Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

Án atkv.gr.

131-2-1  ESB(27), Noregur 

64/28

Financing of the Untied Nations Disengagement Observer Force

BNA  Án atvk.gr.

1 64/28

Financing of the United Nations Mission in Liberia

Án atvk.gr.

64/279

Financing of the Untied Nations Interim Administration Mission in

Án atvk.gr.

64/278 64/277

Kosovo Financing of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti Financing of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea Financing of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

64/275

Financing of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic

Án atvk.gr.

64/274 64/273 64/272 64/271 64/270 64/269 64/268

Republic of the Congo Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus Financing of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire Financing of the United Nations Operation in Burundi Support account for peacekeeping operations Financing of the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy Cross-cutting issues Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

64/264

of Auditors Financing arrangements for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in

Án atkv.gr.

64/263

Haiti for the period from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010 Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolutions 48/218 B,

Án atvk.gr.

64/262

54/244 and 59/272 Report of the Joint Inspection Unit for 2009 and programme of work for

Án atvk.gr.

64/261

2010 Conditions of service for the ad litem judges of the International Tribunal

Án atkv.gr.

0

64/27 6

for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for 64/260

Rwanda Special subjects relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2010-

Án atvk.gr.

64/259 64/249

2011 Towards and accountability system in the United Nations secretariat Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

64/248

Nations Peacekeeping operations Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United

Án atvk.gr.

64/247

Nations Working Capital Fund for the biennium 2010-2011

Án atvk.gr.

55

Nr. 64/246 64/245

Ályktun Unforeseen extraordinary expenses for the biennium 2010-2011 Special subjects relating to the proposed programme budget for the

Atkvæði

64/244

biennium 2010-2011 Proposed programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011

Án atvk.gr.

A-C 64/243 64/242 64/241 64/240

Questions relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2010-2011 Programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009 After-service health insurance Financing of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law 64/239

Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991 Financing of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of

Án atvk.gr.

Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible for Genocide and Other Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States between 1 January and 64/234 64/233 64/232 64/231

31 December 1994 Financing of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia Administration of justice at the United Nations Report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services on its activities United Nations common system: report of the International Civil Service

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

64/230 64/229 64/228 64/227

Commission for 2009 Pattern of conferences Programme planning Capital master plan Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

64/107

of Auditors Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 1863

Án atvk.gr.

64/2

(2009) Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United

Án atvk.gr.

Nations: requests under Article 19 of the Charter

56

IX. Viðauki: Ályktanir 6. nefndar Nr. 64/124

Ályktun Observer status for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean in

64/123

the General Assembly Observer status for the International conference on the Great Lakes Region

Án atvk.gr.

64/122

of Africa in the General Assembly Observer status for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and

Án atvk.gr.

64/121

Malaria in the General Assembly Observer status for the International

Án atkv.gr.

64/12

Commission in the General Assembly Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country

Án atkv.gr.

64/11

Administration of justice at the United Nations Measures to eliminate international terrorism The scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction

Án atkv.gr. Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

7 64/11

The rule of law at the national and international levels

Án atvk.gr.

64/115

Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and

Án atvk.gr.

64/114

on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its sixty-first

Án atvk.gr.

64/113

session United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study,

Án atvk.gr.

64/11

Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law Practice Guide on Cross-Border Insolvency Cooperation of the United

Án atvk.gr.

Humanitarian Fact-Finding

Atkvæði Án atvk.gr.

0 64/119 64/118

6

2

Nations Commission on International Trade Law

64/111

Report of the United Nations commission on International Trade Law on

Án atvk.gr.

64/110 64/3

the work of its forty-second session Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission Observer status for the International Olympic Committee in the General

Án atvk.gr. Án atvk.gr.

Assembly

57