39
rights a matter of international concern. There was no more basic human right than the right to a fair trial—a right which had never been more eloquently proclaimed than in Magna Carta. The General Assembly was fully qualified and entitled to discuss this infringement of human rights, to inquire, to recommend, to deplore, and, if it deemed necessary on the basis of the evidence available, to condemn. New Zealand would be prepared to support any resolution with the above objectives. It might be said, he continued, that any expression of condemnation or abhorrence would furnish cold comfort to the victims of oppression. Unfortunately this was true since the United Nations could act only under severe limitations. Nevertheless, the effects of moral condemnation by the Assembly were making themselves felt more and more strongly and it was to be hoped the day would soon be at hand when the United Nations might become a shield and buckler to protect innocent people all over the world against injustice and oppression. When the general debate concluded the Committee had before it the following draft resolutions : 1. A Cuban resolution which proposed appointment of a special committee for the purpose of elucidating the acts allegedly committed in Bulgaria and Hungary against human rights and fundamental freedoms, without prejudice to the rights, duties, and responsibilities of the parties signatory to the treaties of peace. It proposed also to bar the admission of Bulgaria and Hungary into the United Nations, and their participation in the work of its organs, commissions, and specialized agencies, until the special committee had submitted its report. 2. A Bolivian draft proposed that the General Assembly express its deep concern at the grave accusations made against Bulgaria and Hungary regarding the suppression of human rights and fundamental freedoms in these countries, note with satisfaction steps taken by several signatories of the peace treaties, express the hope that measures would be applied in accordance with the treaties, and decide to retain the question on the agenda of the fourth regular session. 3. Under an Australian draft resolution the General Assembly would express the view , that a prima facie case of abridgment of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Bulgaria and Hungary had been established and would establish a committee to inquire into the situation in the two countries in respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms and report to the fourth regular session. A Chilean amendment to the Bolivian draft would have condemned the acts committed by Bulgaria and Hungary in violation of human rights, but after several delegations had expressed the view that the case was, so to speak, sub judice, this amendment was withdrawn. The representatives of Cuba and Australia also decided to withdraw their
Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.
By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.
Your session has expired.