اللجنة الثالثة، الجلسة العامة الثانية والأربعون – الجمعية العامة، الدورة 81 الجمعية العامة Date: 10 November 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ar/ga/c3/81/42?lang=en Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- 3rd Committee · Chair [10:52]: Is that? Oh, no, I'm Colleagues, just to let you know, we are fixing up the nameplates, which are obviously not working for most of us, so that will delay us a little bit. So as soon as that's fixed, we will start. Thank you. Okay, thank you so much. Very good. The 42nd meeting of the Third Committee of the General Assembly at its 81st session is called to order. The documentation before the Committee for this meeting is listed on iGov. Let me remind delegations that statements are limited to three minutes. Delegations are also reminded that, in accordance with rule 128 of the Rules of Procedure of the GA, the sponsor of a proposal is not permitted to speak in explanation of vote on the proposal. Let me further remind delegations that the deadline for the submission of all revised proposals is tomorrow, Wednesday, 11 November, at 1:00 PM, and the deadline for the submission of amendments is Friday, 13 November, at 1:00 PM. I now invite the Committee to continue its consideration of agenda item 68A, elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, that we were well advanced on before we broke for lunch. We will proceed on the basis of the order of the remaining speakers, who will make a general statement or an explanation of vote after the vote on resolution I beg your pardon, after the vote on resolution A/C3/81/L2 on combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism, and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, as amended. And the first speaker I have is, I beg your pardon, Liechtenstein. The first speaker I have is Liechtenstein, even though they appear at the end of my list. Liechtenstein, you have the floor. Liechtenstein [20:20]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Liechtenstein firmly condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, including Nazism, neo-Nazism, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia, and is alarmed by the increase of these phenomena in manifold forms and manifestations across the globe. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to delegations who have supported amending this resolution. Nevertheless, we continue to have strong reservations concerning this resolution due to the way in which it misrepresents obligations of Member States under human rights law and other provisions of international law, and how it continues to promote false narratives and justification of territorial aggression. We also regret the lack of engagement from the main sponsor of this resolution on the possible expansion of the scope as well as the periodicity of this text. We have therefore again voted against the resolution. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [21:11]: Thank you, Liechtenstein. I next have Sri Lanka, followed by Colombia. Sri Lanka, you have the floor. Sri Lanka [21:25]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Sri Lanka perceives that the substance of this resolution, A/C/3/81/L.2, is of importance of our common goal towards elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. In this regard, Sri Lanka attaches considerable importance to the underlying principles and objectives of this resolution. Therefore, Sri Lanka co-sponsored this resolution. However, Sri Lanka is of the view that the introduction of country-specific and restrictive language hinders the resolution in achieving its true prospects. Therefore, Sri Lanka abstained on operative paragraph 4 and disassociates itself from its contents, while voting in favour of the resolution as a whole. We underscore the importance of upholding the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, and non-selectivity aimed at the promotion and protection of human rights, and call on all parties to adhere to the same. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [22:36]: Thank you, Sri Lanka. Colombia followed by New Zealand. Colombia. Colombia [22:43]: Thank you, Chair. Colombia has voted in favor of the present draft resolution as a result of our commitment against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all of its forms. This commitment underpins the principles of our political constitution that preserves the right to equality and includes the prohibition of all forms of discrimination. We firmly reject any form of glorification of Nazism or neo-Nazism, and any ideology based on supposed racial superiority. Crimes committed during the Second World War, including the Holocaust, should be recorded with historical rigor, and its memory should serve to prevent intolerance, hate speech, and violence against persons and groups on the basis of their racial origin or belief. Nevertheless, Colombia wishes to dissociate itself from statements relating to the Durban Declaration and the Review Conference, in particular paragraphs 18 in the preamble and OPs 1, 3 and 5. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [23:55]: Thank you, Colombia. New Zealand, followed by Slovakia. New Zealand. New Zealand [24:01]: Thank you, Chair. New Zealand unequivocally condemns all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia or related intolerance, including Nazism and neo-Nazism. We are deeply concerned by this resolution. Russia is seeking to misappropriate false narratives, including the glorification of Nazism, as a pretext for its war of aggression against Ukraine, which contravenes the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. We condemn Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire as a first step towards a just and lasting peace in accordance with international law. In this regard, New Zealand was pleased to co-sponsor the amendment to this resolution. We continue to have serious concerns with the way in which this resolution mischaracterises the obligations of Member States with respect to international human rights law and the provisions of the UN Charter. New Zealand stands against Nazism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia in all its forms. We reiterate our concerns with the rising global trends of these ideologies, particularly in the current global context. We further regret that there has been no attempt to broaden the scope of this resolution to reflect more contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, or related intolerance. In addressing these critical issues, it is vital that we take an inclusive and intersectional approach. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [25:21]: Thank you, New Zealand. Slovakia followed by Cameroon. Slovakia. Slovakia [25:28]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Slovakia aligns itself with the position expressed by the European Union on behalf of its member states. Slovakia therefore voted in favour of the amendment and against the draft resolution again this year. In our national capacity, I wish to stress that the Government of Slovakia rejects the promotion of fascism, Nazism, racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia. We firmly uphold the historic legacy of the 1944 anti-fascist Slovak National Uprising. Slovakia rejects any attempts to downplay the fight against totalitarianism, glorify its leaders, deny the Holocaust, or distort the history of World War II. The Slovak government makes every effort to preserve these traditions by organizing commemorative events to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the resistance. Furthermore, we place great emphasis on protecting the memorials and monuments dedicated to all fallen heroes including domestic resistance fighters and the allied armies of the anti-fascist coalition that fought on our territory. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [26:33]: Thank you, Slovakia. Cameroon, to be followed by Iraq. Cameroon? Cameroon [26:43]: Thank you, Chair. My delegation reiterates its position on the universality of human rights. We oppose any form of discrimination and we reject its instrumentalization for political ends. In accordance with this position, we voted against the amendment presented by a group of States, which seems to be an attempt to transform the resolution into something else. After that, we voted in favor of the resolution as a whole. However, we disassociate ourselves from paragraph 4 of the amended text in order to preserve the thematic nature of the text. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [27:22]: Thank you, Cameroon. I have Iraq, to be followed finally by Sudan. Iraq, you have the floor. Iraq [27:28]: Thank you, Chair. My delegation was unable to participate in the vote on draft resolution L2. Had we participated, Iraq would have voted in favour of the draft resolution as amended. We have already submitted our voting intention through the e-delegate portal and request that it be reflected in the official record of the meeting. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [27:49]: Thank you, Iraq. And the last speaker I have on my list for this segment is Sudan. You have the floor. Sudan [27:58]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My delegation thanks the Russian Federation for submitting resolution A/32/81/L2, and we reiterate our firm position in combating Nazism, neo-Nazism, and all forms of intolerance and racial discrimination, and accordingly, Sudan has voted in favor of the resolution. Mr. Chairman, Sudan categorically rejects all attempts to politicize these substantive resolutions and listing specific countries' names. Therefore, we regret. the adoption of the amendment, and we disassociate ourselves from paragraph 4 of the resolution, and we emphasize that we support the resolution as a whole, and we request that our position is reflected in the record of the meeting. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [28:57]: Thank you, Sudan. That concludes that particular aspect of our consideration, and we now I am in a position to resume consideration of agenda item 70B, human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in order to take action on a number of draft resolutions. Let me invite the committee to turn to draft resolution A/C/3/81/L.23/23, entitled Human rights and extreme poverty. I would like to confirm for the benefit of the Committee that the draft L.23 contains no programme budget implications. And let me pass the floor to Peru for initial remarks. Peru, you have the floor. Peru [29:54]: Thank you very much, Chair. I have the honour of introducing draft resolution entitled “Human rights and extreme poverty” for consideration by this Committee. Poverty, in all of its forms and dimensions, continues to be one of the greatest global challenges. It is also one of the greatest denials of human rights. Extreme poverty and social exclusion represent a violation of human dignity, and they prevent the enjoyment of all human rights. And so its eradication requires urgent and coordinated action. This draft reaffirms the importance of bringing an end to poverty in all of its forms, and it highlights the need to strengthen social protection systems, guaranteeing access to education and basic services, as well as combating discrimination and promoting participation of those living in situations of poverty in the decisions affecting them. As a result, it also highlights the importance of international corporations and the commitment of states, United Nations, international financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. Peru recognizes that the commitment undertaken in the area of the advancement of women and the promotion of human rights. Under this framework, Peru understands the references to gender and the incorporation of a gender perspective contained in this present resolution, in the sense of equality of opportunity between men and women, and in accordance with our own internal legal structure. Peru reaffirms its commitment to the eradication of extreme poverty and the promotion of human dignity in harmony with our international obligations and our national normative framework. Chair, we recognize the Member States who have already sponsored and co-sponsored this resolution, and we invite other delegations to join them in this initiative by also co-sponsoring. We trust that we will have the support of this Committee so that the resolution can be adopted by consensus. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [32:01]: I thank the distinguished representative Peru. In addition to the delegations listed in the L document, additional co-sponsors of L.23 are reflected on iGov, and I now give the floor to the Secretary. Secretary, you have the floor. 3rd Committee · Secretary [32:18]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor draft resolution L/23, please signify by pressing the microphone button. I see India, Kenya, Timor-Leste, Romania, Costa Rica, Pakistan, Uganda, Guyana, Paraguay, Djibouti, Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Andorra, who's already a sponsor. I see no further requests. 3rd Committee · Chair [33:07]: Thank you. Thank you, Secretary. We now have an option for any delegation wishing to make a statement in connection with draft resolution L/23. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in relation to the draft resolution? I see no delegation. In that case, I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution L/23, and in the absence of any objection, It is so decided. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I see no delegation wishing to take the floor. In fact, I do have a single delegation. It’s the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [34:08]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran joined the consensus on the resolution on human rights and extreme poverty. Our decision to join the consensus rests on the explicit understanding that it neither constitutes acceptance of any legal obligations, legal instruments or resolutions, nor implies accession by the Islamic Republic of Iran to any instrument to which it is not a party. Furthermore, we disassociate ourselves from any non-consensual language concerning gender and gender mainstreaming that is inconsistent with our national laws, regulations, and cultural and religious values. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [34:45]: Thank you, Iran. Is there any other delegation which wishes to take the floor in relation to this resolution which we have just adopted? I see no delegation. In that case, I invite the Committee to turn to draft resolution A/C3/81/L24, entitled “Missing persons”. I would like to inform the Committee that the draft resolution contains no programme budget implications. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan to introduce this resolution. You have the floor, Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan · Permanent Representative [35:24]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The delegation of Azerbaijan has the honour to introduce the draft resolution entitled “Missing persons”, contained in document A/C3/81/L.24. Armed conflicts leave many people missing, causing profound anguish and uncertainty for their families. Against this backdrop, Azerbaijan’s long-standing initiative aims to reaffirm obligations under IHL, complemented where appropriate by international human rights law with respect to missing persons. It calls upon States Parties to armed conflict to take all appropriate measures to prevent persons from going missing and to account for those reported missing as a result of armed conflict. Mr. Chair, the current draft is the outcome of constructive and forward-looking discussions, which provided an opportunity for Member States to enrich the text with several new elements, including, first, a reference to compliance with IHL and its potential contribution to sustainable peace in post-conflict processes; second, the integration of the issue of persons reported missing in connection with armed conflict into peace processes; Third, a reference to the International Day of Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons, established by General Assembly resolution 80/301. Fourth, cooperation in effectively resolving cases of missing persons, including through mutual assistance in identifying, mapping and preserving burial sites, including individual and collective graves and mass graves. Mr. Chair, this biennial resolution has consistently enjoyed broad cross-regional support and has always been adopted by consensus. I am pleased to express our appreciation to all delegations for their active, constructive, and substantive engagement throughout the negotiation process. We are grateful to those delegations that have already joined as co-sponsors and invite others to do likewise. Mr. Chair, support for this resolution will send a strong signal of our collective commitment to advancing this important humanitarian cause by preventing persons from going missing in connection with armed conflict, establishing the fate of those who remain unaccounted for, and translating our commitments into concrete measures to alleviate the suffering of their families. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [38:06]: Thank you, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan. In addition to the delegations listed in the L document, additional co-sponsors of L/24 are reflected on iGov. And I now give the floor to the Secretary. You have the floor. 3rd Committee · Secretary [38:21]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor draft resolution L/24, please signify by pressing the microphone button. I see Costa Rica, Peru. Paraguay, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I see no further requests. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [38:48]: Thank you, Secretary. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with draft resolution L/24? I don't see any delegation seeking the floor. In that case, I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution L/24. In the absence of any objection, it is so decided. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I have Argentina seeking the floor and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Argentina, you have the floor. Argentina [39:31]: Thank you, Chair. Argentina is grateful for the introduction of this resolution, and we value its adoption by consensus. Specifically, we wish to highlight the reference to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and we call for all States who haven't yet done so to consider signing, ratifying, or acceding to the Convention as a priority. Also, Argentina wishes to place on the record that we interpret the term “gender”, which is mentioned in the resolution, exclusively in the sense established under Article 6, paragraph 3 of the Rome Treaty of the ICJ, referring to two sexes, masculine and feminine. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [40:17]: Thank you, Argentina. I have Islamic Republic of Iran as my final speaker on this item. Iran, you have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [40:26]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran joins the consensus for the adoption of the resolution on the understanding that this does not constitute acceptance of any new legal obligation. Any cooperation, information sharing, or mechanisms envisaged in this text is subject to the request and full consent of the concerned State and must fully respect its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and domestic law. Our decision to join the consensus should not be construed as accepting any new legal obligations, expanding existing treaty commitments, recognizing the jurisdiction of treaty bodies or other mechanisms that the Islamic Republic of Iran has not accepted, or endorsing any interpretation that goes beyond applicable laws. References to international instruments to which Iran is not a party do not imply acceptance of or consent to be bound by their provisions. Iran’s joining of the consensus does not prejudice its positions on any specific issue, which will be pursued in the relevant follow-up and in accordance with its national law. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [41:30]: Thank you, Iran. I have no other delegations seeking the floor. In which case, that enables us to move to consideration of draft resolution A/C3/81/L25, entitled "The role of ombudsman and mediator institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights, good governance, and the rule of law." I would like to inform the committee that the resolution contains no programme budget implications. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative, Morocco, to introduce the resolution for us. Thank you. Morocco, you have the floor. Well, you will if you get the microphone. Morocco [42:16]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have the honor to introduce draft resolution entitled "The Role of Ombudsman and Mediator Institution in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Good Governance, and the Rule of Law." When public administration falls short, ombudsman and mediator institutions are often the first door a citizen knocks on. They listen, they resolve, and in doing so, they help restore the trust of its citizens. This draft resolution rests on that conviction. It reaffirms the essential role of these institutions. It also reflects the rich exchanges held during our consultation, and I sincerely thank all delegations for their engagement. Allow me to highlight its main elements. First, it strengthens the role of this institution at the national, regional, and local levels, wherever citizens meet the state. Second, it underlines the importance of follow-up by public authorities. Third, it promotes more diverse and accessible ways to reach these institutions, mindful of the digital divide, so that technology opens doors rather than closing them. Finally, it looks ahead by identifying the leadership of this institution in the digital age as the theme for the next high-level panel discussion, and it requests that the next report of the Secretary-General focus on international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Mr. Chair, my delegation is deeply grateful to the many co-sponsors of this draft resolution. Their support reflects a shared attachment to institutions that serve as a bridge between the State and its citizens. We warmly invite delegations that have not yet done so to join them, and we hope that, as at previous sessions, the text will be adopted by consensus. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [44:09]: Thank you, Morocco. In addition to the delegations listed in the L document, additional co-sponsors of L/25 are reflected on iGov. And I now pass the floor to the Secretary to invite further co-sponsorship. 3rd Committee · Secretary [44:26]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor draft resolution L/25, please signify by pressing the microphone button. I see Peru, Paraguay, and Costa Rica, as well as Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Gambia, And I see no further requests. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [44:53]: Thank you, Secretary. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with draft resolution L/25? I have Peru. I had Peru. Peru, do you wish to speak, or perhaps not? I have the United States. United States, you have the floor. United States of America [45:17]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Last year, the United States made clear its intention to disengage from most Third Committee resolutions. We have taken the same approach this year. While we support the intention of this resolution, we must disassociate ourselves from certain elements contained within it. The United States disassociates itself from any language that is at odds with our strong support for freedom of opinion and expression. Freedom of speech, even some truly odious speech, is protected under the U.S. Constitution. While we support the independence and autonomy of ombudsmen and mediator institutions, we emphasize that they are no less subject to criticism or odious speech directed at them than any other person, government, or organization. The United States also rejects the inclusion of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into this and other Third Committee resolutions, and we refuse to reaffirm them as a matter of course. For more information on U.S. positions on this resolution and all 3C resolutions considered during this session, we refer you to the long-form EOP that will be posted on our missions website at the end of the session. Thank you, Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [46:20]: Thank you, United States. I have no other delegation seeking the floor. Accordingly, can I proceed on the basis that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution L25? And in the absence of any objection, it is so decided. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft – after the adoption of the resolution? I have Argentina, followed by Russian Federation, followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Argentina, you have the floor. Argentina [46:56]: Thank you, Chair. Argentina appreciates and welcomes the adoption of this draft resolution, and we also welcome any form of auditing, especially as it regards human rights. As regards financing, in light of the reforms that the Government is carrying out in Argentina in order to fulfil its internal and international commitments, we wish to safeguard that we fulfil this financing in accordance with the context and national capabilities. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [47:31]: Thank you, Argentina. I pass to the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [47:37]: Mr. Chairman, we thank the delegation of Morocco for their work. on the draft resolution on the role of ombudsman in the protection and promotion of human rights. Russia attaches close attention to this matter, therefore, we have decided to join consensus on this initiative. At the same time, we wish to note that the key document on the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights continues to be the 1993 Paris Principles. They represent the full set of criteria and standards for ensuring an independent, competent, and effective functioning of national human rights institutions. In this regard, we oppose any attempts to replace them developed by the European Commission for Democracy through the Human Rights, Europe Venetian Principles. The latter significantly limit the scope of work of ombudsmen, focusing mostly on protection, and they also ignore the cultural, historical, and legal specificities of certain states. In addition, we cannot agree with the complementary essence of the Global Alliance of Human Rights Institutions, so-called GANRI. which has subjected its activities to political considerations. This organization has fully discredited itself after unduly excluding the Russian representative from its European network. In this regard, it appears to be strange and inappropriate to recommend that ombudsmen and mediators receive accreditation from GANRI. Given the above, we will disassociate ourselves from the mention of the Venice Principles in paragraphs 5, 12, OP2A, and OP12A, as well as GANRI in paragraphs 23, OP11, OP12B, and OP12F. Thank you for your attention. 3rd Committee · Chair [49:35]: Thank you, Russian Federation. My final speaker is Here is the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [49:44]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran joined the consensus on the resolution on the role of ombudsman and mediator institutions in the promotion and protection of human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. Our decision to join the consensus is based on the explicit understanding that it neither creates nor implies acceptance of any new legal obligations, instruments, or resolutions nor does it constitute accession by the Islamic Republic of Iran to an international instrument to which it is not a signatory. We also disassociate ourselves with any language that has not been agreed by consensus and is incompatible with our national laws, regulations, or cultural and religious values. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [50:26]: Thank you, Iran. In the absence of any other delegations seeking to intervene on resolution L/25, that enables us to move to draft resolution A/C3/81/L.45, entitled "The right to privacy in the digital age." That draft resolution contains no programme budget implications. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany to introduce the resolution for us. Thank you so much. Germany · Brazil and Germany [51:03]: Thank you, Chair. I have the honor to present on behalf of Brazil and Germany resolution L/45 entitled The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age. We thank delegations for their active and constructive participation during the informal negotiation process. their valuable proposals, and their willingness to achieve compromise. We also thank all delegations that have already co-sponsored the text. We are pleased that the negotiations yielded, in addition to technical updates, a range of significant substantive developments. Allow me to outline some of them. First, the text features new language on the particular challenges surrounding the protection of children's privacy and their personal data, and points out ways in which states should address them. Second, the text addresses key challenges posed to the right to privacy and human rights more broadly by the exponentially growing capabilities of technologies such as artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, and biometric identification and recognition. It also expresses concern at the interference by states with individuals' rights to privacy as part of repressive activities against individuals located abroad. Third, while data transfers across borders are internationally regulated, this is not the case with data collection. The text therefore calls upon states to ensure that their data protection frameworks account for situations in which data is collected within their jurisdiction by entities located outside their territory. And finally, references were strengthened or agreed language added with regard to, inter alia, the need to take into account the guiding principles on business and human rights when transferring surveillance technologies, the meaningful participation of developing countries in addressing privacy challenges in the digital age, and the protection of metadata. We call on all delegations to co-sponsor this resolution and adopt it without a vote, like in previous years. Should a vote be called, we ask all delegations to vote in favor. Thank you very much, Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [53:41]: Thank you, Germany. In addition to the delegations listed in the L document, additional co-sponsors of L/45 are reflected on IGOV. I now give the floor to the Secretary to invite further co-sponsorship. 3rd Committee · Secretary [53:57]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor draft resolution L/45, please signify by pressing the microphone button. I see Peru. and Paraguay, as well as Costa Rica and Congo. I see no further requests. 3rd Committee · Chair [54:21]: Thank you. Thank you, Secretary. For all delegations' awareness, a recorded vote has been requested on resolution L/45, on the right to privacy in the digital age. And I now open the floor for any delegation which may wish to make a general statement or an explanation of vote before the vote in connection with draft resolution L/45. The floor is open. And United States, you have sought the floor. You have it. Thank you. United States of America [54:56]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States has called a vote and will vote no on this resolution. This no vote is not a vote against privacy, and we strongly support several portions of the text. We firmly support Article 17 of the ICCPR, which protects individuals against arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy. The same rights individuals have offline must be protected online, especially freedom of expression. We especially welcome the resolution's strong language on encryption and anonymity tools, encouraging businesses to protect confidentiality and calling on states not to interfere with these tools. We also welcome the resolution's call on states not to require companies to interfere arbitrarily or unlawfully with privacy. It's concerned about states that surveil and repress individuals abroad, and recognition of the need to protect children in ways that promote and protect innovation, the role of parents, privacy, and free expression. However, several provisions conflict with core U.S. priorities. First, the resolution relies on vague and subjective notions of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, allowing repressive states to equate speech to violence and justify undue restrictions on free expression. Free speech, even odious speech, is protected under the US Constitution. Second, we cannot support calls for legislation to ensure that social media and other platforms meet broadly defined human rights standards. Such mandates invite overcompliance and censorship. We strongly support the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and while we recognize businesses have a responsibility to respect human rights, private actors have no obligations under international human rights law. Third, we welcome dialogue on emerging technologies, but that dialogue cannot drift towards global governance. No international body can impose centralized mandates or global governance regimes that constrain sovereign choices or private sector innovation. Consistent with the G20 Carolina principles, any policies and regulations should focus on the use of emerging technologies and on concrete harms, not on research and development processes. We therefore cannot support calls to regulate emerging technologies across their entire life cycle or cease using applications based on undefined, undue risks. Fourth, national data protection rules do not apply extraterritorially in ways that discriminate against foreign providers. Fifth, we do not read the principles of necessity and proportionality as creating obligations under international law. Lawful investigative tools used with appropriate safeguards remain essential to protect citizens, including children, from crime and exploitation. Finally, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding documents and do not change the current state of international law or impose obligations on Member States. Thank you, Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [57:24]: Thank you, United States. I have Ireland and then Colombia seeking the floor. So, Ireland, you should proceed. Ireland · EU [57:32]: Thank you, Chair. I speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and San Marino align with this statement as well. The biennial resolution on the right to privacy in the digital age has traditionally been adopted by consensus. The negotiations this year have once again been conducted in the spirit of reaching consensus. We thank the co-facilitators, Germany and Brazil, for their work and efforts to bring us to a consensual agreement of the text. Those negotiations took place in an inclusive and transparent manner and benefited from delegations' willingness to find compromise and establish common ground on the important issues contained in this resolution. I'll mention three: protecting children, to safeguarding fundamental freedoms, to ensuring the protection of data and privacy in the context of rapidly developing technologies. We therefore regret that a vote has been called. In our view, this undermines our collective effort and the constructive spirit of striving for consensus which has been a tradition of this Committee. The EU and its Member States are committed to upholding the constructive and collaborative spirit of this Committee and to defend our shared values and principles, and the long-standing agreed language reflected in this text. The right to privacy in the digital age is critical for the EU and its Member States. The European Union's member states will therefore vote in favour of this resolution, and we strongly encourage others to do likewise. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [59:01]: Thank you. Ireland. Colombia, you have the floor. Colombia [59:06]: Gracias. Thank you, Chair. Colombia would like to make a general statement on the resolutions considered by the Third Committee, which we adopt by consensus or co-sponsor with respect to gender-based violence, gender-specific impact, gender-responsive policies, issues of gender and gender perspective, among others. Colombia understands that their inclusion in drafts does not obviate the recognition of specific legal categories or or modify the national understanding of these terms. In this regard, we reaffirm that we will interpret the references to gender in this resolution based on the principle of equality enshrined in the Article 43 of our Constitution, as well as the relevant international human rights documents ratified by our country. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:00:07]: Thank you, Colombia. I have no other delegations seeking to intervene at this stage. in which case we can now commence the process of voting on the draft resolution. As I have reminded before, rule 128 prevents interruption of the voting absent a particular process of voting point, and delegations are now invited to indicate their voting intentions. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Secretary [1:00:40]: The Committee is now voting on draft resolution L/45, entitled "The right to privacy in the digital age". Will all delegations confirm that their votes are correctly reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the voting machine. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:01:18]: Thank you, Secretary. The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 76, against 3, abstentions 1. Resolution A/C3/81/L45 is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make an explanation of vote or a general statement after the vote on the draft resolution? I have Brazil, followed by the Russian Federation, followed by a number of others. Brazil, you have the floor. Brazil [1:01:52]: Mr. Chair, Brazil regrets that a vote was called on a resolution adopted by consensus in previous years, and on a text that resulted from an open, transparent, and inclusive process. In our view, this year’s update strikes a balance between two dimensions of the right to privacy. The first is its dimension as an individual right. The resolution strengthens the protection of children who engage with digital technologies from an ever earlier age and whose personal data is increasingly collected, reused, and commercialized. It recognizes that consent must take into account the age and evolving capacities of the child and calls for privacy-preserving age assurance mechanisms. The second is its social and development dimension. A growing share of our citizens' personal data is collected within our jurisdictions by entities located abroad, often generating value elsewhere without corresponding benefits in terms of technological capabilities, infrastructure, or employment. By calling on states to ensure that their data protection frameworks extend to such collection, and by encouraging cooperation among data protection authorities, the resolution acknowledges that privacy is also a matter of equity in the digital economy. It is in this light that Brazil understands digital sovereignty. It's not merely a question of where data is stored, but of the capacity of states to exercise effective regulatory authority over the processing of personal data, to develop domestic technological capabilities, and to ensure that digital systems operate in accordance with their national human rights obligations. Without that capacity, individuals' rights cannot be effectively protected. These two dimensions are inseparable. Brazil will continue to support international cooperation and capacity building so that the right to privacy does not become a privilege of those who develop and can exercise control over digital technologies. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:03:40]: Thank you, Brazil. Russian Federation, to be followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Russian Federation, you have the floor. Russian Federation [1:03:47]: Mr. Chairman. We thank the coordinators for their work on the draft resolution on the right to privacy in the digital age. The Russian Federation voted in favor of this initiative, recognizing the importance of respecting this right in the context of the rapid development and widespread introduction of ICTs. We welcome the inclusion in the text of a reference to the United Nations Convention on Strengthening International Cooperation for Combating Certain Crimes Committed by Means of Information and Communications and Technology Systems, and for the Sharing of Evidence in Electronic Form, serious crimes, which was developed at Russia's initiative. We call on all countries that have not yet done so to accede to this international treaty for its swift entry into force. At the same time, we must disassociate ourselves from the controversial and non-intergovernmentally agreed term "repressive actions" as well as the cyber terminology contained in the draft and the unduly complimentary passages regarding the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Furthermore, we will understand any reference to the term "gender" and its derivatives exclusively in the context of the male and female sex. Thank you for your attention. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:05:02]: Thank you, Russian Federation. Iran, you have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:05:07]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran voted in favor of the resolution on the right to privacy in the digital age. Our position is without prejudice to the principle of respect for the national laws and regulations of Member States. as well as for their sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is also under the clear understanding that our affirmative vote does not entail the acceptance of any new legal obligations or instruments, nor does it amount to accession to any document to which the Islamic Republic of Iran is not a party. We further disassociate ourselves with any non-consensual formulations in the text that are inconsistent with our national laws, regulations, and cultural and religious values. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:05:49]: Thank you, Iran. El Salvador, followed by the Holy See. El Salvador, you have the floor. El Salvador [1:05:56]: Thank you very much, Chair. El Salvador thanks the delegations that facilitated the negotiations and welcomes the adoption of the resolution. The cross-border flow of personal data and the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, have expanded the scope for collecting and processing such data. In this context, El Salvador appreciates that the resolution addresses the risks arising from digital surveillance and the processing of personal data, and promotes cooperation among the authorities responsible for data protection. El Salvador wishes to highlight two aspects of the resolution that are reflected in its national efforts. The first is strengthening personal data protection frameworks. The second is the ability of individuals to access their data and request its rectification or erasure as appropriate. El Salvador has strengthened its legislation to facilitate access to rectification or deletion of personal data and guarantees when it comes to transfer of data abroad, as well as cyber security risks and reporting incidents that could compromise such information or public institutions. Given these advances and the importance of the resolution, El Salvador has co-sponsored the text and voted in favor, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the right to privacy and to continue and contribute to international cooperation so that individuals can exercise this right in the digital environment as well. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:07:27]: Thank you, El Salvador. Holy See. Holy See · Observer [1:07:31]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Holy See would like to thank the delegation of Brazil and Germany for facilitating the resolution under consideration. My delegation considers important the attention that this text gives to new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, which may have a profound impact on the enjoyment of the right to privacy. It is thus essential that privacy be protected throughout technology life cycles, through adequate safeguards and human oversight. Children are particularly vulnerable to violations of their privacy, not least because of their early adoption of new and emerging technologies. In this regard, while recognizing the efforts to strike a balance among positions in PP 16, the Holy See, as an observer state and as a State Party of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, remains deeply concerned by the reference to consent by the child contained therein and disassociates from the paragraph. Children lack both the judgment needed and the legal capacity to consent to the, and I quote, "collection, processing, storage of data" or to the reuse, sale, or multiple resale of the personal information of children described in the resolution. It is for that reason that Article 5 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes the importance of parental direction and guidance for children in the exercise of their rights, consistent with their evolving capacities. In addition, the term gender is understood by the Holy See as grounded in biological sexual identity, male or female. I thank you, Mr. Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:09:28]: I thank the Holy See. Absent any other delegation wishing to intervene, that brings us to the end of consideration of draft resolution L.45 and enables us to move to the resumption of consideration of agenda item 110, crime prevention and criminal justice, in order to take action on a number of draft resolutions. I first invite the Committee to turn to draft resolution A/C/3/81/L.3, entitled “Appendix to complement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development”, which I have submitted in my capacity as Chair of the Committee on the recommendation of the Economic and Social Council. I would like to inform the Committee that draft resolution L.3 contains no programme budget implications. A recorded vote has been requested on draft resolution L/3, entitled “Appendix to complement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development”. At this stage, let me invite any delegation which wishes to make an explanation of vote before the vote in conjunction with draft resolution L/3 to indicate a desire to do so now. I see no delegation seeking the floor. Accordingly, I beg your pardon, I have the United States seeking the floor. United States, you have the floor. United States of America [1:11:01]: Thank you, Mr. Chair, and apologies for the delay. President Trump has consistently called for the UN to achieve its potential and return to its core mandate, maintaining international peace and security. It needs to do less with less and do it better. To that end, the US is working to get the UN back to basics so it can be fit for purpose over the next 80 years. The United States recognizes Thailand, Peru, and Germany for their work on the resolution. We now call a vote and intend to call no on this resolution. The resolution and the appendix to complement the UN Guiding Principles on Alternative Development goes well beyond the scope of accepted alternative development, which should be directly linked to illicit crop cultivation. Alternative development cannot deliver meaningful results unless it is strictly sequenced with credible law enforcement, aggressive interdiction, and verified eradication. When you separate alternative development from enforcement, you are not reducing drug protection. You are running an open-ended cash transfer program that subsidizes criminal zones. This resolution abandons decades of proven field experience in favor of ideology and multilateral overreach. The environmental and climate finance agenda have no business in a counter-narcotics text. Annex paragraph 4 turns that turns what should be an anti-drug framework into an environmental manifesto, calling for carbon credit schemes, payments for ecosystem services, and climate finance. The resolution includes several controversial and objectionable references that have no place in this type of resolution, including climate change, sustainable development goals, and gender ideology. The United States will not vote for resolutions that substitute criminal justice with social theories, undermine our treaty system, and give drug traffickers a pass. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:13:06]: Thank you, United States. I don't have any other delegations seeking the floor, in which case we will now commence with the process of voting on draft resolution L3. I'll remind you of rule 128, as previously articulated. Delegations now have an opportunity to indicate their voting intention. 3rd Committee · Secretary [1:13:41]: The committee is now voting on draft resolution L/3, entitled “Appendix to complement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development”. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are correctly reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the voting machine. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:14:13]: As all of you will have seen, the result of the vote is as follows: in favour 176, against 2, abstentions 0. Draft resolution A/C3/81/L.3 is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make an explanation of vote after the vote on the draft resolution? Islamic Republic of Iran, you have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:14:45]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran voted in favor of the resolution on the appendix to complement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Non-Proliferative Development. We reaffirm the importance of respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national laws and regulations of all Member States. Our position does not imply the assumption of any additional legal commitments, nor does it constitute acceptance of or accession to any instrument or document to which Iran is not a party. We also reiterate our disassociation from any non-consensual language contained in the text that does not align with our national legislation and our cultural and religious values. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:15:28]: Thank you, Iran. Does any other delegation wish to take the floor? I see none. That enables us to turn to draft resolution L4, entitled Strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice responses to prevent and combat fraud, which I have also submitted in my capacity as chair of the committee on the recommendation of the Economic and Social Council. I'd like to inform the committee that draft resolution L4 contains no program budget implications. Let me invite any delegation who wishes to make a statement in connection with the draft resolution. Does any delegation wish to do so? I see none. I see none. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt the draft resolution? I hear no objection. Draft resolution L4 is adopted. So decided. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the resolution? United States. United States of America [1:16:32]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States is pleased to support this resolution, and thanks Japan, the United Kingdom, and all delegations whose efforts helped advance this important initiative. For too long, Americans have been victimized by scam operations directed by transnational organized criminal groups. Americans are losing tens of billions of dollars each year to transnational fraud. These are not just statistics. They are real people and families whose savings have been wiped out and whose lives have been upended by criminal networks operating across borders. Transnational fraud is no longer simply a series of isolated criminal acts. It has become an industrialized enterprise enabled by organized criminal networks, sophisticated financial systems, unsecured digital infrastructure, and deceptive recruitment practices. In some cases, these operations rely on trafficking in persons for the purpose of forced criminality. This resolution recognizes the scale of this threat and provides an important framework for strengthening our collective response. The United States particularly welcomes its emphasis on dismantling the structures that enable organized fraud, scam centers, financial networks, deceptive recruitment practices, and the supply chains that sustain criminal operations. We must address not only the individuals committing fraud, but the networks and infrastructure that make these crimes possible. We also welcome the resolution's focus on protecting and supporting victims, including improving access to compensation and restitution. Criminals must be denied the ability to retain the proceeds of their crimes, and victims must have meaningful opportunity to recover their losses. Effective responses also require stronger cooperation across borders and across sectors. Governments, financial institutions, online platforms, telecommunications providers, and other private sector partners all have important roles to play in preventing and disrupting fraudulent activity, consistent with applicable obligations under domestic and international law. Finally, We welcome the initiative to collect information on emerging fraud trends, typologies, good practices, capacity gaps, and challenges. This will help member states learn from one another and adapt their responses to an evolving threat. Implementation must remain consistent with States’ respective domestic laws and international obligations, including those relating to human rights, privacy, and data protection. UNDOC’s work must remain within its mandate, respect national sovereignty, and subject to the source provisions in the resolution. Today’s adoption is an important step, but a resolution alone will not dismantle a scam center, recover savings, or bring criminal networks to justice. That requires sustained commitment and concrete action. The United States urges every Member State to carry these commitments forward. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:19:34]: Thank you, United States. I have as next speaker the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:19:41]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches high importance to the prevention of crime and the strengthening of criminal justice systems. and continues to pursue comprehensive national measures to combat fraud and related offences in accordance with its laws and regulations. Our joining of the consensus is without prejudice to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national laws and regulations of Member States. It does not entail the acceptance of any new legal obligations, nor does it amount to accession to any instrument to which Iran is not a signatory. We also disassociate ourselves from any non-consensual language in the text that is inconsistent with our national legislation, as well as cultural and religious values. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:20:25]: Thank you, Iran. I have no other delegation seeking the floor in relation to this item. That enables us to turn our attention to draft resolution AC3/81/L5/Rev1, entitled Strengthening and promoting effective measures and international cooperation on organ donation and transplantation to prevent and combat trafficking in persons for the purposes of organ removal and trafficking in human organs. I give the floor to the Secretary to read out a statement of program budget implications of this draft resolution. Secretary, you have the floor. 3rd Committee · Secretary [1:21:05]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. This statement is made in accordance with rule 153 of the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly. I would also like to draw the attention of the Committee to the oral statement of programme budget implications in connection with draft resolution L/5/1 that was circulated to all delegations through the Third Committee module of the e-delegate portal on 9 November 2026. The request contained in operative paragraph 23 of the draft resolution would constitute additional workload to the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. For the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management, implementation of the mandate would entail resource requirements estimated at 16,800 US dollars, excluding staff assessment in 2029. The request for documentation would entail one pre-session document with a total estimated word count of 6,000 words in all six official languages in 2029. For the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, additional general temporary assistance resource requirements would amount to a total of 34,900 US dollars in 2029 to research, analyze, and draft work to complete the requested report. Should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution AC3/81/L5 revision 1, the resource requirements for 2029 would be reflected in the proposed programme budget for 2029 under the respective budget sections for the consideration of the Assembly at its 83rd session. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:22:46]: Thank you, Secretary. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain to introduce the resolution. You have the floor, Spain. Spain · Guatemala and Spain [1:22:59]: I have the honor of introducing, on behalf of Guatemala and Spain, this draft resolution. Its purpose is to prevent and combat two distinct crimes that are nonetheless closely linked, the trafficking of persons for the purposes of organ removal and trafficking in human organs. In both cases, a situation of vulnerability prevails, and this is an attack against human dignity, and the integrity of health systems is undermined. With this resolution, we're seeking to promote ethical organ and transplant systems that are transparent and based on free and informed consent and equitable access and effective supervision, the prevention and prosecution of these crimes, international cooperation, and above all, it seeks to provide protection and assistance to the victims, which is the driver and the heart of this resolution, the main reference to is the report of the Secretary General 2024. This draft resolution seeks to take an additional step to clarify the link between these two crimes and to promote supervision of transplant systems and to drive greater safeguards for living donors and to improve detection and call-out mechanisms. We also call for strengthening international cooperation and specifically police cooperation and to go deeper in a victim-centered approach. We have also reflected the use of digital technologies in order to facilitate these crimes. Finally, in the spirit of UNAT, the resolution will be presented every three years. Guatemala and Spain have tried to have an open and transparent process and offer all delegations an opportunity to express their points of view and to present proposals, and we have done everything possible to incorporate the greatest number of suggestions while maintaining the coherence and general balance of the text. We'd also like to express our sincerest thanks to all delegations for their constructive participation, which reflects the spirit of the United Nations. We thank all Member States who have already co-sponsored, and we kindly invite the remaining delegations to join them in co-sponsoring. Finally, we trust that this important resolution can once again be adopted by consensus, sending a clear and firm signal against these grave crimes. Thank you very much, Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:25:35]: I thank the distinguished representative of Spain. In addition to the delegations listed in the L document, additional co-sponsors of L5/Rev.1 are reflected on iGov. And I now give the floor to the Secretary to invite further co-sponsors. 3rd Committee · Secretary [1:25:51]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor draft resolution L5/Rev.1, please signify by pressing the microphone button. I see Chile, Morocco, who's already a sponsor, Singapore, Tunisia, Paraguay, Peru, and I see no further requests. Thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:26:20]: Thank you, Secretary. Now, does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with draft resolution L/5? I see Belarus. Belarus, you have the floor. Belarus [1:26:35]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and dear colleagues. We thank the delegations of Guatemala and Spain for updating the text of the resolution, and to colleagues from other delegations for their constructive approach during negotiations. BEFOREUS makes an important contribution to improving and harmonizing legal regimes. It calls on member states to fulfill their obligations under international law to criminalize trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal, to prevent and combat this form of trafficking, and to protect and assist its victims. The text keeps pace with the times. It notes the growing role of digital technologies in trafficking in persons and underscores the key role of health institutions and health care workers, and calls for training and capacity building for health workers, as well as for law enforcement and border officials. Our Committee must once again send a strong signal to the entire international community regarding the need to eradicate once and for all the criminal practice of trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal and trafficking in human organs. In this regard, Belarus supports the adoption of the resolution by consensus and will continue to help improve the coordination of international efforts to combat trafficking in persons. We call on States to take comprehensive measures at the national and international levels to combat trafficking in persons in all its forms. Thank you very much. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:27:58]: Thank you, Belarus. Is there any other delegation which wishes to intervene at this stage? I see none, in which case, can I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution L5/Rev.1? I hear no objection. It's so decided. And that provides an opportunity for any delegation who wishes to do so to make a statement after the adoption. Is there any delegation? I have Argentina, followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, followed by the United States. Argentina, you have the floor. Argentina [1:28:36]: Thank you, Chair. In relation to draft resolution on strengthening international cooperation on organ donation and transplantation to prevent and combat trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal and trafficking in human organs, Argentina recalls that following the 16th of March 2026, We are no longer a member of the WHO, and therefore we disassociate ourselves from the paragraphs referring to this body insofar as this could be interpreted as a commitment to participation or adhesion to its programs, policies, or recommendations. And we reaffirm that the definition and implementation of health policy falls to states in the exercise of their sovereignty. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:29:23]: Thank you, Argentina. The next speaker is Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:29:32]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Islamic Republic of Iran remains firmly committed to combating all forms of trafficking in persons and human organs. while continuing to strengthen its domestic legal and regulatory frameworks governing ethical organ donation and transplantation. Our decision to join the Consensus is based on the clear understanding that full respect must be accorded to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and domestic legal systems of all Member States. Our joining of the Consensus neither entails the assumption of any new legal obligations nor constitutes acceptance of or accession to any international instruments to which Iran is not a signatory. We also disassociate ourselves from any non-consensual language contained in the text, as well as formulations that are incompatible with our national laws, regulations, cultural and religious values. I thank you. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:30:25]: Thank you, Iran. And finally, the United States, you have the floor. United States of America [1:30:29]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States strongly favors efforts to eliminate trafficking in persons for the purposes of organ removal and organ trafficking. These practices prey on the poor and the desperate. They enrich criminal networks and put at risk everyone they touch, including the person whose organ is taken and the patient who receives it. As a state party to the UN protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, the United States actively works to prevent and combat trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal. We find all forms of human trafficking and the trafficking of organs to be reprehensible, and we believe should all UN member states. We welcome the resolution's focus on practical, achievable enforcement measures available to all Member States. We also strongly support the principle that trafficking victims should not be punished for crimes their traffickers compelled them to commit. Just this past January, President Trump signed the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which lets survivors of human trafficking seek to expunge certain arrests and vacate certain federal convictions for acts committed as a direct result of their exploitation. Despite these stances and our strong commitment to and record of combating human trafficking and organ trafficking globally, the United States would like to note our concerns for the record. First, the U.S. has withdrawn from the WHO, and we note that nothing in this text obliges UN member states to adopt WHO standards or take part in WHO processes. The United States also notes that UN resolutions are non-binding. They do not create rights or obligations under international law, and we do not read this resolution to imply that member states must join or carry out instruments to which they are not party. Second, the United States does not reaffirm the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a matter of course, nor do we accept the inclusion of vague and unhelpful references to climate change as a driving factor in the harvest and trafficking of human organs. Finally, the United States government recognizes two biological sexes, male and female. Gender is an attribute of language, not biology, and the United States does not support efforts to blur biological truth in this resolution by mixing these terms. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 3rd Committee · Chair [1:33:00]: Thank you, United States. In the absence of any other delegation, wishing to intervene. That concludes our consideration of resolution L5, and therefore, that means the committee has completed its program of work for this meeting. I would like to remind delegations that the deadline for the submission of all revised draft proposals is tomorrow, Wednesday, 11 November at 1 PM, and that the deadline for the submission of all written amendments is on Friday, 13 November at 1 PM. The committee will reconvene on Friday, 11 November at 10 AM sharp in this conference room to take action on a number of proposals. Information on the work of the committee is available on iGov. Thank you all for your participation and attention. The meeting is adjourned.