联合国大会第80届会议第三委员会 - 第52次全体会议
联合国大会
Date: 21 November 2025
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/zh/ga/c3/80/52?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 [0:02]:

Colleagues, good morning and welcome back. Just to remind, to start at, once again, statements, you have three minutes. Let's resume our consideration of agenda item 107, crime prevention and criminal justice, in order to take action on draft resolution AC380L3, revision 1, entitled Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity. And the amendment to draft resolution L3, revision 1, contained in document L/57. I would like to inform the Committee that draft resolution L3, revision 1, and the amendment contained in L/57 contain no program budget implications. With this, I would like to give the floor to Italy to make a statement. The floor is yours.


Italy [1:11]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving us the floor. Mr. Chair, Italy is proud to have initiated and facilitated the resolution strengthening the UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme in particular its technical cooperation capacity. We are particularly proud to have done it in the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Palermo Convention, an anniversary that has been recently celebrated in Vienna at the presence of our head of state, President Sergio Mattarella, and the President of the Republic of Austria. The Palermo Convention, with its recent 193rd ratification is a living sign that the international community is united in its resolve to counter the scourge of transnational organized crime in all its manifestations. Thanks to the engagement and cooperation of all delegations over many hours of informal negotiations, and we wish to take this opportunity to thank each and all of them for their constructive efforts. We have managed to present a streamlined text compared to the one approved in 2023, while maintaining the overall balance and purpose of the resolution. New important elements have been incorporated to keep into account development at CCPCJ in Vienna and to strengthen the mandate of UNODC. Consensual proposals by several delegations have been taken on board on a number of issues ranging from access to justice, to organize fraud and scam operations and including environmental crimes. While we hope and expect that the option of the overall text will be consensual, like in previous years, one delegation presented an amendment with two proposals on OP 59 and OP 60, respectively. The two proposals were discussed during the negotiations and neither of them had consensual support in the room. As facilitators, we tried to bridge the gap by proposing some alternative language that would substantially meet the request of the proponent delegation, but to no avail, which is why our delegation, in its capacity as sponsor of the resolution and in line with UN practice, has not incorporated the proposed language in the draft submitted for action, and has consequentially called for a vote. We will vote now on the amendment and we invite other delegations to consider the same course of action when voting. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [3:50]:

Thank you for your statement, Italy. I give the floor to the Secretary.


UN Secretariat · Secretary [3:57]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wish to inform that in addition to those delegations listed on the L document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of L.3 revision 1. Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. If any other countries wish to join as sponsors of draft resolution L.3, revision 1, please signify by pressing the microphone button. I see the Dominican Republic, Norway, India, Czechia, Philippines, Turkey, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, Congo and Kuwait. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [5:43]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States to make a statement in connection with the amendment contained in document L/57. The floor is yours.


United States of America [5:59]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States supports strong enforcement of criminal law against all forms of child sexual abuse material or child *********** and supports this amendment, including to clarify that the parameters for UNODC's cooperation with States are to be in line with the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child ***********. We therefore strongly urge all Member States to join in adopting this important amendment. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [6:27]:

Thank you.

United States, I give the floor back to the Secretary.


UN Secretariat · Secretary [6:31]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If any countries wish to join as sponsors of the amendment contained in document L57, please signify by pressing the microphone button. I see no requests. I see Burundi. I see no further requests. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [6:55]:

Thank you. In accordance with rule 130 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the Committee will first take a decision on the amendment. A recorded vote has been requested on the amendment to draft resolution L.3, revision 1, contained in document L/57. Any delegation wishes to make a general statement or an explanation of vote before the vote in connection with this amendment? I give the floor to Denmark, to be followed by the United Kingdom and the Russian Federation. Denmark, you have the floor.


Denmark · EU [7:33]:

Thank you, Chair. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. We take this opportunity to thank Italy for the open and transparent manner in which it has conducted negotiations on this long and complex resolution, maintaining its overall balance while at the same time significantly streamlining the text. Our concerns with regard to the proposed amendment are related both to the process and to the substance. With regard to the process, we would like to highlight that language proposed in OP.59 was presented at a very late stage of these highly complex negotiations. Neither of the two proposals, on OP.59 and on OP.60, found consensual support in the room. Indeed, We note that the amendment on OP.59 was met with strong opposition from most delegations actively engaged in the negotiations. We regret that an amendment has been submitted on a resolution that has been traditionally adopted by consensus and that strives to achieve a goal that unites us all, namely the goal of fighting transnational organized crime. This is particularly poignant in the year in which we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Palermo Convention. With regard to the substance of the amendment, we wish to underline that the reference to child *********** proposed in OP.59 would be a new addition in this resolution. It is worth noting that the phrase child *********** is increasingly considered obsolete and potentially harmful and is therefore being replaced by the expression child sexual abuse material, language which was also proposed by the facilitator as a compromise. The concept of *********** suggests a consensual practice among adults which can and must not be associated with children. It diminishes the meaning of the criminal phenomenon at hand, namely the documented sexual abuse of a child for criminal purposes. In contrast, the reference to child sexual abuse material makes clear that firstly, a child was harmed, secondly, The creation, distribution, and possession of the material are crimes. And thirdly, the material is evidence of exploitation, not a form of media or entertainment. For these reasons, the member states of the European Union will vote no on the proposed amendment. We strongly encourage others to do the same. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [10:07]:

Thank you.

I give the floor to the United Kingdom.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [10:12]:

Chair, we would like to thank Italy for their facilitation and presenting what is a balanced text. The United Kingdom is firmly committed to ensuring the highest international standards when it comes to protecting children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, including offenses related to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. The amendment at OP-59 introduces terminology that draws a false distinction between child *********** and child sexual exploitation and abuse. Amending this paragraph to include language that is broadly considered outdated and overly narrow undermines the protection of children, weakens the crime, its severity and impact, including the ongoing traumatization for victims and survivors. The UK cannot support any language that calls into question the seriousness of the crime of child sexual exploitation and abuse or risk protection for victims and survivors. On OP.60, the UK reaffirms its support for the Cybercrime Convention and the Optional Protocol on the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child *********** both of which we are signatory to. However, note that language in this paragraph appears to require signatories to the UNCC to implement the Convention in a manner that takes into account other international obligations, which they may have not consented to. We emphasize the UNCC is already aligned with and complementary to the CRC. We will therefore vote against this amendment and encourage other delegations to as well. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [11:51]:

Thank you. Give the floor to the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [11:56]:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Russian Federation supports the proposal of the United States to include in the draft resolution a provision on the prevention and combating of child ***********. This is one of the most serious and morally unacceptable forms of crimes. It grossly violates the basic rights of children and human dignity. The modern digital environment offers criminals with new opportunities to hide their actions and to scale up unlawful activities. Child *********** is. circulated through difficult to track online platforms, encrypted communications, and cross-border networks that extend the -- that go beyond the jurisdictions of a single state. So the international community needs to check this scourge, and that is not only desirable but necessary. Russia has consistently advocated for strengthening international cooperation in countering crime in its most dangerous and socially destructive forms. Chief among these are the production and circulation of child ***********. This is a crime that causes irreparable harm to children who require particular protection. In Russian legislation, in accordance with the specialized optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the production, dissemination, demonstration, storage, and sale of child *********** are criminalized. That includes their circulation using information telecommunications technologies. We are convinced that this resolution should contain clear and unambiguous provisions that clearly call for combating this heinous act. In this regard, we wish to note that the US proposal is fully in keeping with the spirit and letter of the Optional Protocol, which has 178 state parties. This is precisely why we are truly perplexed by the refusal of a number of delegations to support a similar proposal submitted by the Russian delegation during the last consultations. A reasonable question arises. Does that mean that these states are shirking their own responsibilities emanating from the aforementioned protocol? We genuinely hope that is not the case. Distinguished colleagues, fighting child *********** is not a matter of political preference. but it is a question of international commitments that have been undertaken. Today, we have the opportunity to express a unified, unambiguous position. Children must be protected, evil must be stopped, and the international community must act together. Russia calls upon all member states to support the inclusion in the resolution of clear language seeking to prevent and combat child ***********. May our solidarity make a real contribution to protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [14:49]:

Thank you. Give the floor to Mexico.


Mexico [14:54]:

Thank you, Chair. Mexico is grateful to Italy for facilitating this resolution. We commend the adoption of a more focused and digestible text that is in line with efforts to revitalize the work of this Assembly. Mexico's vote against the amendments introduced should not be interpreted as disagreement with the common purpose of combating the sexual exploitation of girls and boys. Quite to the contrary, our posture seeks to guarantee the utmost legal precision and the highest level of protection in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocol, the general observations of the committee and the best international practices on the subject. These have consistently indicated that the best expression is material that demonstrates exploitation or child sexual abuse. This term reflects that any sexual representation of a girl or a boy represents abuse and exploitation regardless of the format, medium, or intention of those producing it or distributing it. And so this terminology is fully consistent with our legal, international legal obligations as it promotes language that is focused on the victim, visibilizes violence, and ensures comprehensive protection of children at all times. Mexico is in favour of using this broader and updated terminology, as it is more conducive to the protection and full achievement of the rights of the child. Furthermore, the Convention on the Rights of the Child starts from the principle that girls and boys do not have the legal capacity, or indeed the psychological capacity, to give free and informed consent to participate in sexual acts. This is why any sexual or sexualised act that involves a child, a boy or a girl, is considered exploitation and/or sexual abuse. Amendment 59, in addition to not using the most up-to-date language, creates confusion between *********** and sexual exploitation or abuse, which has not been ascertained, and undermines the seriousness of the crime that is being committed. In terms of OP60 and that change, we are concerned that this may lead to some incongruence between the recently adopted convention against cybercrime and the convention on the rights of the child. The convention on cybercrime was carefully negotiated over many years, and this link would set an undesired precedent. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [17:57]:

Thank you very much. I ask the Committee to commence with the process of voting on the amendment contained in L57. In accordance with Rule 128, no representative may interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual process of voting. Delegations are kindly requested to indicate their votes.


UN Secretariat · Secretary [18:22]:

The Committee is now voting on the amendment to draft resolution L.3 revision 1, entitled "Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity", as contained in document L.57. The Committee is voting on the amendment contained in L.57. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are correctly reflected on the screen?


3rd Committee · Chair [18:57]:

Okay, Rwanda, are you asking for a point of order?


Rwanda [19:02]:

Sorry, I didn't mean to vote on the amendments. Thank you very much.


UN Secretariat · Secretary [19:29]:

Will delegations please confirm that their votes are correctly reflected on the screen? If a vote needs to be changed, it needs to be unpressed. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are correctly reflected on the screen? I understand the delegation of Rwanda requests not to participate in the vote. If all other delegations have confirmed their votes, the voting has been completed. Please lock the voting machine.


3rd Committee · Chair [21:33]:

Alright. Thank you. The result of the vote is as follows. We have 68 in favour, 51 against and 29 abstentions. The amendment to draft resolution L.3, revision 1, containing document L.57, is adopted. Any delegation which to make a general statement or an EOV after the vote in connection with the amendment? I see Canada to be followed by Vietnam and Brazil. Canada, you have the floor.


Canada [22:12]:

Chair, I am honored to deliver the statement on amendment L.57 on behalf of Australia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and my own country, Canada. The proposed revision creates the false impression that child *********** is distinct from and not itself a form of child sexual exploitation and abuse. This is inconsistent with the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child *********** as well as with the terminology and approach reflected in the new UN Convention on Cybercrime. Offences involving child *********** or child sexual exploitation and abuse material are both forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse and must be understood as such. The amendments therefore risk snaring the understanding that these crimes, diminishing recognition of their exploitative and abusive nature, and weakening the comprehensive protections that the international community has worked to advance. While some delegations may tolerate the coexistence of both terms in certain contexts, it is essential that child *********** never be presented in a way that suggests that it is not child sexual exploitation and abuse. Amendment L-57 creates exactly this problematic distinction. For these reasons, we voted against this amendment. We remain committed to working with all Member States to eliminate all forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse material and to strengthen our shared response to this grave violation of children's rights. We remain firmly committed to protecting children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, including offenses related to child sexual exploitation and abuse material. Our shared responsibility is to uphold the highest standards of prevention, protection, and accountability, and to ensure that our responses do not inadvertently weaken the safeguards that children depend on. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [24:12]:

Thank you.

Fina, the floor is yours.


Viet Nam [24:16]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Vietnam reaffirms its steadfast commitment to preventing and combating all forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse, both online and offline. This includes rigorous implementation of relevant international legal frameworks, notably the Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child ***********. We also recall that the recent opening for signature of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, held in Hanoi last month, marked a meaningful contribution to reinforcing collective efforts to address cybercrime and enhance the protection of children in cyberspace without undermining States' existing obligations. Vietnam knows that the issue of child sexual exploitation and abuse has already been fully and substantively addressed in OP 59. Introducing an additional amendment to OP 60 that singles out only one issue among the many substantive elements of the Cybercrime Convention is neither necessary nor appropriate and was not thoroughly discussed during the negotiations process. Ensuring coherence, balance, and substantive relevance across the resolution is essential to the integrity of our collective work. For these reasons, Vietnam abstained from voting on this amendment. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [25:41]:

Thank you. I now give the floor to Brazil. The floor is yours.


Brazil [25:46]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As a co-sponsor of the resolution, Brazil is fully committed to crime prevention and to ensuring justice to victims and survivors especially to the most vulnerable, such as children. Brazil has a model legislation on the rights of the child, the Statute of the Child and the Adolescent. Specifically regarding online sexual violence against children, a new law enacted by President Lula in January 2024 classifies bullying and cyberbullying as crimes under the penal code, amounting to heinous crimes when they result in serious injury or death. The first step in combating online sexual exploitation and abuse of children is the regulation of virtual platforms. Childhood is not a content for profit. Digital platforms have an ethical responsibility to adopt effective protection measures. No liberty, no freedom can justify crimes against children. As many delegations before us, Brazil regrets the presentation of the amendment to the resolution. During negotiations, the language was proposed and did not meet consensus. This was so because it's quite clear that in OP 59, the agreed language, all forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse, fully and clearly encompasses all cases of abuse against children, both on and offline. With regard to OP.60, the amendment suggests that the implementation of the Convention against Cybercrime could be conditioned to the obligations provided for in the Optional Protocol. Although Brazil is a party to the Protocol, to which we are fully committed, it is not appropriate that a General Assembly resolution, a non-binding document, should establish conditions for the application of a convention that is binding to its signatory parties. It is completely unclear, moreover, which provisions of the Convention could, in theory, be at odds of the commitments undertaken in the protocol. Without any prejudice to the foregoing, Brazil's vote on the amendment today should be seen as yet another public reiteration of my government's firm rejection of all forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [28:12]:

Thank you. I give the floor to Colombia.


Colombia [28:18]:

Thank you, Chair. Colombia fully recognizes our international commitments in the area of the rights of the child, especially those derived from the Optional Protocol to the Convention in relation to the sale of children, child prostitution, and the use of minors in ***********. This has led to deeper thought about what language should be used to the worst forms of sexual violence against children. Also, in the international sphere, the Luxembourg Guide and other instruments have consistently opted for more updated language in child *********** that indicates evidence of a sexual crime that is an emotional and physical attack on children and is a violation of their integrity and should lead to criminal punishment. In Colombia's view, the use of the term child *********** would lead to confusion. On the one hand, it could introduce interpretations that reduce the gravity of the crime or introduce a subcategory of the pornographic industry when these are actually crimes of sexual exploitation and abuse. also indicates that digital photography, it could be asymmetrical in terms of its legal footing. International legal instruments have a direct impact on the social, legal, and administrative understanding of these violations, and semantic precision actually contributes to preventing re-victimization and to strengthening the accountability for perpetrators. This is why Colombia has voted against the amendment and is grateful to the facilitators for their notable efforts to achieve a text by consensus and to lead negotiations in an open, transparent, and inclusive and constructive way. We highlight the references to contraband and to the human rights approach in many aspects of the resolution. We reiterate our commitment to make progress in implementation of its commitment in the area of combating transnational organized crime and to the strengthening of international cooperation that is based on dialogue, that is productive with all member states, and strict adherence to international law and human rights. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [30:50]:

Thank you.

As the amendment contained in L57 has been adopted, we shall proceed to take a decision on draft resolution L3 revision 1 as amended. Any delegation which is to make a statement in connection with draft resolution L3 revision 1 as amended? I see none. May I take it that the Committee wishes to adopt draft resolution L.3, revision 1, as amended? I see no objection. It is so decided. Any delegation which wishes to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? I give the floor to the Russian Federation. The floor is yours.


Russian Federation [31:53]:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Russian Federation reaffirms its ironclad support for combating crime in all forms and manifestations. We thank the coordinator of the Ombudsman Anti-Crime Resolution for their work and efforts to reach consensus. We welcome the fact that the text of the document reflects important provisions that were introduced upon Russia's initiative. Specifically, what is timely and significant is the inclusion of a call upon member states to step up their fight against fraud, including fraud committed through call centers. We trust that every state will take the necessary action to counter this crime and that certain countries will stop encouraging the use of call centers for fraudulent purposes. We welcome the new paragraph on countering the financial and logistics bases of criminal groups with a focus on virtual assets, digital currencies, and online platforms. We also note the principle of the sovereignty of states over their natural resources in the context of crimes that impact the environment. This is the first time that was introduced in the resolution. What is timely is the provision on the need to avoid duplicative efforts among UN entities, including in the context of technical cooperation in countering terrorism. We trust that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime will adhere to precisely this approach. We also welcome the fact that the resolution reflects the signing of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi in October. We encourage all states to sign and ratify as quickly as possible this document so that it can enter into force. We also see an opportunity for expanding the scope of the convention going forward by including additional protocols to it. We are also continuing to consistently adhere to terminology reflected in the Convention. The Russian Federation has been consistent in its advocacy for the use of the term "crimes committed using information and communication systems." This terminology is fully in keeping with the Hanoi Convention. We do not support the use in the text of the resolution the term "cybercrime" taken in isolation from ICT terminology, because this terminology is not aligned with the Convention and the UNGA Specialized Resolution 74/247. In any case, Cyber terminology in the resolution should impact the volume of commitments undertaken to cooperate on combating crimes committed with the use of ICT. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [34:31]:

Thank you.

I have Canada, to be followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States. Canada.


Canada [34:41]:

Chair, I deliver this statement on behalf of Australia and my own country, Canada. Our delegations are pleased to join consensus on this resolution. We thank the facilitator, Italy, for their inclusive and thorough work throughout the complex negotiations. However, for the reasons outlined in our earlier explanation of position, Australia and Canada disassociate from the language in OP.59 as introduced by the amendment L.57. We reiterate our firm commitment to protecting children from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. Our shared responsibility is to uphold the highest standards of prevention, protection, and accountability, and to ensure that our responses do not inadvertently weaken the safeguards that children depend upon. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [35:26]:

Thank you. I give the floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [35:31]:

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its full support for the core objective of resolution S/20/AC.3/80/L.3, one, to strengthen the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Program, particularly by enhancing its technical cooperation capacity. However, we wish to place on record that our vote in favor of this resolution does not in any way imply a departure from or a waiver of our previously stated positions, reservations, or understandings with regard to this or any other resolutions, conventions, declarations, or documented reference herein. Any technical assistance under this resolution must be country driven and national demand based. Iran cannot accept one-size-fits-all model that restricts national priorities, rules, and regulations. Regarding cyber crime, Iran supports enhanced cooperation and technical assistance. We emphasize that accession to any international instrument is voluntary based on national assessment and not to be presumed by the resolution's language in OP 44 or any other operative paragraph. We register concern over certain normative references to gender-sensitive approaches in crime prevention. It's underscored that the interpretation of gender must be compatible with the cultural and social values of member states. Technical cooperation should not amount to prescriptive model that are inconsistent with member states' legal and religious frameworks. Iran welcomes support for restorative justice, alternative to imprisonment, and access to justice within the domestic penal jurisdiction as a source of any criminal justice reform. On burden sharing, we strongly support enhanced South-South, regional and triangular cooperation modalities. At the same time, we stress that such cooperation must be equitable and mutually respectful without disproportionate obligation on states such as ours. Request that our reservation be formally recorded in the Committee's report, with the understanding in place that The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its readiness to cooperate constructively with UNODC and all Member States, which stand prepared to contribute to building sustainable criminal justice capacity in a way that respects sovereignty, institutional realities, and the legal tradition of Member States. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [37:43]:

Thank you. And I now turn the floor to the United States. The floor is yours.


United States of America [37:49]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United States is pleased to join consensus on this resolution. We thank the Italian delegation for their work in shepherding this resolution through. The United States remains steadfast in prioritizing efforts to disrupt transnational criminal organizations that harm Americans. We are proud to have successfully incorporated language into this resolution calling for greater action to combat online scam operations in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the United States continues to lead efforts to disrupt alien smuggling networks that endanger lives and destabilize communities, and we urge Member States to implement the U.S.-sponsored resolution from the May 2025 Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which calls for holding smugglers accountable for their crimes. We express our concern with the strategic effort by some delegations to give disproportionate attention to crimes that affect the environment in the hopes of justifying the need for a new protocol to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. We do not support a new protocol. Furthermore, the United States notes there is no internationally agreed definition of access to justice and will not support any programs or interpretations of this concept that do not align with U.S. policy. We also strongly denounce efforts by Russia, Cuba, Iran, and others to broaden the scope of cybercrime in ways that suppress freedom of expression and dissent. The United States will continue to protect fundamental freedoms. The United States will continue to oppose the Sustainable Development Goals. We also firmly support efforts to protect women from crime and violence while using clear and accurate language that centers on the needs of women and girls. Finally, let us be clear, this resolution does not prove there is sufficient political will to address the urgent threats posed by transnational criminal organizations. Where are the prosecution of top criminals and corrupt officials? Where are the concerted efforts to disrupt the criminal networks trafficking drugs that devastate our communities? The United States will continue to lead and address impunity when other governments stand idly by, including through visa restrictions, sanctions regimes, and other tools. The stakes are too high for complacency. We need partners who are willing to act, not just talk. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [39:50]:

Thank you. We now have the United Kingdom to be followed by the Dominican Republic and Peru. The UK, the floor is yours.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [40:01]:

Thank you, Chair. While we support the overall objectives of the resolution, we'd like to reiterate our regret with the amendments to paragraph OP.59 and 60. Additionally, I'd like to highlight my delegation's concerns regarding OP.10. The existing international asset recovery framework under the convention, in particular, chapter 5 on asset recovery, already provides comprehensive framework for the end-to-end asset recovery process. This includes provisions on tracing, freezing, confiscating, and returning illicit assets, as well as the international cooperation and mutual legal assistance. The creation of new frameworks on this technical issue risks duplication and is not an effective use of resources. The focus on state parties should be on full implementation of existing obligations under the UNCAC. whether that's through the strengthening of their domestic systems or enhancing capacity building and technical assistance to other state parties. This does not require a special session and should continue to be taken forward through existing structures, including the working group on asset recovery and cost. The UK remains firmly committed to the global fight against corruption and to the recovery and return of corruptly obtained assets in line with Chapter 5. of UNCAC. We will continue to work constructively with partners through established mechanisms to ensure that commitments translate into tangible results. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [41:30]:

Thank you. The Dominican Republic, the floor is yours.


Dominican Republic [41:36]:

Thank you, Chair. The Dominican Republic is grateful to Italy for presenting this draft resolution entitled strengthening the United Nations crime prevention criminal justice program, in particular its technical cooperation capacity, my delegation is proud to firmly support this text. Its content reflects a broad and necessary vision in order to deal with global challenges in the area of crime, criminal justice, corruption, cybercrime, and transnational organized crime. For the Dominican Republic, this topic is of the utmost national importance. Our country is at the heart of the Caribbean, a region that is highly exposed to transnational networks and also illicit financial flows, crimes that affect the environment, human trafficking and many other issues. These are not only a threat to security and stability, but they also undermine sustainable development, democratic governance, and the well-being of our communities. This is why the Dominican Republic... deeply values the strengthening of international cooperation that is foreseen in this resolution, as well as the broadening of capacities for technical assistance of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. We in particular highlight the importance of supporting states in implementing the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the Convention against Corruption, and the recently adopted Convention against Cybercrime. We also highlight the emphasis of the text on the prevention of crime with a community approach, youth justice, the empowerment of young people, equality of access to justice, respect for human rights, and the promotion and protection of effective and human and transparent justice systems. These priorities accurately reflect our national efforts aimed at strengthening the rule of law, protecting victims, combating corruption, and aimed at aiming institutional resilience. Finally, we reiterate our commitment to international cooperation that is based on shared responsibility, respect for sovereignty, and strict adherence to international law. The Dominican Republic considers that this draft resolution constitutes an essential instrument in terms of moving towards more secure, just, and inclusive societies in harmony with the 2030 agenda. This is why we have joined consensus and we have co-sponsored this resolution. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [44:12]:

Thank you.

We now give the floor to Peru.


Peru [44:18]:

Thank you, Chair. Transnational organized crime is an issue of growing complexity that is not just a threat to the security stability of states and democratic institutions, but it also affects the well-being and dignity of millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. Its impact represents a structural threat for democratic governance, peace, and sustainable development in many parts of the world, including Latin America and the Caribbean. For Peru, combating transnational organized crime is the highest priority for the state. It is in this spirit that we have co-sponsored the present resolution, introduced and facilitated by Italy, and we thank them for their immense work. We also support the amendment put forward by the United States because we think that it strengthens the resolution. The 15th of November was the International Day for the Prevention and Combating of all Forms of Transnational Organized Crime and also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Palermo Convention and its protocols. And this date reminds us of the importance of redoubling our efforts in terms of tackling this scourge, which is undermining our institutions and weakening social cohesion. This threat knows no borders. The only way to tackle it effectively is through international cooperation. And the United Nations has a fundamental role in this end. And this is why Peru has been actively participating in multilateral fora on this subject and promoting intensified dialogue, especially with our neighboring countries, to the aim of strengthening practical cooperation and coordinating effective joint responses. In this same vein, we highlight the strategic role of the Regional United Nations Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, UNLIREC, based in Peru. Its work is fundamental in strengthening and preventing and reducing the illicit trafficking of arms, one of the key illicit economies that fuels transnational organized crime, as highlighted by the Secretary General. With this in mind, Peru has been implementing comprehensive public policies aimed at the prevention, strengthening of institutions, and deepening international cooperation. These measures seek to dismantle criminal networks by ensuring and also ensuring effective responses that are fully coordinated with national justice systems. And all of this is in full compliance with the rule of law and Peru's international obligations, including the protection of human rights. By way of conclusion, Chair, Peru reiterates its acknowledgement for the momentum behind this draft resolution. This is a clear sign of the collective will of States to continue taking action in a decisive and committed way against this shared global challenge. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [47:07]:

Thank you.

I see no further requests. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested in accordance with rule 115 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. I would like to remind delegations that the number of interventions in exercise of the right of reply for any delegation at any given meeting should be limited to two per item. The first intervention should be limited to five minutes and the second to three minutes.


Cuba [47:41]:

Thank you, Chair.

I will be brief. We have been compelled to intervene, given the lies spouted by the United States against our country. A country that uses radio-electric space to attack our sovereignty has no right to mention our country, Cuba. A country that executes extrajudicial activities cannot speak about the behavior of others, and even less so about Cuba. No one has given them this right. A country that has unilateral risks of terror states does not have the moral authority to mention our country. A country that condemns activity in support of Palestine and imprisons people for their political expressions cannot reference Cuba. And we strongly encourage them to focus on their own internal issues in the area of human rights before devoting themselves to launching absurd accusations against sovereign states. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [48:55]:

Thank you.

I give the floor. I see the Islamic Republic of Iran. Are you exercising the right of reply? Yeah, the floor is yours.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [49:19]:

Thank you, Chair. Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. The delegation of Islamic Republic of Iran exercises its right of reply in response to the unfounded and politically motivated allegations made by the representative of the United States. We categorically reject these baseless accusations, which reflect the consistent pattern by the United States of misusing this forum to advance hostile political narratives rather than engaging constructively on matters of international concern. Such claims are not only misleading, but also in clear disregard of the facts and of Iran's demonstrated commitment to international cooperation in combating cybercrime. The Convention on Cybercrime aspires to provide the international community with a sound and robust legal framework to counter crimes committed through the misuse of ICTs to bring preparators to justice, and to promote the protection of children, public morals, and societies worldwide in the face of exponentially growing criminal activities in cyberspace. The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently supported these objectives. Iran's delegation actively and constructively engaged throughout the process of elaborating this convention and accordingly signed the Cybercrime Convention in Hanoi, Vietnam. This step reflects Iran's longstanding and principled commitment to combating cybercrime, not only at the national level, where comprehensive measures have been in place for years. But now, also through strengthened multilateral cooperation, the non-signature on the convention reaffirms our readiness to work with the international community to promote a safe, secure, and responsible legal environment for all. It is, therefore, deeply regrettable that the United States, whose own record of large-scale cyber operations, extraterritorial digital surveillance, and destabilizing activities is well-documented, seeks to level accusations at other member states while refusing to acknowledge its own conduct in cyberspace. The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to advancing genuine international cooperation based on equality, mutual respect, and adherence to international law. We call on all member states, including the United States, to refrain from politicizing technical processes and instead joining the collective effort to ensure that the Convention serves as indeed intended purpose, the strengthening global capacities to combat cybercrime for the benefit of all nations. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [51:36]:

Thank you.

Right. With that, the Committee has concluded its consideration of agenda item 107 as a whole. I now invite the Committee to turn to agenda item 121, revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. At the first meeting of the Committee on October 3, I recall relevant provisions and recommendations of the ad hoc working group on the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, as well as matters relating to the working methods of the Committee. for which to refer to the… the roadmap as requested in operative paragraph 3 of General Assembly resolution 79192 on working methods of the third committee in paragraph 3 of the resolution you may recall that the General Assembly requested the Bureau of the third committee and the Human Rights Council to elaborate the roadmap which should be mutually decided on Following consultations, the Bureau of both parties reached an agreement on the roadmap, which was circulated to all delegations through respective regional groups. The roadmap was also circulated on e-delegate on November 19. Colleagues, this roadmap serve as a guiding set of principles for the progressive reduction of the number of mandates reporting to each session of the Third Committee by a desirable range of up to three to five per year until the 84th session. It is our best effort to continue with the positive momentum towards improving the committee's working methods and enhancing the quality of its deliberations following the adoption of resolution 79192. Colleagues, it does not seek to impose any specific arrangement. The Bureau of the Third Committee and the Human Rights Council will continue to use the roadmap as a guiding set of principles to implement resolution 79192 and improve the working methods of the committee as we work of course together to in the lead up to the 84th session and beyond. Look, I intend to convene an informal meeting at the dedicated session during the resumed part of the session. to further discuss the committee's working methods and to follow up on the implementation of the resolution, including, of course, in relation to the roadmap. This informal meeting will provide an opportunity for delegations to present their views and to engage in the process. Details on the informal meeting will be communicated in due course. But having said that, I will now open the floor for comments under the item of the revitalization of the work of the Committee. I encourage delegations to consider postponing any detailed comments on the roadmap and the implementation of GA resolution 79/192 to the informal meeting that I just mentioned. when we have sufficient time to consider the various views across the room. So with that, any comments under this item? I see Cuba. The floor is yours.


Cuba [55:59]:

Thank you very much, Chair. We are grateful to you for your introduction and we'll take up your proposal and speak more on the form rather than the substance. The review of the work methods of the third committee is an extremely important topic due to its impact on the functioning of this body. The resolution 79/192 offers a guide for the design of possible actions to be agreed with the aim of moving towards a more fluid functioning. It is our firm conviction, in Cuba's perspective, that any possible initiative in this direction should be the outcome of an intergovernmental process that is broad and inclusive, that makes it possible to hear the opinions of all delegations on an equal footing, and also address the legitimate concerns that States may have. And so we would be grateful to you, Chair, for we are grateful to you for introducing the roadmap under OP 13 of resolution 79 192 and its sub paragraphs we understand that an informal document the outcome of an agreement across the Bureau of the third committee and the Human Rights Council and so we are grateful to you and to the Bureau for considering carefully the recommendations and concerns of some member states relating to the early submission of this document, and we positively view the decision to convene a consultations and deliberations meeting on the roadmap at the resumed session, and we fully trust your leadership in this process. Given its broad relevance, this is a topic that should lead to substantive discussions between Member States. This is our view, and Cuba will be actively participating in the process to be led by you. We will be bringing our ideas to the table, and we will also defend our point of view and the hope that we can help fulfill the mandate under 79/192 fully. We also believe that we should now take a qualitative step towards under the Third Committee. This would not only encourage debate, but it would help us achieve more comprehensive and acceptable decisions for all. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [58:33]:

Thank you. I give the floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The floor is yours.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [58:40]:

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. We appreciate the preparation of the roadmap and its sharing with Member States. We also received your message on holding an informal with the participation of Member States to discuss it. We appreciate it. Iran also recognizes the need to hold consultations with Member States concerning the content of the roadmap on the working method of the Third Committee. The text does not yet reflect what we consider essential. for future discussions and efforts aimed at improving the working method of the Third Committee, enhancing efficiency and reducing its workload. For example, many resolutions and their derived mandates are often ineffective, repetitive and overlapping and contribute primarily to the unnecessary expenditure of the UN resources. Prior to the commencement of the Third Committee's activities, Member States' views were sought to enhance the Committee's effectiveness and reduce its workload by 10% in response to concerns regarding the liquidity crisis. Numerous suggestions were received, however, none were substantively incorporated. Instead, multiple time slots for the Committee's work were reduced, and regrettably, the general discussions, which constitute an important part of the Committee's work, were consolidated. We did not support this consolidation as it shifted the Committee's focus to specific topics and marginalized many other important issues under this agenda. We believe that the optimizing the work of the Third Committee should be pursued more seriously, both through negotiation with and guidance of Member States. We therefore encourage more effective consultation with Member States at an appropriate time and recommend that the adoption of this item be deferred until the outcome of those discussions. Thank you very much.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:00:28]:

Thank you.

And I see the Russian Federation. The floor is yours.


Russian Federation [1:00:34]:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We're grateful for the presentation of the roadmap seeking to develop a program to gradually decrease interactive dialogues. And we commend the efforts of all parties in preparing this and the constructive participation in its further development. In this regard, we would like to thank the Bureau of the current session for the decision to postpone this consideration of this draft and to hear the preliminary comments of States, including in informal negotiations in a resumed session of the UNGA. It's possible that we might need more than one meeting in order to exchange views. At this stage, we would like to share the following observations, which are of a general nature. First, the overburdening of the Third Committee's agenda is clear, with the HRC rapporteurs and other presenters. That's one of the main reasons for the current situation. However, when considering the question of possibly cutting down these interactive dialogues, we think it's necessary to weigh a comprehensive approach which would move beyond a mere quantitative assessment. And secondly, during the work on the roadmap, we need to be cautious about wording the provisions that have to do with the functioning of the UN Human Rights Council. Nothing in the document should give any grounds for revising its status as a subsidiary body of the General Assembly. We reiterate Russia's intent to continue working on the document based on the draft submitted. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:02:37]:

Thank you.

As we, colleagues, as we reach out to all of you to explain about this process, I just wanted to reiterate that there is no mandate for the adoption of an outcome. The informal meeting that I mentioned is basically to discuss working methods and the way forward. It is not to agree on any single outcome unless this mandate in the future. So We'll make sure that we reach out to all of you prior, once again, prior to the informal meeting to make sure that we are all on the same page. And I look forward to hearing more input, viewpoints from all delegations when it comes to the informal meeting at the resumed session. But thank you so much for your preliminary comments on the roadmap. Any further requests for the floor? I see none. So let's turn to the draft programme of work of the Third Committee for the 81st session. of the General Assembly which is before you in document AC.3.A0.L60. I would also like to draw the Committee's attention to conference room paper 2 which was circulated through the e-delegate portal and is available on the Committee website. The paper provides a detailed overview of the provisional timetable and is intended to serve as a basis for the draft program of work and timetable of the Committee to be prepared by the Bureau of the 79th session. I apologize, to be prepared by the Bureau of the 81st session. In light of the continued limitations that are expected to impact the meeting entitlements of the Committee at its first session next year, the current Bureau is recommending a programme of work that can be accommodated within the limited number of meetings available. at the same time allowing for delegations to inscribe, to speak in dedicated general discussions on an item or cluster of items pursuant to the traditional sequence prior to the 80th session. The recommended program would also allow those delegations who choose to deliver a single general debate statement in lieu of participating in individual general discussions of an item or cluster to do so. I would like to inform the committee that the draft program of work as contained in L60 contains no program budget implications. Is there any comments on the draft program of work at this point? I see Dr. Karia. The floor is yours.


Dr. Karia [1:06:58]:

Thank you, Chair.

If I may express a position that also relates to the previous point and as well as to this one, our delegation found this year's modalities and namely the aggregating of the general debate into one single block to be rather helpful and efficient. So we would like to thank you for it and the Bureau and would express support for maintaining that in the next session as well. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:07:28]:

Thank you.

I see no further requests for the floor. With that, may I take that the Committee wishes to approve the draft programme of work of the Third Committee for the 81st session of the General Assembly as contained in L/60? I hear no objection. The draft programme of work as contained in L/60 is adopted. Any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft programme of work? I see no requests. With that, the Committee has concluded its consideration of agenda item 121. Thank you very much. Now I invite the Committee to begin its consideration of agenda item 137, programme planning. Delegates, on 15 October, I convened an informal meeting of the Committee on programme planning. The informal meeting considered programme 13, international drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice; programme 14, gender equality and the empowerment of women; Program 20, Human Rights, and Program 21, International Protection, Durable Solutions and Assistance to Refugees of the proposed program budget for 2026. And in my letter addressed to the Chair of the Fifth Committee dated October 20th, I transmitted a summary of the informal meeting in order for the views expressed by the members of the committee to be taken into consideration by the Fifth Committee during its deliberations on programmes 13, 14, 20 and 21 of the proposed programme budget. Any delegation wish to make a statement under this item? I see no request. Thank you. With that, the committee has now concluded its consideration of agenda item 135. Well, finally, we have, therefore, completed our work for the main part of the 80th session of the General Assembly. Congratulations to all of you. Over the past seven weeks, the Committee held 52 plenary meetings and three informal meetings. The Committee heard 156 statements in the general debate. In addition, 26 delegations delivered a total of 48 general statements under any or all items, and 1,330 interventions were made in interactive dialogues. 55 resolutions and one decision were adopted. And finally, 578 statements were delivered in connection with draft proposals. So, job well done, colleagues. Thank you so much once again for your support. And now, dear colleagues, friends, so true, as chair of this session, I thank all of you. The Third Committee's daunting feat Little did I know what I would meet. This session, enlightening in every way. We broke some records. What can I say? Of my or two may have met its end. While family statements indeed extend. Yet through each challenge we face with flair, proving resilience with genuine care. Amidst the crisis of funds so tight, we finish our work with less meetings. That's right. Still traditions we proudly uphold, we close before Thanksgiving bold. My thanks to the Secretariat for attending our needs and Bureau members for their tireless deeds. But most of all to you, my peers, your efforts bring success to us each year. You make the Committee a place to grow. For all your work, my gratitude I show. To celebrate all that we have done, a luncheon will be hosted in appreciation. But not today. On December 3rd at the permanent mission of Thailand, at the permanent mission, join us with cheer and recognition. Thank you. Goodbye. Have some fun at least until the resume session. Thank you so much. Once again, it's a privilege for me to serve at this committee as chair. I am learning every day. I have learned a lot from you, and I look forward to learning more from you going forward. Thank you so much, the Secretariat. My fellow Bureau members, for all your support. Oh, I see the United Kingdom. The floor is yours.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:14:48]:

Chair, thank you for the floor one last time to grant the United Kingdom a final rhyme. In the 80th year since the UN's formation, it surely calls for a celebration. Now, a lot has changed since my last poem stunt, so there's something I need to disclose up front. I wrote this poem drinking a cup of tea. I promise I didn't use ChatGPT. Now the formalities are put to bay, I'll continue this poem in its familiar way. After eight weeks in these basement rooms, we've seen our fair share of dismay and gloom. On our quest to uphold human rights, there have been outbursts of fury and fights. We discuss the same contentious issues year after year. If only someone had a new idea. You may have heard it once or twice. We were graciously given some streamlining advice. Now, it's tradition for these poems to follow a theme, so indulge me, please, as I set the scene. There is a book about a girl named Alice who found herself in unusual palace. Down a rabbit hole she spun, confused, not having very much fun. A story we can all relate. It's much like using eDelegate. When Alice finally thought she'd escaped, the Queen of Hearts appeared and she realized her mistake. See, the Queen was not all that progressive, and in fact, she was a little aggressive. "Off with her head," she cried, "banished for eternity. I cannot support sexual orientation and gender identity." With consensus broken and stuck in a maze, Alice wouldn't find her way out for days. That recurring trauma feels rather familiar, something working methods is able to trigger. In the HRC text, this led to a spat. The drafters grinned like a Cheshire cat. But like the Queen, they met strong opposition. The super grulitas were on a mission. And now our story comes to a close. Statements given, resolutions passed, one more glance through the looking glass. So laugh and leap and take your stand, for life's a dream in Third Committee Wonderland. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:17:26]:

That's a good one. I give the floor to Egypt.


Egypt [1:17:34]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And first of all, allow me, on behalf of our delegation and other colleagues, for sure, to thank you for your leadership throughout this year's session, and also thank our colleagues at the Secretariat. Honestly, this committee discusses everything around the world and literally everything, you know, but from social development to the rights of youth, to crime prevention, to advancement of women, you know, you name it, we debate it. And but I think there is one missing item that we don't discuss, you know, as much, which is or maybe at all, which is the right of the three C delegates. And Today, I think we can have a chance to correct this historical oversight. We are launching a group of friends to defend the rights of the 3C delegates, and particularly the right to eat before or during informals, the right to good coffee and essential beverages, and the right not to work over weekends, and the right not to have meetings online for group meetings the late night, and also not to have three informants at the same time, and the right to declare any controversial paragraph as purely technical update, even when everyone knows it's absolutely not, but anyways, you know, and the right to complain loudly about the program of work as well, and the right to survive long statements and meetings with discreet eye contact of desperation, Last but not least, the right to party. And also, with the spirit of leaving no one behind, we want to assure that Ziad would never be forced again to read the full listing of sponsors and co-sponsors. We can check that online, simply. But anyways, last but not least, we can announce today as the International Day of the Third Committee delegates. And based on the, just to let you know, on the principles of impartiality, non-selectivity, objectivity, and by the way, it's no coincidence at all that it marks my birthday and Linda's as well from Panama. So, thank you very much, Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:20:07]:

And it is so decided. Happy birthday to you and Linda. Give the floor to Kuwait.


Kuwait [1:20:17]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for all your efforts. Before I start, allow me to say happy birthday, Mohammed, and happy birthday, Linda. And with that, I'd like to give you how I felt during this committee. So in conference room one, where a dream comes alive, we gather again, caffeine to survive. Laptops open, badges worn thin, let the noble suffering of 3C begin. We debate every comma, delete or retain, as if punctuation could end global pain. SRH returns like a ghost in disguise, whispering national contacts and rolling its eyes. Someone says alignment, another says law, and suddenly consensus feels like a folklore. Then someone whispers, voices all sly, "Wait, does this have PBI?" The room goes still, hearts skip a beat, budget implications, retreat, retreat. Someone says MIFD, a chill fills the air, multiple and intersecting forms of despair. One delegate sighs, do we need this still? Another reply, against my will. Then comes OP17 BIST, our pride, our pain, the clause we swore we'd never amend again. Our resolution, debated, relived, refined, a saga of patience and peace of mind. A masterpiece forged, one clause at a time, Endless edits, reason, and rhyme. Convention or guideline? The floor erupts, The screen, right on cue, corrupt. Fabiana negotiates, Almaha charms, While I try to stay calm, folding my arms. Francesco mutters, "Flexibility again," All chasing consensus, beyond the mortal kin. Marwa sighs, "I can't join this one, I've got the safety of journalism to run." Then with a grin, both fierce and sly, adds, "But I'll defend your paragraph till I die." We reach the line on rare diseases families, unsure of their carers or caregivers formally. But every word holds a face, a plea, a parent's hope, a child's dignity. And though the language may twist and strain, it carries their courage through the refrain. The chair explains, "You've got 1:45," and suddenly everyone's typing to survive. Delegates scrabble, rewriting in fright. Each minor tweak sparks another fight. Statements grow sharp, tempers go thin, and balance unravels for the rest of the week again. Then the G77 rises strong, declaring, "This meeting won't take long. It's been five hours, we know what's wrong." Yet with poise and patience, faces aglow, they call three more sessions, On we go. At last we think the ordeal's done, but no, they smile, round two's begun. One delegate sighs, what's the time? Another reply, asking's a crime. We wrap at 10, a record, hooray. Only 12 new footnotes were added today. But by Monday we're back, same seat, same fate, staring at zero draft version eight. Yet through the fatigue, the madness, the spin, we laugh because we'll do it all again. At least before the dues are once more due, we'll have the Cuban party, music and crew. A night of salsa, joy and flair, where no one says "OP biz," none would dare. We dance, we laugh, we toast the floor, till someone cries, "No new OPs, I swore." And through it all, Ziad keeps his cool, while the room dissolves in procedural duel. So here's the three C, absurd yet profound, where chaos, camaraderie abound, where informal stretch till the light of dawn, and yet somehow the world still moves on. For in this chaos, both cruel and kind, there beats the heart of a humankind. Raise your placard, my tireless friends, you drafted, you argued, you saw it through the end. And when the lights dim, when the meetings adjourn, we'll toast to lessons we'll never learn. But don't relax, don't think it's true, because guess what? CSW, CRPD, a brand new zero draft awaits you. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:24:27]:

Thank you very much. I give the floor to Venezuela.


Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [1:24:37]:

Thank you, Chair. I'm going to read this statement in Spanish. to fulfill the resolution on multilingualism. I have always wanted to read a poem in the Third Committee, a ballad of passion and woe, and today is the day I will be so bold and join the tradition of my colleagues, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, and all of you. After weeks of deliberations, of preambular paragraphs, operative paragraphs, Rev 1s, Rev 2s, and texts that have proliferated and outpaced our own energy today, we can say that finally we have made it through, fortunately still alive. We have survived another session of long meetings, especially this week, and even longer resolutions, the kind that begin in October and finish whenever fate decides. All of this we have done while navigating this now familiar financial squeeze. when we were not quite sure whether we were still in session or still practicing budgetary survival. Of course, the microphone for its part did what it could, that was plenty. We also spent time looking at that clock marking time as a source of endless inspiration for years. Then this idea as though plucked out of the sky, came that there might be a simpler way, even a free app, to help us keep track of time without placing undue pressure on the budget. In the end, multilateral ingenuity did its part, and we are all still here counting the minutes as usual. And that's just as well, because otherwise we might still be on the first statement, almost as if it were a human right itself. I would like to acknowledge our beloved secretariat. They have survived written amendments, oral amendments, e-mail amendments, and even the amendments of the, I feel something is missing, but not quite sure what variety. I thank also the technical team who provided their daily magic whenever the sound system decided to take an unscheduled break. Chair, we thank you for your steady hand, for your guidance, for not walking out on us when we were all considering it. And now, Chair, all that remains is for you to one day invite us to Thailand. And we say this affectionately because we really need a break. We also must recognize that this was a profoundly democratic session. There was a vote on absolutely everything. There was even a moment when I thought that we might vote on whether or not we could take a break, but that's life in the Third Committee. rigorous right to the very last sigh. And now Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And we give thanks truly for the patience, for the cooperation, and this elusive collective spirit that allows us, even in the midst of the chaos of multilateralism, to find a way through. And finally, I must clarify something very important. This poem was prepared and translated, notes the interpreter, without the assistance of ChatGPT, DeepSeek or Gemini. So if anything sounds unusual, please blame me, says the speaker, evidently a sleep-deprived delegate, not artificial intelligence. Chair, distinguished delegates, thank you for your work, thank you for your patience and for your goodwill. In the end, beyond all of our positions, beyond all of our endless negotiations, we are all, in one way or another, friends of the Charter of the United Nations. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:28:44]:

Thank you very much. Chile, you have the floor.


Chile [1:28:48]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In 3C, we work hard through very long duration. debating long, long journey with endless dedication. And through it all, our dear representative from Thailand behind the chair, poor Kanok, always tortured, never left his chair, denying his biological self-determination. So now we also affirm a new right, officially this year, the right without negotiation for Kanok to finally take a bathroom break in full implementation.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:29:30]:

And I have Spain and Cuba. Spain.


Spain [1:29:36]:

Mr. Chair, allow me to greet you all for once as an exception in English, as we reach our last and final session. From rare diseases to water and sanitation, this season has been quite busy, and we all need some vacation. This year, we have voted far more than we wanted. but we agree to all resolutions as this family finds solutions. Let me wish for a future bright, respectful of human rights, and full of love and light. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:30:12]:

And lastly, Cuba, you have the floor.

Thank you very much.


Cuba [1:30:19]:

After eight never-ending weeks of hard work, it is a great honor for Cuba to introduce for the second time the draft resolution entitled "The Right to Party." This resolution is a debt paid to the TRC Bureau, delegates, secretariat, interpreters, editors, technical staff, and room officers, whose incredible effort commitment and dedication deserve to be duly considered today, negotiated and subsequently adopted. It pays also a very special tribute to our voting machine, whose tireless effort this year should not be ignored. This is a human right based resolution deeply anchored in the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights of which the right to party is an integral part. It is an effective enabler for multiple and intersecting form of fun for all 3C delegates in all their diversity. It was developed as a serious response to growing concern that the 3C workload could amount to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Mr. Chair, for spurious purposes, a few delegations during the negotiation of this resolution attempted to take advantage of the matter of war resolution and the UN initiative to request the Cuban party to be biennialized or even triennialized. Can you imagine, dear delegates? This proposal did not receive any support in the room. It is crystal clear that the 3C Cuban party has become a shared heritage and must continue to be held on an annual basis. Cuba, as a serious and constructive penholder, has agreed to table this time a resolution which is shorter, actionable, and forward-looking. which introduces no problematic language, does not intend to waste UN resources, and carefully avoid recycling any contentious or irrelevant issues year after year. Rather, this resolution promotes an essential collective and individual human rights. Despite not being linked to international peace and security, we hope that our initiative will enjoy broad regional support and could be adopted by consensus. The draft resolution reads as follows. The Third Committee, having successfully concluded its working session, deeply concerned by the continuing deterioration of the mental health of TCC delegates, appreciating the great luncheon to be held not today by the Chair, expressing congratulations to all member states which have successfully convened recreational events during the 3C session, decides to celebrate at least two more parties on the occasion of the end of the work of the Third Committee. To welcome the decision to celebrate the African Group Party on Friday, December 5th at the Nigerian House. To welcome also the decision to hold the 3C Cuban party on Friday, December the 12th at the Cuban mission. Urge delegates of the third committee to freely exercise their inalienable right to party without discrimination of any kind and invite them to attend both diplomatic event. Strongly encourage delegate to wear diverse colors, including but not limited to burgundy or other complementary colors such as gray and green. reiterate unequivocally that the 3C Cuban party continues to be the favorite event of 3C delegates, one of the well-established parties at the United Nations, and the best place to enjoy, but not limited to, the delicious Cuba's mojitos. Dear colleagues, by supporting this noble initiative, you will be critically contributing to the full promotion, protection, respect, and fulfill of the human right to party, as well as to the full achievement of the shared goal of leaving no delegate without fun. Thank you so much.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:35:00]:

And I trust that we have consensus on this. I have South Africa to be followed by the Russian Federation and the European Union. South Africa.


South Africa [1:35:11]:

Thank you, Chair. The Africa Group has made clear its intention to disengage from the exhaustive weeks of the committee session through the proper hosting of celebratory parties at the end of each committee. However, the Africa Group would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our view that we no longer need to recycle the same contentious issue on which party is better, with what we now understand to be irrelevant year after year. Third Committee parties should be awesome, of action, festive-making. Instead, party rivalry continues to include problematic debates that does nothing to advance the core mandate of the right to party, of maintaining international good vibes and awesomeness. The Africa Group has made clear that it replaces the enjoyment of a thoroughly good time and should not impinge on delegates partying as the best form of global cooperation, and we will endorse it as a matter of course. The delegates of the UN can no longer ignore the feel-good factors of its resources to significant or greater impact and we should allocate the purchasing of tickets for both parties to grow them beyond the joint joviality and exuberance that makes it impossible to ignore this right. Accordingly, the Africa Group has decided to not vote on this resolution and encourages all delegates to enjoy both parties. Mr. Chair and colleagues, we hope to party together in this year's and the following year's sessions of the Third Committee to make it worthwhile, memory-building and spectacular. We refer you to register for tickets for the African party, which will be circulated on the Mixed Drinks Group, as well as during lunch every day in the Vienna Cafe. We would also further contend that we no longer need to determine which is the better party and therefore thoroughly dissociate itself from the paragraph in the resolution claiming the Cuban party to be the better one. We know the truth. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:37:12]:

Thank you. And the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [1:37:18]:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe that the Russian Federation has not allowed any resolution to pass without speaking at its adoption, and I think it would be wrong to do that this time. We sincerely thank the delegation of Cuba for presenting the draft resolution, which, despite the levity of its form, hits on a fundamental basic aspect of our existence, the right to recreation, happiness, and human interaction. We commend the dedication of Cuba to strengthening intergovernmental ties, either in the conference room or on the dance floor. The Cuban party. Well, incidentally, just like the African one, has already become an integral part of the cultural legacy of the Third Committee, and it is unacceptable to us to even hint at possibly curtailing its frequency. Russia and Cuba are bound by longstanding ties of friendship, mutual respect, and solidarity. We are convinced that supporting this initiative is not only an act that acknowledges the merit of the organizers, but it also makes a contribution to preserving the mental health of delegates. especially in inhuman conditions of hours and hours of negotiations and official meetings. We urge all delegations to support the draft resolution and to adopt it not only by consensus, but by acclamation, in so doing showing our common dedication to upholding human rights, including, of course, the right to party. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:38:52]:

Thank you.

I give the floor to the European Union.


EU [1:38:57]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Sincere thanks to you, to Ziad, and to all of those who have made this six weeks possible. But there is one group that we have not yet thanked, and the ones who actually make it all possible for all of us. Because if you think that you've got it bad, at least you don't have to translate it into another language. So, if we could make a vote of thanks in the traditional fashion to the interpreters.

Thank you very much. And in the spirit of true multilingualism and cross-regional working, it's a great pleasure to celebrate the birthdays not only of these great United Nations, but also of Linda from Panama and Mohamed from Egypt. So in the language of your choice, may I invite everyone, if the Secretariat is ready with a camera?


Speaker 76 [1:40:30]:

To sing happy birthday to you happy birthday to you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:41:02]:

Thank you. And once again, I join colleagues around the room in expressing my thanks to all the interpreters who have worked tirelessly for the course of our meeting. Maybe a few extra hours free of charge in the resumed session. So thank you so much. The Philippines, the floor is yours.


Philippines [1:41:28]:

Thank you, Chair. First, the Philippines aligns with the positions of delegations that spoke before us. We also thank colleagues for supporting the resolution on violence against women migrant workers, so carefully steered by the Philippines and Indonesia, akin to detonating a time bomb. This is my first time in this committee, so please, please don't call a vote on this one. Thank you. In a room of 50-something draft texts and hundreds of paragraphs more, We debate from morning to night, then somehow add one or 20 more. The Philippines sits steady between Peru and Poland, internally screaming yet outwardly full of grace, protecting its national interests on the floor in a crowded, caffeinated space. We thank Thailand as chair and the ever-patient secretariat mates for guiding us through enough votes this session to practically elect a head of state. Consensus if possible, we say, let's keep all positions in mind, but someone moves a comma and negotiations unwind. Still we craft our proposals and interventions through sighs, revisions and tea, because shaping a fairer world is worth every delegation's plea. And when the chair says meeting adjourned, though votes were called, we smile, shake hands and promise Next year we return, slightly bruised, slightly spurned. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:43:06]:

And lastly, Panama. Linda, the floor is yours.


Panama · Linda [1:43:13]:

Thank you, Chair. In my right of reply, This is the last day of the Third Committee's session and my birthday. It's a real pleasure to be able to celebrate it together with all of you, my colleagues. Thank you all. I'm running out of languages, obligata. Thank you very, very much to all of you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:43:52]:

Colleagues, with that, I declare the work of the Third Committee for the main part of the 80th session of the General Assembly completed. Well done once again, and the meeting is adjourned. Thank you so much. Oh, sorry, I forgot.