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Posted on 30-4-2002
UNHCR
Goes With Pakistan Against Globalisation
April 24, 2002, Geneva, Switzerland. Source: The Pakistan Observer
The 58th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights on Monday
adopted a
Pakistan sponsored resolution on globalization and its impact
on the full
enjoyment of human rights. Addressing the 58th session of the
Commission on
Human Rights, Pakistan Ambassador Munir Akram termed Globalization
as "a
rising tide, which was supposed to lift all boat. However, todate,
it seems
to be lifting only expensive yachts, while leaving the `boat
people' to
drown in a whirlpool".
The resolution, supported by all developing countries members
of the
Commission calls for a framework to the process of globalization
based on
fundamental principles of equality, non-discrimination, participation,
accountability, international cooperation and respect for diversity.
Earlier, the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Mary Robinson
in her
report to the 58th session had also endorsed the need for "a
truly
non-discriminatory, participatory and transparent trading system
that
provides enabling environment for the enjoyment of all human
rights". The
report was presented in response to a similar resolution of
last year,
which was also steered by Pakistan. The High Commissioner’s
report
describes in detail the negative impact of WTO’s Agreement on
Agriculture
on the development prospects of the developing countries and
the formidable
barriers erected by the developing countries on exports of agriculture
and
agricultural products from the developing countries.
Ambassador Akram concluded that establishment of a "just international
economic and social order" can only be possible, if it is guided
by the
human rights norms, in particular the right to development.
He asked the
Commission and its members, "both beneficiaries and victims"
of
Globalization to support this vision.
Pakistan had been steering this resolution at the sessions of
the
Commission on Human Rights on behalf of a group of like-minded
countries
comprising Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Cuba, Egypt,
Iran, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Vietnam.
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