Statement by the Representative of Indonesia, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, on agenda item 51, Elimination of Coercive Measures as a Means of Political and Economic Compulsion, before the Plenary of the 53rd session of the United Nations General Assembly

New York, 26 October 1998

Mr. President,

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I would like to make a few brief and general comments on this important draft resolution.

In this era of globalization and liberalization, the practice of imposing unilateral coercive measures of an extraterritorial nature have accrued additional serious dimensions and their impact can have devastating consequences for the affected countries. such practices run counter to the imperatives of international cooperation for development and to the spirit of partnership being fostered in the increasingly interdependent world. Moreover, the imposition of such measures by one country on another countervenes international law and is totally incompatible, not only with international rules and regulations, but also with the principles of equal sovereignty, non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign States.

As a result, Mr. President, such coercive actions prevent the affected countries from having equal and non-discriminatory rights in pursuing their development and from freely expanding their international trade. In fact, resolution 1994/47 of the Human Rights Commission states that such measures unilaterally implemented against developing countries hinder the full realization of all rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly the right of people to a minimum standard of living and development. In addition, in his subsequent report, E.Cn.4.1995.43, responding to this resolution, the Secretary-General, stated that the application of such measures are incompatible with the principle of international cooperation, has a negative impact on the economies of the developing countries suffering these measures and constitutes a serious violation of human rights of the affected individuals, groups and peoples.

For these purposes, the international community should vigorously strive to bring pressure to bear upon the offending countries to refrain from such activities. And, the international community should also seek to promote the right to development for all counties in conformity with the principles and spirit of the United Nations and its Charter.

Thank you.