UNGA/C-6: UNGA,S SIXTH (LEGAL) COMMITTEE DISCUSSES

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001092 C O R R E C T E D COPY (TAGE ADDED) SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNGA SUBJECT: UNGA/C-6: UNGA,S SIXTH (LEGAL) COMMITTEE DISCUSSES THE NATIONALITY OF PERSONS ¶1. The 63rd UNGA's Sixth Committee held its general debate on agenda item 72, "Nationality of Natural Persons in Relation to the Succession of States," on October 21. Countries affirmed nationality as a fundamental human right and the key to legal protection. Delegations emphasized that this right must be respected in the case of succession of States. HOW TO ENSURE THE RIGHT TO NATIONALITY -------------- ¶2. Iran, Austria and Venezuela called for elaborating a convention after the adoption of the draft articles. Kenya (on behalf of the Africa Group),Algeria, Russia, Venezuela, and India supported adoption of the draft articles. Slovenia called for a non-binding document in order to allow states full flexibility. In contrast, Qatar argued that nationality is a legal relationship between the individual and the State, therefore, it is a matter best left to States. Delegations agreed that actions to protect the right to nationality must correspond to international law. (Comment. In the view of the United States the need for a legal instrument on this issue has not been demonstrated. While the general concept is important, certain of the draft articles raise concerns for the United States. End Comment.) LIST OF SPEAKERS -------------- ¶3. The following delegations gave interventions: Kenya (on behalf of the Africa Group),Algeria, Austria, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Iran, Lesotho, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, and Venezuela. Khalilzad