UNITED NATIONS: A committee of the UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a Pakistan-sponsored resolution reaffirming that the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination was a fundamental condition for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights.

The resolution co-sponsored by a record number of 70 countries, also declared the 193-member body's firm opposition to acts of foreign military intervention, aggression and occupation, since these have resulted in the suppression of the right of peoples to self-determination and other human rights in certain parts of the world.

The text was approved by consensus in the Assembly's Third Committee, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural issues.

Diplomatic observers said the resolution, which Pakistan has been tabling since 1981, serves to focus the world's attention on struggle by peoples for their inalienable right to self-determination, including those in Kashmir and Palestine.

The resolution also called on those States responsible to cease immediately their military intervention in and occupation of foreign countries and territories, as well as all acts of repression, discrimination, exploitation and maltreatment.

By further terms, the Assembly deplored the plight of millions of refugees and displaced persons who have been uprooted as a result of these acts and reaffirms their right to return to their homes voluntarily in safety and honour.

It also requested the Human Rights Council to give special attention to the violation of human rights, especially the right to self-determination, resulting from foreign military intervention, aggression or occupation.

It also requests the Secretary-General to report to the next Session of the General Assembly on this question.

Introducing the draft, Raza Bashir Tarar, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan, highlighted the importance of this rights that enjoys primacy in international law as well as is the cornerstone of the UN Charter and two international Covenants.

He also thanked the growing number of co-sponsors that reflected the continuing importance this fundamental right enjoys among the comity of nations.