A/HRC/33/59
72.
The representative of El Sindicato de Obreros del Campo de Andalucía (LVC
member in Spain) stated that precariousness in the countryside was the result of an unfair
distribution of resources and the inadequacy of the European Union Common Agricultural
Policy. The representative expressed support for the declaration, which fully recognized the
role of women and was based on article 14 of the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women and general recommendation No. 34 of the
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
73.
The representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expressed full support
for the formulation of article 6 and expressed support for the suggestion by the
representative of the Russian Federation about a reference to national legislation in
article 7.
74.
The representative of the United Kingdom expressed full support for all comments
made on behalf of the European Union. Speaking in a national capacity, the representative
reiterated the long-standing position of the United Kingdom that, with the exception of the
right to self-determination, it did not accept the concept of collective human rights in
international law. The representative expressed the view that universality was central, and
that the rights of groups could not supersede the rights of individuals within the group.
75.
The representative of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel,
Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers Association suggested that article 7
could easily be expanded to include references to human trafficking. The representative
expressed support for article 11, especially its paragraphs 1 and 3. In response to concerns
about the text granting rights to specific groups, the representative stated that, in many
countries, rural workers did not enjoy the same protection under labour laws as that enjoyed
by other workers.
76.
The representative of Ecuador stated, in connection with food sovereignty, that
many countries had included that principle in national legislation and their constitutions.
Regarding article 6, the representative did not see the need for a distinction between
substantive rights and other rights. In response to the representative of the European Union,
the representative of Ecuador stated that article 9 (1), on the right to choose the place of
residence, took into account immigration laws. On the issue of collective rights, the
representative added that some groups, such as human rights defenders, were looking for
specific protection, which did not mean that human rights were not universal.
77.
The representative of the United States, speaking on the issue of collective rights,
suggested the inclusion of a paragraph stating that peasants, along with all human beings,
were guaranteed all human rights. The representative requested clarification on article 7 (4)
and in particular on the meaning and context of depriving peasants of their integrity, of
forced sedentarization and of forced assimilation. Article 7 (4) (e) could run counter to
freedom of expression. Article 9 raised the issue of agreed labour programmes between
States. Article 10 raised the issue of whether peasants could only express their views in line
with their traditions and culture. The representative stated that freedom of expression was
not a collective right and that reference should be made to the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights. Regarding article 11, more clarification was needed on the issue
of participating in peaceful activities, the creation of cooperatives, and the type of support
to be provided to peasant organizations. Regarding article 12, the representative stated that
there was no right to participate, and demanded a reference to existing political rights.
78.
The representative of Cuba acknowledged the right of association and expression in
articles 10 and 11 but stressed that some constraints need to be taken into account in line
with national laws.
79.
The representative of the Zimbabwe Organic Smallholder Farmers Forum (LVC
member) stressed the importance of rural women’s rights.
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