UN General Assembly
1996

resources. A larger part of the United Nations budget should be devoted to human rights. This, in turn, will enhance the moral authority of the Organization in the eyes of the multitudes who are still deprived of their human rights today. Letting the programme wither away will produce the opposite effect. The General Assembly, being the only plenary organ of the United Nations, is the most conspicuous. Credibility and authority are very much tied to the Assembly’s performance. Sadly, this body sees many of 18 its resolutions ignored. We should vigorously seek to infuse new vitality into the Assembly’s proceedings and in the relevance of its achievements. Two weeks ago, the Assembly effectively lived up to its responsibility by adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty by an overwhelming majority. The adoption of the Treaty by this world body lends authority to the new norm outlawing nuclear testing. My country feels privileged that it was called upon to preside over the negotiations. Adoption of the Treaty contributes to the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons, a goal to which