Question of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world, with particular reference to colonial and other dependent countries and territories : situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Poland.

1982/26. Question of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world, with particular reference to colonial and other dependent countries and territories: situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Poland[1]94

The Commission on Human Rights, Recalling the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,[2]95 Conscious of its responsibility to promote and guarantee the maintenance of those principles and to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, Reiterating that all Member States have an obligation to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to carry out the obligations they have undertaken under the various international instruments in the field of human rights, Determined to remain vigilant with regard to violations of human rights wherever they occur, Aware of the fact that recent events in Poland have given rise to considerable humanitarian problems,

1. Expresses deep concern at the continued reports of widespread violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Poland, including the arbitrary arrest and detention of thousands of persons, denial of the right to freedom of expression and the right of peaceful assembly, suspension of the right to form and join independent trade unions, and at the imposition of severe punishment on persons accused of violating martial law;

2. Affirms the right of the Polish people to pursue its political, economic, social and cultural development, free from outside interference;

3. Notes that the Polish Authorities have stated their intention to terminate the restrictive measures imposed on the exercise of human rights, and fundamental freedoms;

4. Expresses the hope that this stated intention will be realized in the very near future, particularly in relation to the release of all persons detained without charge, the review of severe prison sentences imposed in the context of the state of martial law in Poland, and the lifting of restrictions on the free flow of information;

5. Emphasizes the importance of the activities of the international and national humanitarian organizations operating in Poland;

6. Decides to request the Secretary-General or a person designated by him to undertake a thorough study of the human rights situation in Poland, based on such information as he may deem relevant, including comments and materials the Government of Poland may wish to provide, and to present a comprehensive report to the Commission at its thirty-ninth session,

7. Requests the Government of Poland to extend its co-operation to the Secretary-General or the person designated by him;

8. Decides further to maintain the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Poland under review as a matter of priority at its thirty-ninth session on the basis of the report of the Secretary-General or the person designated by him.

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[1]94 Adopted at the 58th meeting on 10 March 1982, by a roll-call vote of 19 to 13, with 10 abstentions. See chap. X. [2]95 General Assembly resolution 217 A (III).