Dissemination of information on human rights.

1987/59. Dissemination of information on human rights

The Commission on Human Rights, Conscious that it is a purpose of the United Nations and the duty of all Member States to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion, Conscious also that it is the purpose of the United Nations to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace, Recalling article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Reaffirming that information activities for the promotion and protection of human rights should contribute to strengthening peace and understanding at national and international levels and to enabling all persons to participate effectively in civil, political, economic, social and cultural life, Desirous of achieving further progress in international co-operation in the field of promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, Noting with satisfaction the important place that the promotion and protection of human rights has secured on the international agenda and in relations between States, Appealing to Member States to fulfil in good faith obligations assumed by them in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, including activities in relation to dissemination of information on human rights which should be undertaken in the light of the goals of the Charter of the United Nations of achieving international co-operation in solving international problems and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,

1. Emphasizes that dissemination of information in the field of human rights should be pursued in good faith and should contribute to the in different societies and improve awareness of differing economic, social and cultural realities;

2. Expresses its conviction that communications media and non-governmental organizations can play an important role in enhancing promotion and protection of human rights and contribute to better mutual understanding, confidence and respect;

3. Calls upon all Member States to base their activities for the promotion and protection of human rights, including the development of further international co-operation in regard to the dissemination of information, on the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other relevant international instruments, and to refrain from activities that are inconsistent with this international legal framework;

4. Appeals to all States to ensure respect and support for the right of all persons to exercise the right to freedom of opinion and expression;

5. Invites the mass media to give more publicity and attention to the work of the Commission on Human Rights and other United Nations bodies dealing with human rights.

56th meeting
11 March 1987
[Adopted by a roll-call vote of 41 to none, with
1 abstention. See chap.XI.]