Use of scientific and technological developments for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

1988/59. Use of scientific and technological developments for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms

The Commission on Human Rights, Recalling its resolutions 1983/41 of 9 March 1983, 1984/27 of 12 March 1984 and 1986/9 of 10 March 1986, Recalling once again the relevant provisions of the Proclamation of Teheran and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights concerning human rights and scientific and technological developments, Convinced of the paramount importance of the application of science and technology to economic and social progress and to the promotion and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Recognizing the need to extend the benefits of science and technological developments to the developing countries, Noting that various useful studies have been undertaken by United Nations bodies in accordance with General Assembly resolution 2450 (XXIII) of 19 December 1968 and subsequent resolutions with respect to human rights issues arising from developments in science and technology, Recognizing that the effects of scientific and technological developments on human rights and fundamental freedoms have both beneficial and harmful aspects and therefore must be examined in their totality, Expressing its conviction that it would be useful to undertake a study on the most effective ways and means of using the results of scientific and technological developments for the promotion and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Taking into account the reports of the Secretary-General prepared in accordance with Commission resolutions 1983/41 and 1984/27 (E/CN.4/1984/33 and Add.1 and 2, E/CN.4/1986/27 and Corr.1 and Add.1),

1. Welcomes the preliminary report submitted by the United Nations University pursuant to Commission resolution 1986/9 (E/CN.4/1988/48), in particular the future research ideas described therein;

2. Invites the United Nations University, in co-operation with other interested academic and research institutions, to continue to study both the positive and the negative impact of scientific and technological developments on human rights and fundamental freedoms, and expresses the hope that the United Nations University will inform The Commission on Human Rights at its forty-sixth session of the results of its study on the question.

54th meeting
9 March 1988
[Adopted without a vote. See chap. XV.]