Succession of States in respect of international human rights treaties

1993/23. Succession of States in respect of international human rights treaties

The Commission on Human Rights, Affirming that the consistent and effective implementation of international human rights instruments is of major importance to the strengthening of peace, international cooperation and promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights, Bearing in mind the considerable changes within the international community, connected with the dissolution of States and the emergence of successor States, Considering that as successor States they shall succeed to international human rights treaties to which the predecessor States have been parties and continue to bear responsibilities, Emphasizing the special importance of the observance of universal norms and standards on human rights for the maintenance of stability and the rule of law in any State, Noting that the confirmation of successor States to appropriate depositaries that they continue to fulfil international human rights treaty obligations of the predecessor State is important in facilitating full and effective cooperation between successor States and United Nations human rights bodies in the promotion of universal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

1. Encourages successor States to confirm to appropriate depositaries that they continue to be bound by obligations under relevant international human rights treaties;

2. Expresses its satisfaction that some successor States have already confirmed their succession to international human rights treaties to which the predecessor States were parties or have become parties to such treaties to which the predecessor States were not parties;

3. Urges successor States that have not yet done so to accede to or ratify those international human rights treaties to which the predecessor States were not parties;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to render advisory services with respect to succession or accession to international human rights treaties to successor States which are Members of the United Nations and to report to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session in regard to action taken under this agenda item;

5. Decides to continue the consideration of this question at its fiftieth session under the agenda item entitled "Status of the International Covenants on Human Rights".

57th meeting
5 March 1993
[Adopted without a vote. See chap. XVII.]