Assistance to States in strengthening the rule of law.

Assistance to States in strengthening the rule of law

Commission on Human Rights resolution 1995/54

The Commission on Human Rights, Recalling that, by adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Firmly convinced that, as stressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the rule of law is an essential factor in the protection of human rights, Convinced also that, through their own national legal and judicial systems, States must provide appropriate civil, criminal and administrative remedies for violations of human rights, Recognizing the importance of the role that can be played by the Centre for Human Rights of the Secretariat in supporting national efforts to strengthen the institutions of the rule of law, Recalling the recommendation of the World Conference on Human Rights that a comprehensive programme be established within the United Nations and under the coordination of the Centre for Human Rights with a view to helping States in the task of building and strengthening adequate national structures which have a direct impact on the overall observance of human rights and the maintenance of the rule of law, Recalling also its resolution 1994/50 of 4 March 1994 and General Assembly resolution 49/194 of 23 December 1994,

1. Notes with satisfaction the report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly (A/49/512) submitted in conformity with General Assembly resolution 48/132 of 20 December 1993;

2. Takes note with interest of the proposals contained therein for strengthening the programme of advisory services and technical assistance of the Centre for Human Rights of the Secretariat in order to comply fully with the recommendations of the World Conference on Human Rights concerning assistance to States in strengthening their institutions in the rule of law;

3. Praises the efforts made by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Centre for Human Rights to accomplish their ever-increasing tasks with the limited financial and personnel resources at their disposal;

4. Expresses its deep concern at the scarcity of means at the disposal of the Centre for Human Rights for the fulfilment of its tasks;

5. Notes that the programme of advisory services and technical assistance does not have assistance funds sufficient to provide any substantial financial assistance to national projects that have a direct impact on the realization of human rights and the maintenance of the rule of law in countries that are committed to those ends, but which face economic hardship;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to explore the possibilities of obtaining from all relevant institutions of the United Nations system, including financial institutions, acting within their mandates, technical and financial means to strengthen the capacity of the Centre for Human Rights to provide assistance to national projects aiming at the realization of human rights and the maintenance of the rule of law, and to submit a report on the matter to the General Assembly at its fiftieth session.

53rd meeting, 3 March 1995 [Adopted without a vote]