Fundamental standards of humanity.

The Commission on Human Rights,

Gravely concerned at the large number of situations where internal violence causes extensive suffering and undermines the protection of human rights, Conscious of the desirability of continuing to study the principles governing the behaviour of all persons, groups and public authorities,

Emphasizing, in this regard, the need to identify and implement measures to prevent violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular violations of the right to life and integrity of the individual, Recalling its resolution 1998/29 of 17 April 1998,

1. Recognizes the desirability of identifying fundamental standards of humanity applicable in all situations in a manner consistent with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations;

2. Also recognizes in this regard the vital importance of the existence in each country of appropriate national legislation for dealing with such situations in a manner consistent with the rule of law;

3. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on fundamental standards of humanity (E/CN.4/1999/92) and invites Governments, United Nations bodies, the human rights treaty bodies, mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights and intergovernmental organizations, as well as regional organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations, to provide comments on this report and on the previous analytical report of the Secretary-General (E/CN.4/1998/87 and Add.1);

4. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to study and consult on this issue and to submit a report, entitled "Fundamental standards of humanity", to the Commission at its fifty-sixth session, taking into account comments received and relevant new developments.

58^th meeting
28 April 1999

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. XVII.]