Fifteenth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

XVII. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE
1775. Fifteenth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The General Assembly, Noting that 10 December 1963 will be the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption and proclamation by the General Assembly of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, Taking into account the fact that, since the adoption of the Declaration, definite progress has been achieved in the affirmation and development of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in the attainment of independence by a number of countries whose peoples had been under colonial rule, Hoping that all States will implement General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, so that the fifteenth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will witness a decisive step for-ward in the liberation of all peoples, Recognizing that, notwithstanding some progress, the situation regarding compliance with the recommendations made in the Declaration remains unsatisfactory in many parts of the world, Recalling its resolution 217 D (III) of 10 December 1948, recommending Governments of Member States to show their adherence to Article 56 of the Charter of the United Nations by using every means within their power solemnly to publicize the text of the Declaration, Bearing in mind its resolution 423 (V) of 4 December 1950, inviting all States and interested organizations to adopt 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day, Bearing in mind that the application of suitable measures to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration might further promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, as enunciated in the Declaration,

1. Requests the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Committee to prepare plans for the celebration of the fifteenth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including suggestions as to forms which the celebration might take and as to information materials which would be useful at the national and local levels, and to consult with the appropriate authorities of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and other specialized agencies concerned in the preparation of such plans, as well as with interested non-governmental organizations in consultative status;

2. Requests the Secretary-General to present these plans to the Commission on Human Rights at its nineteenth session.

1187th plenary meeting,
7 December 1962. In pursuance of the above resolution, the Secretary-General appointed the members of the Special Committee. The Committee is composed as follows: ARGENTINA, CANADA, CEYLON, COLOMBIA, COSTA RICA, ECUADOR, FRANCE, GREECE, GUINEA, IRAN, ITALY, JAPAN, JORDAN, MALI, MAURITANIA, SAUDI ARABIA, THAILAND, UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and URUGUAY.