Strict observance of the prohibition of the threat or use of force in international relations, and of the right of peoples to self-determination

XXI. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED WITHOUT REFERENCE TO A MAIN COMMITTEE
2160. Strict observance of the prohibition of the threat or use of force in international relations, and of the right of peoples to self-determination

The General Assembly,

I

Drawing the attention of States to the fundamental obligations incumbent upon them in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations and to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, Deeply concerned at the existence of dangerous situations in the world constituting a direct threat to universal peace and security, due to the arbitrary use of force in international relations, Reaffirming the right of peoples under colonial rule to exercise their right to self-determination and independence and the right of every nation, large or small, to choose freely and without any external interference its political, social and economic system, Recognizing that peoples subjected to colonial oppression are entitled to seek and receive all support in their struggle which is in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter, Firmly convinced that it is within the power and in the vital interest of the nations of the world to establish genuinely sound relations between States, based on justice, equality, mutual understanding and co-operation, Recalling the declarations contained in its resolutions 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 and 2131 (XX) of 21 December 1965,

1. Reaffirms that:

(a) States shall strictly observe, in their international relations, the prohibition of the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. Accordingly, armed attack by one State against another or the use of force in any other form contrary to the Charter of the United Nations constitutes a violation of international law giving rise to international responsibility;

(b) Any forcible action, direct or indirect, which deprives peoples under foreign domination of their right to self-determination and freedom and independence and of their right to determine freely their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development constitutes a violation of the Charter of the United Nations. Accordingly, the use of force to deprive peoples of their national identity, as prohibited by the Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention in the Domestic Affairs of States and the Protection of Their Independence and Sovereignty contained in General Assembly resolution 2131 (XX), constitutes a violation of their inalienable rights and of the principle of non-intervention;

2. Urgently appeals to States:

(a) To renounce and to refrain from any action contrary to the above-stated fundamental principles and to assure that their activities in international relations are in full harmony with the interests of international peace and security;

(b) To exert every effort and to undertake all necessary measures with a view to facilitating the exercise of the right of self-determination of peoples under colonial rule, lessening international tension, strengthening peace and promoting friendly relations and co-operation among States;

3. Reminds all Members of their duty to give their fullest support to the endeavours of the United Nations to ensure respect for and the observance of the principles enshrined in the Charter and to assist the Organization in discharging its responsibilities as assigned to it by the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security;

II

Considering that the above principles, together with the other five principles of friendly relations and cooperation among States, have been the object of a study with a view to their progressive development and codification[1] on the basis of General Assembly resolutions 1815 (XVII) of 18 December 1962, 1966 (XVIII) of 16 December 1963 and 2103 (XX) of 20 December 1965, Requests the Secretary-General to include the present resolution and the records of the debate on the item entitled "Strict observance of the prohibition of the threat or use of force in international relations, and of the right of peoples to self-determination" in the documentation to be considered in the further study of the principles of international law concerning friendly relations and co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, with a view to the early adoption of a declaration containing an enunciation of these principles. 1482nd plenary meeting,
30 November 1966.


[1] Official Records of the General Assembly, Twenty-first Session, Annexes, agenda item 87, document A/6230.
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