Question of methods of fact-finding

XXII. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE SIXTH COMMITTEE
2329. Question of methods of fact-finding

The General Assembly, Recalling its resolutions 1967 (XVIII) of 16 December 1963, 2104 (XX) of 20 December 1965 and 2182 (XXI) of 12 December 1966 on the question of methods of fact-finding, Noting the comments submitted by Member States pursuant to the above-mentioned resolutions, and the views expressed in the United Nations, Noting with appreciation the two reports submitted by the Secretary-General[1] in pursuance of the above-mentioned resolutions, Recognizing the usefulness of impartial fact-finding as a means towards the settlement of disputes, Believing that an important contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes and to the prevention of disputes could be made by providing for impartial fact-finding within the framework of international organizations and in bilateral and multilateral conventions or through other appropriate arrangements, Affirming that the possibility of recourse to impartial methods of fact-finding is without prejudice to the right of States to seek other peaceful means of settlement of their own choice, Reaffirming the importance of impartial fact-finding, in appropriate cases, for the settlement and the prevention of disputes, Recalling the possibility of the continued use of existing facilities for fact-finding,

1. Urges Member States to make more effective use of the existing methods of fact-finding;

2. Invites Member States to take into consideration, in choosing means for the peaceful settlement of disputes, the possibility of entrusting the ascertainment of facts, whenever it appears appropriate, to competent international organizations and bodies established by agreement between the parties concerned, in conformity with the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations or other relevant agreements;

3. Draws special attention to the possibility of recourse by States in particular cases, where appropriate, to procedures for the ascertainment of facts, in accordance with Article 33 of the Charter;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to prepare a register of experts in legal and other fields, whose services the States parties to a dispute may use by agreement for fact-finding in relation to the dispute, and requests Member States to nominate up to five of their nationals to be included in such a register.

1637th plenary meeting,
18 December 1967.

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[1] Official Records of the General Assembly, Twentieth Session, Annexes, agenda items 90 and 94, document A/5694; ibid., Twenty-first Session, Annexes, agenda item 87, document A/6228.