Status of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

31. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE*
86. Status of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The General Assembly, Having noted the report of the Secretary-General on the status of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,[1] Recalling its resolutions 2200 A (XXI) of 16 December 1966 and 3270 (XXIX) of 10 December 1974, and in particular its belief that the entry into force of the International Covenants on Human Rights will undoubtedly enhance the ability of the United Nations to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and thus contribute greatly to the co-operation of States in the attainment of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Bearing in mind the important responsibilities of the Economic and Social Council in the implementation of the international Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Recognizing the important role of the Human Rights Committee in the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Convinced that the International Covenants on Human Rights constitute the first all-embracing and legally binding international treaty in the field of human rights, Expressing its appreciation to those States which have become parties to the above instruments,

1. Welcomes with deep satisfaction the entry into force of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as a major step in the international efforts to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms;

2. Recognizes that such resources as may be necessary should be allocated to enable the Secretary-General to provide the appropriate staff and facilities for the effective performance of the functions of the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol thereto,

3. Recognizes that appropriate arrangements should be made to enable the Human Rights Committee to hold sessions at such intervals and of such duration as may be necessary for it to carry out in an efficient manner the functions entrusted to it under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol thereto;

4. Endorses the appeal to States made by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 1988 (LX) of 11 May 1976 that they include in their delegations to the sessions of the Council at which reports of States parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights are examined experts competent in the subject-matter of the relevant reports;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its thirty-second session a report on the status of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional, Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

6. Invites once again all States to become parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol thereto.

97th plenary meeting
13 December 1976

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[1] A/31/202.