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.

32. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE
66. 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, Convinced that the International Covenants on Human Rights[1] constitute the first all - embracing and legally binding international treaties in the field of human rights, Recalling its resolution 31/86 of 13 December 1976 and in particular the importance of the entry into force of the International Covenants on Human Rights as a major step in the international efforts to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, thereby contributing greatly to the co-operation of States in the attainment of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Recalling in this respect its resolutions 2200 A (XXI) of 16 December 1966 and 3270 (XXIX) of 10 December 1974, Noting with appreciation that following its appeal several Member States have acceded to the International Covenants on Human Rights, 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 Rigbts,[2] Bearing in mind the important responsibilities of the Economic and Social Council in relation to the international Covenants on Human Rights, Recognizing the important role of the Human Rights Committee in the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol thereto,

1. Recognizes the importance of the International Covenants on Human Rights as a major step in the international efforts to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms;

2. Notes with appreciation the report of the Human Rights Committee on its first and second sessions[3] and expresses satisfaction at the serious manner in which the Committee is undertaking its functions;

3. Expresses its appreciation to States parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which have extended their co-operation to the Human Rights Committee;

4. Invites again all States which have not yet done so to become parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as to consider the possibilities of acceding to the Optional Protocol thereto;

5. Appreciates that the Human Rights Committee strives for uniform standards in the implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and of the Optional Protocol thereto;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the Human Rights Committee informed of the activities of the Commission on Human Rights, the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination;

7. Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its thirty-third 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;

8. Recalls that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights envisages that the Secretary-General shall provide the necessary staff and facilities for the effective performance of the Human Rights Committee.

98th plenary meeting
8 December 1977

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[1] Resolution 2200 (XXI), annex. [2] A/32/188. [3] Official Records of the General Assembly, Thirty-second Session, Supplement No. 44 (A/32/44 and Corr.1).