Strengthening of international co-operation in the field of human rights : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Recalling that the purposes of the United Nations include the achievement of international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Desirous of achieving further progress in international co-operation in the field of promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Considering that such international co-operation should be based on the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other relevant international instruments,

Deeply convinced that such co-operation should be based on a profound understanding of the economic, social and cultural realities and the variety of problems existing in different societies,

Emphasizing the necessity for the international community to continue its efforts to take practical measures to prevent mass and flagrant violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms affected by situations that jeopardize international peace and security, such as apartheid, all forms of racial discrimination, colonialism, foreign occupation and domination, aggression and threats against national sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, as well as the refusal to recognize the fundamental rights of peoples to self-determination,

1.         Calls upon all Member States to base their activities for the protection and promotion of human rights, including the development of further international co-operation in this field, on the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other relevant international instruments and to refrain from activities that are inconsistent with this international legal framework;

2.         Considers that such co-operation should make an effective and practical contribution to the urgent task of preventing mass and flagrant violations of human rights, to the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and to the strengthening of international peace and security;

3.         Emphasizes that co-operation in the field of human rights should be guided by justice and equality, with due respect for the dignity of all people without any discrimination;

4.         Notes the important place that the promotion and protection of human rights has secured on the international agenda and in relations between States;

5.         Invites all States to communicate to the Secretary-General their views on means and methods of strengthening international co-operation in the field of human rights;

6.         Decides to consider this question at its forty-second session under the item entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council".