Fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The General Assembly,

Considering that the year 1988 will mark the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which, conceived as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations and having provided the basis for the development of the International Covenants on Human Rights, has been and rightly continues to be a fundamental source of inspiration for national and international efforts for the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Recalling, in this respect, its resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948, by which it officially proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, its resolutions 36/169 of 16 December 1981 and 38/57 of 9 December 1983, relating to the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Declaration, as well as its resolution 41/150 of 4 December 1986, relating to the fortieth anniversary of the Declaration,

Convinced of the continuing need to promote the universal observance and enjoyment of human rights, which contribute to peaceful and friendly relations among nations,

Recalling that in its resolution 41/150 it decided to celebrate in 1988 the fortieth anniversary of the Declaration,

1.         Resolves that the celebration in 1988 of the fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights shall be used as an occasion to highlight the achievements of the United Nations in its efforts to promote and protect human rights universally, to renew the commitment of the Organization in this area and to encourage Member States to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights enshrined in the Declaration;

2.         Once again invites Member States, the specialized agencies, regional intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations to take appropriate measures, such as those set forth in the annex to resolution 41/150, and to support appropriate activities aimed at encouraging the promotion of the universal observance and enjoyment of civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights;

3.         Urges the Secretary-General to carry out the activities indicated in the annex to resolution 41/150 in order to assure the success of the activities commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Declaration;

4.         Reiterates its request to the Department of Public Information of the Secretariat to disseminate appropriate public information, broadcasting and audio-visual material designed to draw attention to, and emphasize the importance of, the Declaration and the role played and the work done by the United Nations to ensure the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms;

5.         Urges the United Nations Postal Administration to give special attention to the issuance of commemorative postage stamps on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the Declaration;

6.         Confirms its decision to include in the provisional agenda of its forty-third session the item entitled "Fortieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights";

7.         Further confirms its decision to devote one plenary meeting during its forty-third session to the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Declaration, which falls on 10 December 1988, and requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary preparations for the programme of that meeting;

8.         Encourages Governments in a position to do so to include in their delegations participating in the above-mentioned commemorative plenary meeting of the General Assembly persons from their respective countries who were associated with the drafting of the Declaration.