Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Having considered the report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country,

Recalling Article 105 of the Charter of the United Nations, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the Agreement between the United Nations and the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations,

Recalling also that the problems related to the privileges and immunities of all missions accredited to the United Nations, the security of the missions and the safety of their personnel are of great importance and concern to Member States, as well as the primary responsibility of the host country,

Recognizing that effective measures should continue to be taken by the competent authorities of the host country, in particular to prevent any acts violating the security of missions and the safety of their personnel,

Conscious of the increased interest shown by Member States in participating in the work of the Committee,

1.         Endorses the recommendations and conclusions of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country contained in paragraph 81 of its report;

2.         Reaffirms its condemnation of any criminal acts violating the security of missions accredited to the United Nations and the safety of their personnel;

3.         Urges the host country to take all necessary measures to continue to prevent criminal acts, including harassment and violations of the security of missions and the safety of their personnel or infringements of the inviolability of their property, in order to ensure the existence and functioning of all missions, including practicable measures to prohibit illegal activities of persons, groups and organizations that encourage, instigate, organize or engage in the perpetration of acts and activities against the security and safety of such missions and representatives;

4.         Reiterates its request to the parties concerned to follow consultations with a view to reaching solutions to the issues raised by certain Member States concerning the size of their missions, in accordance with the Agreement between the United Nations and the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations and in the spirit of co-operation;

5.         Urges the host country, in the light of the consideration by the Committee of travel regulations issued by the host country, to continue to honour its obligations to facilitate the functioning of the United Nations and the missions accredited to it;

6.         Stresses the importance of a positive perception of the work of the United Nations, expresses concern about a negative public image and, therefore, urges that efforts be continued to build up public awareness by explaining, through all available means, the importance of the role played by the United Nations and the missions accredited to it in the strengthening of international peace and security;

7.         Requests the Secretary-General to remain actively engaged in all aspects of the relations of the United Nations with the host country and to continue to stress the importance of effective measures to avoid acts of terrorism, violence and harassment against the missions and their personnel, as well as the need for any pertinent legislation adopted by the host country to be in accord with the Agreement and its other relevant obligations;

8.         Requests the Committee to continue its work, in conformity with General Assembly resolution 2819 (XXVI) of 15 December 1971;

9.         Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its forty-fourth session the item entitled "Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country".