Promotion of international co-operation in the humanitarian field : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 42/121 of 7 December 1987,

Noting that one of the purposes of the United Nations, set forth in its Charter, is to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of a humanitarian character,

Recalling the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaims, inter alia, that recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Guided by universally accepted human values and common aspiration for a better, more just, safe and humane world,

Noting that international co-operation in the humanitarian field could contribute to attaining the ideals of a new international humanitarian order,

Mindful of the significance of the existing workable system to promote, facilitate and co-ordinate humanitarian activities carried out by Governments, the United Nations system and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations,

Taking note with satisfaction of the report of the Independent Commission on International Humanitarian Issues and the efforts of the Independent Bureau for Humanitarian Issues to promote public awareness of humanitarian problems and to identify alternative approaches for resolving humanitarian problems,

1.         Calls upon Governments, the United Nations system and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations further to develop international co-operation in the humanitarian field;

2.         Reiterates that international co-operation in the humanitarian field will facilitate better understanding, mutual respect, confidence and tolerance among countries and peoples, thus contributing to a more just and non-violent world;

3.         Invites Governments to promote, within existing mechanisms, regular exchanges of information and of national experience in addressing humanitarian problems;

4.         Encourages the international community to contribute substantially and regularly to international humanitarian activities;

5.         Invites all non-governmental organizations concerned with the humanitarian issues examined by the Independent Commission on International Humanitarian Issues and working with strictly humanitarian motives to bear in mind the recommendations and suggestions made in the report of the Independent Commission in the context of their policies and actions in the field;

6.         Invites Governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to forward to the Secretary-General, on a voluntary basis, their comments concerning further development of international co-operation in the humanitarian field;

7.         Requests the Secretary-General to continue his contacts with Governments, agencies and programmes of the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations concerned, as well as with the Independent Bureau for Humanitarian Issues and, taking into account information received, to submit to the General Assembly at its forty-fifth session a report on possible ways and means of strengthening international co-operation in the humanitarian field.