Strengthening of United Nations action in the human rights field through the promotion of international co-operation and the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Reaffirming its faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and its determination to promote social progress and better standards of living in greater freedom,

Bearing in mind that one of the purposes of the United Nations is to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace,

Bearing in mind equally that one of the purposes of the United Nations is to achieve 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 for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion,

Recalling that, in accordance with Article 55 of the Charter of the United Nations, the Organization shall promote universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, with a view to the creation of conditions of stability and well-being that are necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and that, in accordance with Article 56, all Members pledge themselves to take joint and separate action in co-operation with the Organization for the achievement of the purposes set forth in Article 55,

Reiterating that Member States should continue to act in the human rights field in conformity with the provisions of the Charter,

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

Considering that such international co-operation should be based on the principles embodied in international law, especially the Charter, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights and other relevant 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,

Recalling its resolutions 32/130 of 16 December 1977, 37/200 of 18 December 1982, 41/155 of 4 December 1986 and 43/155 of 8 December 1988,

Bearing in mind its resolutions 2131 (XX) of 21 December 1965, 2625 (XXV) of 24 October 1970 and 36/103 of 9 December 1981,

Aware of the fact that the promotion, protection and full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms as legitimate concerns of the world community should be guided by the principles of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity and should not be used for political ends,

Underlining the obligation that Governments have to promote and protect human rights and to carry out the responsibilities that they have undertaken under international law, especially the Charter, as well as various international instruments in the field of human rights,

1.         Reiterates that, by virtue of the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, all peoples have the right freely to determine, without external interference, their political status and to pursue their economic, social and cultural development, and that every State has the duty to respect that right within the provisions of the Charter, including respect for territorial integrity;

2.         Reaffirms that it is a purpose of the United Nations and the task of all Member States in co-operation with the Organization to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and to remain vigilant with regard to violations of human rights wherever they occur;

3.         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, 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;

4.         Considers that international co-operation in this field 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;

5.         Affirms that the promotion, protection and full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, as legitimate concerns of the world community, should be guided by the principles of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity and should not be used for political ends;

6.         Expresses its conviction that an unbiased and fair approach to human rights issues contributes to the promotion of international co-operation as well as to the effective promotion, protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms;

7.         Underlines, in this context, the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all countries;

8.         Invites Member States to consider adopting, as appropriate, within the framework of their respective legal systems and in accordance with their obligations under international law, especially the Charter, as well as international human rights instruments, the measures that they may deem appropriate to achieve further progress in international co-operation in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;

9.         Requests the Commission on Human Rights, at its forty-seventh session, to examine the content of the present resolution, including ways and means to strengthen United Nations action in this regard.