Human rights and scientific and technological progress : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

  • Author: UN General Assembly (46th sess. : 1991-1992)
  • Document source:
  • Date:
    17 December 1991

The General Assembly,

Noting that scientific and technological progress is one of the decisive factors in the development of human society,

Bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Declaration on Social Progress and Development,

Recalling the relevant provisions of the Declaration on the Use of Scientific and Technological Progress in the Interests of Peace and for the Benefit of Mankind,

Reaffirming the need to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and the dignity of the human person in the conditions of scientific and technological progress,

Bearing in mind that the main and decisive factor in the acceleration of the social and economic development of society is the development of the human being,

Conscious that modern science and technology give the possibility to create material conditions for the prosperity of society and for the thorough development of the human person,

Being convinced that today the resources of mankind and the activities of scientists should be used for the peaceful social, economic and cultural development of all countries, raising the standard of living of all peoples and for better assurance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Recognizing the need to broaden the access of developing countries to the achievements of scientific and technological progress,

Recognizing also the important contribution of science and technology to the economic and social progress of mankind,

Aware that the exchange of scientific and technological knowledge is one of the important ways to accelerate the social and economic development of all countries, especially of developing countries,

1.         Underlines the importance of the implementation by all States of the provisions and principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights and the relevant provisions of the Declaration on the Use of Scientific and Technological Progress in the Interests of Peace and for the Benefit of Mankind for the promotion of the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms;

2.         Calls upon all Member States to ensure that the achievements of scientific and technological progress and the intellectual potential of mankind are used for promoting and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;

3.         Also calls upon Member States to take the necessary measures to ensure that the results of science and technology are used only for the benefit of the human being and do not lead to the disturbance of the ecological environment;

4.         Emphasizes that scientific knowledge and technology in health, education, housing and other social spheres should be readily available to the population as the heritage of humanity;

5.         Requests the specialized agencies and other United Nations bodies to take into consideration the relevant provisions of the international instruments listed above in their programmes and activities;

6.         Decides to consider the question of human rights and scientific and technological progress at its forty-eighth session under the item entitled "Human rights questions".

Disclaimer:

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.