Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child : resolution / adopted by the General Assembly

The General Assembly,

Recalling its 44/25 of 20 November 1989, by which it adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child,

Recalling also its resolutions 45/104 of 14 December 1990 and 45/217 of 21 December 1990, and Commission on Human Rights resolution 1990/74 of 7 March 1990, and taking note of Commission resolution 1991/52 of 6 March 1991,

Reaffirming that the rights of children require special protection and call for continuous improvement of the situation of children all over the world, as well as for their development and education in conditions of peace and security,

Profoundly concerned that the situation of children in many parts of the world remains critical as a result of inadequate social and economic conditions, natural disasters, armed conflicts, exploitation, illiteracy, hunger and disability, and convinced that urgent and effective national and international action is called for,

Mindful of the important role of the United Nations Children's Fund and of the United Nations in promoting the well-being of children and their development,

Convinced that the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as a standard- settin accomplishment of the United Nations in the field of human rights, makes a positive contribution to protecting the rights of children and ensuring their well-being,

Bearing in mind the successful conclusion of the World Summit for Children, held in New York on 29 and 30 September 1990, in particular the adoption of the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children, while emphasizing the need for implementation of the Plan of Action for Implementing the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children in the 1990s, and stressing the necessity to ensure follow-up to the Summit at the national and international levels,

Having considered the report of the Secretary-General on the status of the Convention,

Bearing in mind that the Committee on the Rights of the Child held its first session from 30 September to 18 October 1991,

Encouraged by the fact that an unprecedented number of States have to date become signatories and parties to the Convention, thereby demonstrating the widespread commitment that exists to strive for the promotion and protectionof the rights of the child,

1.         Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary- General on the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child;

2.         Recalls with deep satisfaction the entry into force of the Convention on 2 September 1990 as a major step in international efforts to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms;

3.         Expresses its satisfaction at the number of States that have signed, ratified or acceded to the Convention since it was opened for signature, ratification and accession on 26 January 1990;

4.         Calls upon all States that have not done so to sign, ratify or accede to the Convention as a matter of priority;

5.         Requests the Secretary-General to provide all facilities and assistance necessary for the dissemination of information on the Convention and its implementation, with a view to promoting further ratification of or accession to the Convention;

6.         Emphasizes the importance of the strictest compliance by States parties with their obligations under the Convention;

7.         Recognizes the important role of the Committee on the Rights of the Child in overseeing the effective implementation of the provisions of the Convention;

8.         Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the provision of appropriate staff and facilities so that the functions of the Committee may be carried out effectively;

9.         Supports the organization of the future work of the Committee on the basis of two sessions annually, each for a duration of two or three weeks, and the establishment of a pre-sessional working group for a preliminary review of reports from States parties;

10.       Decides to take appropriate action at its forty-seventh session on the recommendations of the Committee in its biennial report to be submitted to the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, pursuant to article 44, paragraph 5, of the Convention;

11.       Invites the Secretary-General to convene a brief meeting of the States parties to the Convention, preferably during the forty-seventh session, to determine the duration of the future meetings of the Committee, prior to the consideration of the question by the Assembly;

12.       Requests the Secretary-General to consider favourably the possibility of enabling a working group of the whole of the Committee to meet in 1992, as recommended by the Committee;

13.       Invites United Nations bodies and organizations, as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, to intensify their efforts with a view to disseminating information on and promoting understanding of the Convention;

14.       Requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General Assembly at its forty-seventh session a report on the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child;

15.       Decides to consider the report of the Secretary-General at its forty-seventh session under the item entitled "Human rights questions".