A/RES/53/31
Page 2
Recalling its resolution 49/30 of 7 December 1994 in which it recognized the importance of the
Managua Declaration4 and Plan of Action5 adopted by the Second International Conference of New or
Restored Democracies in July 1994, as well as its resolutions 50/133 of 20 December 1995, 51/31 of
6 December 1996 and 52/18 of 21 November 1997,
Recalling also the document entitled “Progress Review and Recommendations”, adopted by the Third
International Conference of New or Restored Democracies on Democracy and Development, held at
Bucharest from 2 to 4 September 1997,6 in which guidelines, principles and recommendations were
addressed to Governments, civil society, the private sector, donor countries and international community,
Noting in particular the recommendations contained in that document addressed to the United Nations
system and the international financial organizations,7
Taking note with satisfaction of the seminars, workshops and conferences on democratization and
good governance organized in 1998, as well as those currently being planned, under the auspices of the
International Conference of New or Restored Democracies,
Taking note of the views of Member States expressed in the debate on this question at its forty-ninth,
fiftieth, fifty-first, fifty-second and fifty-third sessions,
Bearing in mind that the activities of the United Nations carried out in support of the efforts of
Governments to promote and consolidate democracy are undertaken in accordance with the Charter and
only at the specific request of the Member States concerned,
Also bearing in mind that democracy, development and respect for all human rights and fundamental
freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing and that democracy is based on the freely expressed
will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and on their full
participation in all aspects of their lives,
Noting that a considerable number of societies have recently undertaken significant efforts to achieve
their social, political and economic goals through democratization and the reform of their economies,
pursuits that are deserving of the support and recognition of the international community,
Noting with satisfaction that the Fourth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies
will be held at Cotonou, Benin, in the year 2000,
Stressing the importance of support by Member States, the United Nations system, the specialized
agencies and other intergovernmental organizations for the holding of the Fourth International Conference
of New or Restored Democracies,
4
A/49/713, annex I.
5
Ibid., annex II.
6
A/52/334, appendix.
7
Ibid., sect. IV.
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