A/RES/56/153
Affirming the importance of the objectivity, independence and discretion of the
special rapporteurs and representatives on thematic issues and on countries, as well
as of the members of the working groups, in carrying out their mandates,
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 selfdetermination 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 cooperation 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 promotion
and protection of human rights, including the development of further international
cooperation in this field, on the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights,1 the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights, 2 the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 2 and other
relevant international instruments, and to refrain from activities that are inconsistent
with that international framework;
4.
Considers that international cooperation in this field should make an
effective and practical contribution to the urgent task of preventing mass and
flagrant violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and to the
strengthening of international peace and security;
5.
Reaffirms that the promotion, protection and full realization of all human
rights and fundamental freedoms, as a legitimate concern 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.
Requests all human rights bodies within the United Nations system, as
well as the special rapporteurs and representatives, independent experts and working
groups, to take duly into account the contents of the present resolution in carrying
out their mandates;
7.
Expresses its conviction that an unbiased and fair approach to human
rights issues contributes to the promotion of international cooperation as well as to
the effective promotion, protection and realization of human rights and fundamental
freedoms;
8.
Stresses, in this context, the continuing need for impartial and objective
information on the political, economic and social situations and events of all
countries;
9.
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, and international human rights
instruments, the measures that they may deem appropriate to achieve further
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