United Nations General Assembly A/RES/56/154 Distr.: General 13 February 2002 Fifty-sixth session Agenda item 119 (b) Resolution adopted by the General Assembly [on the report of the Third Committee (A/56/583/Add.2)] 56/154. Respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in electoral processes as an important element for the promotion and protection of human rights The General Assembly, Reaffirming the purpose of the United Nations to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and selfdetermination of peoples and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace, Recalling its resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, Recalling also its resolution 2625 (XXV) of 24 October 1970, by which it approved the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, Reaffirming the right to self-determination, by virtue of which all peoples can freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development, Recognizing that the principles enshrined in Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of any State, should be respected in the holding of elections, Recognizing also the richness and diversity of democratic political systems and models of free and fair electoral processes in the world, based on national and regional particularities and various backgrounds, Stressing the responsibility of States in ensuring ways and means to facilitate full and effective popular participation in their electoral processes, Recognizing the contribution made by the United Nations of electoral assistance provided to numerous States upon their request, Reaffirming the solemn commitment of all States to fulfil their obligations to promote universal respect for, and observance and protection of, all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all in accordance with the Charter, other instruments relating to human rights, and international law, 01 48694