A/RES/49/211
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Mindful of the important role of the United Nations and of the United
Nations Children’s Fund in promoting the well-being of children and their
development,
Encouraged by the fact that an unprecedented number of States have to
date become signatories and parties to the Convention, thereby demonstrating
the widespread political commitment that exists to strive for the promotion
and protection of the rights of the child,
Convinced that the Convention, as a standard-setting 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,
Recalling the recommendation in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of
Action, 3/ adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights at Vienna in June
1993, that measures be taken to achieve by 1995 universal ratification of the
Convention, and the universal signing of the World Declaration on the
Survival, Protection and Development of Children 4/and Plan of Action for
Implementing the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development
of Children in the 1990s, 4/ adopted by the World Summit for Children in New
York in September 1990, as well as their effective implementation,
Seriously concerned about those reservations to the Convention that are
contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention or otherwise contrary to
international treaty law, and recalling that the Vienna Declaration and
Programme of Action urges States to withdraw such reservations,
Having considered the report of the Secretary-General of 20 September
1994 on the status of the Convention, 5/
1.
Takes note with appreciation of the report of the SecretaryGeneral 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.
Urges all States that have not done so to sign, ratify or accede
to the Convention as a matter of priority, with a view to reaching universal
ratification by 1995;
5.
Emphasizes the importance of the full implementation by States
parties of the provisions of the Convention;
6.
Urges States parties to the Convention that have made reservations
to review the compatibility of their reservations with article 51 of the
Convention and other relevant rules of international law, with the aim of
withdrawing them;
3/
Report of the World Conference on Human Rights, Vienna,
14-25 June 1993 (A/CONF.157/24 (Part I)), chap. III.
4/
See A/45/625, annex.
5/
A/49/409.