A/RES/58/88
United Nations
General Assembly
Distr.: General
17 December 2003
Fifty-eighth session
Agenda item 81
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 9 December 2003
[on the report of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee
(Fourth Committee) (A/58/470)]
58/88.
Effects of atomic radiation
The General Assembly,
Recalling its resolution 913 (X) of 3 December 1955, by which it established
the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, and its
subsequent resolutions on the subject, including resolution 57/115 of 11 December
2002, in which, inter alia, it requested the Scientific Committee to continue its
work,
Taking note with appreciation of the work of the Scientific Committee,
Reaffirming the desirability of the Scientific Committee continuing its work,
Concerned about the potentially harmful effects on present and future
generations resulting from the levels of radiation to which mankind and the
environment are exposed,
Noting the views expressed by Member States at its fifty-eighth session with
regard to the work of the Scientific Committee,
Noting with satisfaction that some Member States have expressed particular
interest in becoming members of the Scientific Committee, and expressing its
intention to consider the issue further at its next session,
Conscious of the continuing need to examine and compile information about
atomic and ionizing radiation and to analyse its effects on mankind and the
environment,
Commends the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of
1.
Atomic Radiation for the valuable contribution it has been making in the course of
the past forty-eight years, since its inception, to wider knowledge and understanding
of the levels, effects and risks of ionizing radiation, and for fulfilling its original
mandate with scientific authority and independence of judgement;
Reaffirms the decision to maintain the present functions and independent
2.
role of the Scientific Committee;
3.
Requests the Scientific Committee to continue its work, including its
important activities to increase knowledge of the levels, effects and risks of ionizing
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