Noting that scientific and technological progress has become one of the most
important factors in the development of human society,
Taking into consideration that, while scientific and technological developments
provide ever increasing opportunities to better the conditions of life of
peoples and nations, in a number of instances they can give rise to social
problems, as well as threaten the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the
individual,
Noting with concern
that scientific and technological achievements can be used to intensify the
arms race, suppress national liberation movements and deprive individuals and
peoples of their human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Also noting with concern that scientific and technological achievements can
entail dangers for the civil and political rights of the individual or of the
group and for human dignity,
Noting the urgent
need to make full use of scientific and technological developments for the
welfare of man and to neutralize the present and possible future harmful
consequences of certain scientific and technological achievements, Recognizing
that scientific and technological progress is of great importance in
accelerating the social and economic development of developing countries,
Aware that the
transfer of science and technology is one of the principal ways of accelerating
the economic development of developing countries,
Reaffirming the
right of peoples to self-determination and the need to respect human rights and
freedoms and the dignity of the human person in the conditions of scientific
and technological progress,
Desiring to
promote the realization of the principles which form the basis of the Charter
of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the
International Covenants on Human Rights, the Declaration on the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the Declaration on Principles
of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among
States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on
Social Progress and Development, and the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties
of States;
Solemnly proclaims that:
1. All States shall promote international co-operation to ensure that
the results of scientific and technological developments are used in the
interests of strengthening international peace and security, freedom and
independence, and also for the purpose of the economic and social development
of peoples and the realization of human rights and freedoms in accordance with
the Charter of the United Nations.
2. All States shall take appropriate measures to prevent the use of
scientific and technological developments, particularly by the State organs, to
limit or interfere with the enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms
of the individual as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
the International Covenants on Human Rights and other relevant international
instruments.
3. All States shall take measures to ensure that scientific and
technological achievements satisfy the material and spiritual needs for all
sectors of the population.
4. All States shall refrain from any acts involving the use of
scientific and technological achievements for the purposes of violating the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of other States, interfering in their
internal affairs, waging aggressive wars, suppressing national liberation
movements or pursuing a policy of racial discrimination. Such acts are not only
a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and principles of
international law, but constitute an inadmissible distortion of the purposes
that should guide scientific and technological developments for the benefit of
mankind.
5. All States shall co-operate in the establishment, strengthening and
development of the scientific and technological capacity of developing
countries with a view to accelerating the realization of the social and
economic rights of the peoples of those countries.
6. All States shall take measures to extend the benefits of science
and technology to all strata of the population and to protect them, both
socially and materially, from possible harmful effects of the misuse of
scientific and technological developments, including their misuse to infringe
upon the rights of the individual or of the group, particularly with regard to
respect for privacy and the protection of the human personality and its
physical and intellectual integrity.
7. All States shall take the necessary measures, including legislative
measures, to ensure that the utilization of scientific and technological
achievements promotes the fullest realization of human rights and fundamental
freedoms without any discrimination whatsoever on grounds of race, sex,
language or religious beliefs.
8. All States shall take effective measures, including legislative
measures, to prevent and preclude the utilization of scientific and
technological achievements to the detriment of human rights and fundamental
freedoms and the dignity of the human person.
9. All States shall, whenever necessary, take action to ensure
compliance with legislation guaranteeing human rights and freedoms in the
conditions of scientific and technological developments.
©
Copyright 1997 - 2000
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Geneva, Switzerland