Having met at Teheran from April 22 to
May 13, 1968 to review the progress made in the twenty years since the adoption
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to formulate a programme for
the future,
Having considered the problems relating to the activities of the
United Nations for the promotion and encouragement of respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms,
Bearing in mind the resolutions adopted by the Conference,
Noting that the observance of the International Year for Human Rights
takes place at a time when the world is undergoing a process of unprecedented
change,
Having regard to the new opportunities made available by the rapid
progress of science and technology,
Believing that, in an age when conflict and violence prevail in many
parts of the world, the fact of human interdependence and the need for human
solidarity are more evident than ever before,
Recognizing that peace is the universal aspiration of mankind and that
peace and justice are indispensable to the full realization of human rights and
fundamental freedoms,
Solemnly proclaims that:
1. It is imperative that the members of
the international community fulfil their solemn obligations to promote and
encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without
distinctions of any kind such as race, colour, sex, language, religion,
political or other opinions;
2. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states a common
understanding of the peoples of the world concerning the inalienable and
inviolable rights of all members of the human family and constitutes an
obligation for the members of the international community;
3. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Declaration
on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination as well as other conventions and declarations in the field of
human rights adopted under the auspices of the United Nations, the specialized
agencies and the regional intergovernmental organizations, have created new
standards and obligations to which States should conform;
4. Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the
United Nations has made substantial progress in defining standards for the
enjoyment and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. During this
period many important international instruments were adopted but much remains
to be done in regard to the implementation of those rights and freedoms;
5. The primary aim of the United Nations in the sphere of human rights
is the achievement by each individual of the maximum freedom and dignity. For
the realization of this objective, the laws of every country should grant each
individual, irrespective of race, language, religion or political belief,
freedom of expression, of information, of conscience and of religion, as well
as the right to participate in the political, economic, cultural and social
life of his country;
6. States should reaffirm their determination effectively to enforce
the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in other
international instruments that concern human rights and fundamental freedoms;
7. Gross denials of human rights under the repugnant policy of
apartheid is a matter of the gravest concern to the international community.
This policy of apartheid, condemned as a crime against humanity, continues
seriously to disturb international peace and security. It is therefore
imperative for the international community to use every possible means to
eradicate this evil. The struggle against apartheid is recognized as
legitimate;
8. The peoples of the world must be made fully aware of the evils of
racial discrimination and must join in combating them. The implementation of this
principle of non-discrimination, embodied in the Charter of the United Nations,
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international instruments
in the field of human rights, constitutes a most urgent task of mankind at the
international as well as at the national level. All ideologies based on racial
superiority and intolerance must be condemned and resisted;
9. Eight years after the General Assembly's Declaration on the
Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples the problems of
colonialism continue to preoccupy the international community. It is a matter
of urgency that all Member States should co-operate with the appropriate organs
of the United Nations so that effective measures can be taken to ensure that
the Declaration is fully implemented;
10. Massive denials of human rights, arising out of aggression or any
armed conflict with their tragic consequences, and resulting in untold human
misery, engender reactions which could engulf the world in ever growing
hostilities. It is the obligation of the international community to co-operate
in eradicating such scourges;
11. Gross denials of human rights arising from discrimination on
grounds of race, religion, belief or expressions of opinion outrage the
conscience of mankind and endanger the foundations of freedom, justice and
peace in the world;
12. The widening gap between the economically developed and developing
countries impedes the realization of human rights in the international
community. The failure of the Development Decade to reach its modest objectives
makes it all the more imperative for every nation, according to its capacities,
to make the maximum possible effort to close this gap;
13. Since human rights and fundamental freedoms are indivisible, the
full realization of civil and political rights without the enjoyment of
economic, social and cultural rights is impossible. The achievement of lasting
progress in the implementation of human rights is dependent upon sound and
effective national and international policies of economic and social
development;
14. The existence of over seven hundred million illiterates throughout
the world is an enormous obstacle to all efforts at realizing the aims and
purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. International action aimed at
eradicating illiteracy from the face of the earth and promoting education at
all levels requires urgent attention;
15. The discrimination of which women are still victims in various
regions of the world must be eliminated. An inferior status for women is
contrary to the Charter of the United Nations as well as the provisions of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The full implementation of the
Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is a necessity
for the progress of mankind;
16. The protection of the family and of the child remains the concern
of the international community. Parents have a basic human right to determine
freely and responsibly the number and the spacing of their children;
17. The aspirations of the younger generation for a better world, in
which human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully implemented, must be
given the highest encouragement. It is imperative that youth participate in
shaping the future of mankind;
18. While recent scientific discoveries and technological advances
have opened vast prospects for economic, social and cultural progress, such
developments may nevertheless endanger the rights and freedoms of individuals
and will require continuing attention;
19. Disarmament would release immense human and material resources now
devoted to military purposes. These resources should be used for the promotion
of human rights and fundamental freedoms. General and complete disarmament is
one of the highest aspirations of all peoples;
Therefore,
The International Conference on Human
Rights,
1. Affirming its faith in the principles
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international
instruments in this field,
2. Urges all peoples and governments to dedicate themselves to the
principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to
redouble their efforts to provide for all human beings a life consonant with
freedom and dignity and conducive to physical, mental, social and spiritual
welfare.
© Copyright 1996 - 2000
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
Rights
Geneva, Switzerland