World Conference on Human Rights, G.A. res. 48/121, 48 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 49) at 240, U.N. Doc. A/48/49 (1993).


The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 45/155 of 18 December 1990, in which it decided, inter alia, to convene at a high level a World Conference on Human Rights in 1993, and its resolutions 46/116 of 17 December 1991 and 47/122 of 18 December 1992,

Taking note with appreciation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights, held at Vienna from 14 to 25 June 1993,

Bearing in mind the view of the Conference that the promotion and protection of human rights is a matter of priority for the international community,

Convinced that the Conference has made an important contribution to the cause of human rights and that its results have to be translated into effective action by States, the competent organs of the United Nations and its family of organizations and other organizations concerned, as well as non- governmental organizations,

Bearing in mind the recommendation of the Conference that the General Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights and other organs and bodies of the United Nations system related to human rights consider ways and means for the full implementation, without delay, of the recommendations contained in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action,

Expressing its gratitude to the Government and people of Austria for acting as hosts to the Conference, for the excellent arrangements and for the hospitality extended to all participants,

Expressing its appreciation to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Secretary-General of the Conference and the members of the Secretariat for effectively preparing for and servicing the Conference,

1. Takes note of the report of the World Conference on Human Rights;

2. Endorses the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the Conference on 25 June 1993;

3. Expresses its satisfaction with the work of the Conference, which constitutes a solid foundation for further action and initiatives by the United Nations and other interested international bodies, as well as by the States and national organizations concerned;

4. Confirms the views of the Conference on the urgency of eliminating denials and violations of human rights;

5. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the distribution of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action as widely as possible and to include the text of the Declaration in the next edition of Human Rights: A Compilation of International Instruments;

6. Also requests the Secretary-General to transmit to the competent organs of the United Nations and the specialized agencies the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action;

7. Urges all States to give widespread publicity to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and the work of the Conference in order to promote increased awareness of human rights and fundamental freedoms;

8. Calls upon all States to take further action with a view to the full realization of human rights in the light of the recommendations of the Conference;

9. Endorses the recommendation of the Conference that the Secretary- General, the General Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights and other organs and bodies of the United Nations system related to human rights should take further action with a view to the full implementation of all recommendations of the Conference;

10. Requests the Secretary-General to report annually to the General Assembly on the measures taken and the progress achieved in the implementation of the recommendations of the Conference;

11. Decides to include in the agenda of its forthcoming sessions, under the item entitled "Human rights questions", a standing sub-item entitled "Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action".

85th plenary meeting
20 December 1993