Consideration of effective measures to enhance the protection, security
and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives
A/RES/73/205
Noting that diplomatic and consular missions may maintain archives and
documents in various forms, that official correspondence may take a variety of forms
and that diplomatic and consular missions may use a variety of means of
communication,
Recalling that the archives and documents of diplomatic and consular missions
shall be inviolable at any time and wherever they may be and that the official
correspondence of diplomatic and consular missions shall be inviolable,
Recalling also that States shall permit and protect free communication of
diplomatic and consular missions for all official purposes and that diplomatic and
consular missions may employ all appropriate means in communicating with their
Governments and other diplomatic and consular missions of their State, wherever
situated,
Concerned at the failure to respect the inviolability of diplomatic and consular
missions and representatives and, as appropriate, their family members, as well as of
permanent missions and, as appropriate, relevant representatives to international
intergovernmental organizations and their family members,
Recalling that, without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the
duty of all persons enjoying such privileges and immunities to respect the laws and
regulations of the receiving State,
Recalling also that diplomatic and consular premises must not be used in any
manner incompatible with the functions of diplomatic and consular missions,
Emphasizing the duty of States to take all appropriate measures, as required by
international law, in a timely manner, for the protection of diplomatic and consular
missions and representatives as well as missions and representatives to international
intergovernmental organizations and officials of such organizations, including
measures of a preventive nature, and to bring offenders to justice,
Welcoming measures already taken by States to this end in conformity with their
international obligations,
Convinced that the role of the United Nations, which includes the reporting
procedures established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 35/168 of
15 December 1980 and further elaborated in subsequent Assembly resolutions, is
important in promoting efforts to enhance the protection, security and safety of
diplomatic and consular missions and representatives,
1.
Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General; 1
2.
Strongly condemns all acts of violence against diplomatic and consular
missions and representatives, as well as against missions and representatives to
international intergovernmental organizations and officials of such organizations, and
emphasizes that such acts can never be justified;
3.
Urges States to strictly observe, implement and enforce, including during
a period of armed conflict, all the applicable principles and rules of international law
governing diplomatic and consular relations, including those relating to inviolability,
and, in particular, to ensure, in conformity with their international obligations, the
protection, security and safety of the missions, representatives and officials
mentioned in paragraph 2 above officially present in territories under their
jurisdiction, including practical measures to prevent and prohibit in their territories
illegal activities of persons, groups and organizations that encourage, instigate,
organize or engage in the perpetration of acts against the security and safety of such
missions, representatives and officials;
2/4
18-22520