Enhancement of international cooperation
in the field of human rights
A/RES/74/153
24 April 2009, and the political declaration of the high-level meeting of the General
Assembly to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the ado ption of the Durban
Declaration and Programme of Action, 4 and their role in the enhancement of
international cooperation in the field of human rights,
Recognizing that the enhancement of international cooperation in the field of
human rights is essential for the full achievement of the purposes of the United
Nations, including the effective promotion and protection of all human rights,
Recognizing also that the promotion and protection of human rights should be
based on the principle of cooperation and genuine dialogue and aimed at
strengthening the capacity of Member States to comply with their human rights
obligations for the benefit of all human beings,
Underlining that cooperation is not just a matter of relations of good neighbourliness, coexistence or reciprocity, but rather of a willingness to look beyond
mutual interests in order to advance the general interest,
Stressing the importance of international cooperation for improving the living
conditions of all in every country, including, in particular, in developing countries,
Reaffirming that dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations in the field
of human rights could contribute greatly to the enhancement of international
cooperation in this field,
Reiterating the important role that genuine human rights dialogue can play in
the enhancement of cooperation in the field of human rights at the bilateral, regional
and international levels,
Recognizing that the enhancement of international cooperation and genuine
dialogue contributes to the effective functioning of the international human rights
system,
Emphasizing that human rights dialogue should be constructive and based on
the principles of universality, indivisibility, objectivity, non -selectivity,
non-politicization, mutual respect and equal treatment, with the aim of facilitating
mutual understanding and strengthening constructive cooperation, including throug h
capacity-building and technical cooperation between States,
Emphasizing also the need for further progress in the promotion and
encouragement of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms through, inter
alia, international cooperation,
Underlining the fact that mutual understanding, dialogue, cooperation,
transparency and confidence-building are important elements in all activities for the
promotion and protection of human rights,
Recalling the adoption of resolution 2000/22 of 18 August 2000, o n the
promotion of dialogue on human rights issues, by the Subcommission on the
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights at its fifty-second session, 5
1.
Reaffirms that it is one of the purposes of the United Nations and the
responsibility of all Member States to promote, protect and encourage respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms through, inter alia, international cooperation;
2.
Recognizes that, in addition to their separate responsibilities to their
individual societies, States have a collective responsibility to uphold the principles of
human dignity, equality and equity at the global level;
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5
2/4
Resolution 66/3.
See E/CN.4/2001/2-E/CN.4/Sub.2/2000/46, chap. II, sect. A.
19-22275