The Commission on Human Rights,

Guided by the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and other relevant international instruments of human rights,

Recalling that the General Assembly, in adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948, recognized the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Recalling also that the General Assembly, in adopting the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide on 9 December 1948, recognized genocide as an odious scourge which had inflicted great losses on humanity and was convinced that international cooperation was required to facilitate the speedy prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide,

Concerned that, despite the efforts of the international community, many thousands of innocent human beings continue to be victims of genocide,

Recalling the adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 96 (I) of 11 December 1946, in which it declared genocide to be a crime under international law, contrary to the spirit and aims of the United Nations,

Taking into consideration the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity of 26 November 1968,

Considering that the fiftieth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide provides a new opportunity for the international community to draw the attention of all States to the significance of the Convention and to invite them to redouble their efforts for the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide,

1. Reaffirms the significance of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide as an effective international instrument for the punishment of the crime of genocide;

2. Expresses its appreciation to all States that have ratified or acceded to the Convention;

3. Invites States that have not yet ratified or acceded to the Convention to consider doing so;

4. Calls upon all States to increase and intensify their activities aimed at the full implementation of the provisions of the Convention.

31st meeting
3 April 1998

[Adopted without a vote. See chap. XIII.]