The General Assembly,
Guided by the principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights,
Bearing in mind that the most essential and basic human right is the right to life,
Bearing in mind the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights, held at Vienna from 14 to 25 June 1993,
Reiterating that all Member States have an obligation to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and also that every individual should strive to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance,
Seriously concerned at the gross violations of human rights perpetrated by terrorist groups,
Profoundly deploring the increasing number of innocent persons, including women, children and the elderly, killed, massacred and maimed by terrorists in indiscriminate and random acts of violence and terror, which cannot be justified under any circumstances,
Noting with great concern the growing connection between the terrorist groups and the illegal traffic in arms and drugs,
Mindful of the need to protect human rights of and guarantees for the individual in accordance with the relevant international human rights principles and instruments, particularly the right to life,
1. Unequivocally condemns all acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever committed, as activities aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy, threatening the territorial integrity and security of States, destabilizing legitimately constituted Governments, undermining pluralistic civil society and having adverse consequences on the economic and social development of States;
2. Calls upon States, in accordance with international standards of human rights, to take all necessary and effective measures to prevent, combat and eliminate terrorism;
3. Urges the international community to enhance cooperation in the fight against the threat of terrorism at national, regional and international levels;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to transmit the text of the present resolution to all Member States and to competent specialized agencies and intergovernmental organizations;
5. Decides to consider this question at its forty-ninth session under the item entitled "Human rights questions".
85th plenary meeting
20 December 1993
