28 October 1981

42nd plenary meeting

Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination

The General Assembly, Reaffirming the importance, for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights, of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and embodied in the International Covenants on Human Rights, as well as in the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples contained in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960,

Welcoming the progressive exercise of the right to self-determination by peoples under colonial, foreign or alien occupation and their emergence into sovereign statehood and independence,

Deeply concerned at the continuation of acts or threats of foreign military intervention and occupation, which are threatening to or have already resulted in the suppression of the right to self-determination of an increasing number of sovereign peoples and nations,

Further expressing grave concern that, as a consequence of the presistence of such actions, millions of people have been and are being uprooted from their homes as refugees and displaced persons, and emphasizing the urgent necessity of concerted international action to alleviate their conditions,

Recalling the relevant resolutions regarding the violation of the right of peoples to self-determination and other human rights as a result of military intervention and foreign aggression and occupation adopted by the Commission on Human Rights at its thirty-sixth and thirty-seventh sessions,

Reiterating its resolution 35/35 B of 14 November 1980,

Taking note of the note by the Secretary-General of 1 October 1981,

1. Reaffirms that the universal realization of the right of all peoples, including those under colonial, foreign and alien domination, to self-determination is a fundamental condition for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights and for the preservation and promotion of such rights;

2. Declares its firm opposition to acts of foreign military intervention, aggression and occupation, since these have resulted in the suppression of the right of peoples to self-determination and other human rights in certain parts of the world;

3. Calls upon those States responsible to cease immediately their military intervention and occupation of foreign countries and territories, and to cease all acts of repression, discrimination, exploitation and maltreatment, particularly the brutal and inhuman methods reportedly employed for the execution of these acts against the peoples concerned;

4. Deplores the plight of the hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced persons who have been uprooted by the aforementioned acts and reaffirms their right to return to their homes voluntarily in safety and honour;

5. Requests the Commission on Human Rights to continue to give special attention to the violation of human rights, especially the right to self-determination, resulting from foreign military intervention, aggression or occupation;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to report on this issue to the General Assembly at its thirty-seventh session, under the item entitled "Importance of the universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination and of the speedy granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights".