30 May 1985

25th plenary meeting

Solemn commemorative ceremony in the light of General Assembly resolution 39/114

The Economic and Social Council,

Taking note of General Assembly resolution 39/114 of 14 December 1984, in which the Assembly declared that 8 and 9 May 1985 would be the days of the fortieth anniversary of victory over nazism and fascism in the Second World War and of that struggle against them,

Taking note also of Commission on Human Rights resolutions 1985/31 of 13 March 1985, entitled "Measures to be taken against all totalitarian or other ideologies and practices, including Nazi, Fascist and neo-Fascist, based on racial or ethnic exclusiveness or intolerance, hatred, terror, systematic denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms, or which have such consequences", and 1985/32 of 13 March 1985, entitled "Fortieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War",

Paying a tribute of respect to the peoples whose great efforts and sufferings led to the end of the Second World War and to the establishment of the United Nations forty years ago,

Recalling that the United Nations Organization embodies the resolve of peoples to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person,

Noting that on 8 May 1985 the Economic and Social Council held a solemn commemorative ceremony in the light of General Assembly resolution 39/114, bearing in mind the continuing relevance of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular its emphasis on the importance of international co-operation towards peace, security and development, fundamental human rights and the dignity of the human person, and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion,

1. Takes notes, with appreciation, of the report of the Secretary-

General and decides to transmit it to the General Assembly;

2. Acknowledges with satisfaction that many States have taken measures for the solemn commemoration of this anniversary and of the founding of the United Nations;

3. Considers that the solemn commemoration by the Council of this anniversary should serve the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the fundamental right to life, liberty and security of person.