22 May 1986

18th plenary meeting

International Year of Peace

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling that the General Assembly, in its resolution 40/3 of 24 October 1985, solemnly proclaimed 1986 to be the International Year of Peace as a timely impetus for initiating renewed thought and action for the promotion of peace, and an opportunity for Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and others to express in practical terms the common aspiration of all peoples for peace,

Noting the call of the General Assembly for all peoples to join with the United Nations in resolute efforts to safeguard peace and the future of humanity,

Recalling the provisions of the Proclamation of the International Year of Peace approved by the General Assembly,

Recalling Council decision 1986/115 of 7 February 1986, in which the Council reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate, within the areas of its competence, to achieve positive results in international co-operation for the promotion of peace during the International Year of Peace and beyond,

Noting resolutions and decisions on the International Year of Peace adopted by the Commission on Human Rights, the Human Rights Committee, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Sessional Working Group of Governmental Experts on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

1. Supports the proclamation by the General Assembly of 1986 as the International Year of Peace;

2. Welcomes the efforts of Governments to achieve the objectives of the International Year of Peace;

3. Considers that those efforts, as well as the universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, will contribute to international peace and co-operation;

4. Welcomes the activities carried out by the Secretary-General to encourage the efforts of Governments in this field;

5. Calls upon Member States, as well as organs and subsidiary bodies of the United Nations, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, educational, scientific, cultural and research institutions and their communication media to commemorate the International Year of Peace in the most appropriate manner, highlighting, inter alia, the role of the United Nations in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security.