International Conference on Human Rights
22 April-13 May 1968, Teheran
Background
A review of human rights progress since 1948
On 20 December 1965, the General Assembly to convene an International Conference on Human Rights, in order to "(a) review the progress which has been made in the field of human rights since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; (b) evaluate the effectiveness of the methods used by the United Nations in the field of human rights, especially with respect to the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and the practice of the policy of apartheid; and (c) formulate and prepare a programme of further measures to be taken subsequent to the celebrations of the International Year for Human Rights."
Almost two and a half years later, the International Conference on Human Rights was held in Teheran from 22 April to 13 May 1968. The Conference was attended by representatives of 84 States and by representatives or observers from a number of United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, regional inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations.
The , which was adopted at the Conference by consensus, stated:
"Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the United Nations has made substantial progress in defining standards for the enjoyment and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. During this period many important international instruments were adopted but much remains to be done in regard to the implementation of those rights and freedoms."
On 19 December 1968, the UN General Assembly, in stated that the Conference (which had been held earlier that year) had made “an important constructive contribution to the cause of human rights” and said its results should be “translated into effective action by States, the competent organs of the United Nations and its family of organizations, and other organizations concerned.”