A/RES/2673(XXV) GA

Resolutions adopted on the reports of the Third Comnuttee 75 2673 (XXV). Protection of journalists engaged in dangerous missions in areas of armed conflict The General Assembly, Recalling its resolution 2444 (XXIII) of 19 Decem- ber 1968, in which it invited the Secretary-General, in consultation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and other appropriate international organiza- tions, to study: (a) Steps which could be taken to secure the better application of existing humanitarian international con- ventions and rules in all armed conflicts, (b) The need for additional humanitarian interna- tional conventions or for other appropriate legal in- struments to ensure the better protection of civilians, prisoners and combatants in all armed conflicts, Recalling also the fundamental principle that a dis- tinction must be made at all times between combatants and persons not taking part in the hostilities, Considering that it is essential for the United Na- tions to obtain complete information concerninf armed conflicts and that journalists, whatever their nationality, have an important role to play in that regard, Noting with regret that journalists engaged in mis- sions in areas where an armed conflict is taking place sometimes suffer as a result of their professional duty, which is to inform world public opinion objectively, Bearing in mind the appeal made by the Secretary- General on 30 September 1970 on behalf of missing journalists, Recognizing that certain types of protection can be granted to journalists under: (a) Article 4 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, of 12 August 1949,18 ( b) Article 13 of the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, of 12 August 1949,14 (c) Article 13 of the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea, of 12 August 1949,111 (d) Article 4 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,16 Being aware, however, that these provisions do not cover some categories of journalists engaged in danger- ous missions and do not correspond to their present needs, Convinced of the need for an additional humanitarian international instrument to ensure the better protec- tion of journalists engaged in dangerous missions, par- ticularly in areas where an armed conflict is taking place, 1. Expresses its grave concern about the fate of press correspondents carrying out dangerous missions; 2. Expresses its deepest regret that some of those correspondents have paid with their lives for their con- scientious approach to their missions; 3. Invites all States and all authorities parties to an armed conflict to respect and apply in all circumstances 18 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75 (1950), No. 972. H United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75 (1950), No. 970. 11 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75 (1950), No. 971. 1t United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 75 (1950), No. 973. the provisions of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 in so far as they are applicable, in particular, to war correspondents who accompany armed forces but are not actually a part of them; 4. Invites the Economic and Social Council to re- quest the Commission on Human Rights to consider at its twenty-seventh session the possibility of preparing a draft international agreement ensuring the protection of journalists engaged in dangerous missions and pro- viding, inter alia, for the creation of a universally recognized and guaranteed identification document; S. Invites the Commission on Human Rights to consider this question as a matter of priority at its twenty-seventh session in order that a draft interna- tional agreeme:it may be adopted as soon as possible by the General Assembly or by some other appropriate international body; 6. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and other appropriate international organizations, to sub- mit a report on this question to the General Assembly at its twenty-sixth session; 7. Decides to give the highest priority to the con- sideration of this question at its twenty-sixth session. 1922nd plenary meeting, 9 December 1970. 2674 (XXV). Respect for human rights in armed conflicts The General Assembly, Recalling its resolutions 2444 (XXIII) of 19 I)e.. cember 1968 and 2597 (XXIV) of 16 December 1969 and noting resolution XXIII adopted by the Interna- tional Conference on Human Rights held at Teheran in 1968,17 Referring to resolution XIII and to the other per- tinent resolutions on human rights in armed conflicts adopted by the twenty-first International Conference of the Red Cross held at Istanbul in 1969,18 Expressing its deep concern in connexion with the fact that wars unleashed in violation of the Charter of the United Nations in several parts of the world lead to incalculable disasters and suffering among civilians, Having considered with appreciation the Secretary- General's report on respect for human rights in armed conflicts, 19 1. Solemnly reaffirms that, in order effectively to guarantee human rights, all States should devote their efforts to averting the unleashing of aggressive wars and armed conflicts that violate the Charter of the United Nation: and the provisions of the Declaration on Prin- ciples of International Law concerning Friendly Re- lations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations;20 2. Condemns the actions of countries which, in flagrant violation of the Charter, continue to conduct aggressive wars and defy the generally accepted prin- 17 Final Act of the International Conference on Human Rights (United Nations publication, Sales No.: E.68.XIV.2), p. 18. 1s See A/7720, annex I, section D. 19 A/8052. 20 Resolution 2625 (XXV).

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