International Bar Association Decides to Aid Implementation of U.N. Human Rights Pact

The International Bar Association, which is holding its conference here, today adopted a resolution calling for the establishment by its executive council of a committee to study the best methods for implementation of the United Nations Convention on Human Rights. The resolution emphasized that the Association “earnestly desires to make the fullest contribution within its power for forwarding, in the cause of human rights, the objects of the U.N. Charter.”

The resolution was adopted following a paper read at the conference last night by Mrs. Caroline K. Simon, a member of the New York State Bar, who urged that the International Bar Association press for a U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights “who would work for the respect of the individual.”

“In a world of growing totalitarianism,” Mrs. Simon said, “we realize more than ever the need for respect of the individual. Advancement of individual rights depends upon two factors: power of the state to prevent violation of one man’s right by another, and the limitation of state power in such a way as to prevent encroachment of certain indispensable human rights.

“It would appear only logical,” Mrs. Simon continued, “to establish within the framework of the United Nations a special agency in which would be vested the right to initiate proceedings before international bodies responsible for implementing the U.N. Charter. Commissions dealing with alleged violation of human rights should first aim at conciliation. Only when these fail, should they impose a decision. Their procedure should be governed as far as possible by the fundamental principles applied to civil law.”

U.S. Solicitor Philip Perlman, addressing the conference of the Association, stressed the importance of ratification of the United Nations Convention Outlawing the Crime of Genocide. “The destruction of human beings as groups,” he declared, “is a threat to world peace and a cause of war.”