The difficulties which the United Nations has experienced in finding practical methods to speed adoption and implementation of the principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on a world-wide basis are emphasized by U.N. Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold in his report to the forthcoming General Assembly which will open here next month.
“The consolidation and extension of human rights throughout the world continues to be a solemn obligation of the United Nations,” Mr. Hammarskjold states. “It is perhaps in this field that future lines of action are most difficult to define. International instruments embodying the principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights do not yet appear to meet with general acceptance, and it is doubtful whether the technical assistance approach, which has proved so fruitful in other fields, could contribute significantly to the promotion of human rights.
“It should not be surprising that, having laid down universal standards in an area where cultural differences are so wide and fundamental the United Nations should experience some difficulties in finding practical methods to enhance the adoption and implementation of these standards on a world-wide basis. These inevitable difficulties should not generate sense of frustration, nor should it prompt the organization to actions with doubtful implications. In carrying out its obligations under the Charter in the field of human rights, the organization should favor initiatives leading forward without introducing the risk of sterile and endless controversy,” the U.N. Secretary General recommends.
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