CHAPTER IX

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COOPERATION

[CIRP Note: This file contains an extract of the human rights provisions of the Charter of the United Nation which was signed in San Francisco on 26 June 1945. All members of the United Nations are bound by these provisions. This includes the United States of America.

The human rights provisions were a response to the widespread human rights violations of World War II.

Article 55 charges the United Nations to promote respect for and observance of universal human rights for all. Article 56 charges each member nation to help the UN to achieve goals set forth in Article 55. Article 60 vests this power in the United Nations General Assembly.

The post World War II human rights era began with these articles.]

Article 55

With a view to the creation of conditions of stability and well-being which are necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations based for respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, the United Nations shall promote:

(a) higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development;
(b) solutions of international economic, social, health, and related problems; and international cultural and educational cooperation and
(c) universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.

Article 56

All members pledge themselves to take joint and separate action in cooperation with the Organization for the achievement of the purposes set forth in Article 55.

Article 60

Responsibility for the discharge of the functions of the Organization set forth in this Chapter shall be vested in the General Assembly and, under the authority of the General Assembly in the Economic and Social Council, which shall have for this purpose all the powers set forth in Chapter X.