The General Assembly,
 
      Recalling its resolution 48/141 of 20 December 1993, establishing the
mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for the
promotion and protection of all human rights,
 
      Reaffirming its commitment to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of
Action, adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights, held at Vienna from
14 to 25 June 1993
 
      Recalling its decision 50/465 of 22 December 1995, concerning the
organization of work of the Third Committee and the biennial programme of work
of the Committee for 1996-1997, which includes in its programme of work the
item entitled "Human rights questions: report of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights",
 
      Recognizing, in accordance with resolution 48/141, the crucial and
important role that the High Commissioner's functions play in removing the
current obstacles and in meeting the challenges to the full realization of all
human rights and in preventing the continuation of human rights violations
throughout the world, as reflected in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of
Action,
 
      Having considered the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights,
 
      Stressing the importance of enabling the smooth running of the United
Nations human rights machinery,
 
      1.    Takes note with appreciation of the report of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights on the effective promotion and protection
of all human rights;
 
      2.    Encourages the High Commissioner to continue his activities in
discharging his responsibilities under resolution 48/141;
 
      3.    Expresses its appreciation for the constructive manner in which
the High Commissioner is carrying out his functions;
 
      4.    Decides to consider this question at its fifty-second session
under the sub-item entitled "Report of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Human Rights".