Address to the UN General Assembly (1994)

Summary

Nelson Mandela's "Address to the UN General Assembly (1994)" asserts that the Charter of the United Nations, particularly its ideals of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality, and solidarity, should guide the upbringing of children. This is underscored by recalling the child's need for special safeguards and care, as stated in various declarations and covenants, and recognizing the family as the fundamental societal group requiring protection and assistance. The address emphasizes that children, by reason of their immaturity, need appropriate legal protection and a family environment for their full and harmonious development, preparing them for individual life in society.

The address draws upon principles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenants on Human Rights, which proclaim that all individuals are entitled to rights and freedoms without distinction. It highlights the United Nations' recognition of childhood as deserving special care and assistance. The core message is the imperative to ensure children grow up within a happy, loving, and understanding family atmosphere, fully prepared for societal participation, all within the framework of UN-proclaimed ideals.

Key concepts

• Charter of the United Nations — A foundational document establishing principles for international relations, including peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality, and solidarity.
• Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) — A United Nations document affirming that children require special care, protection, and legal safeguards due to their physical and mental immaturity.
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights — A UN proclamation asserting that everyone is entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms without discrimination, including special care for childhood.
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — A UN treaty recognizing specific rights for children, including protection within the family.
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights — A UN treaty addressing economic, social, and cultural rights, with provisions for the protection and welfare of children.

From the book

Title: Address to the UN General Assembly (1994) by Nelson Mandela← United Nations General Assembly Resolution 43 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 44 ( 1946 ) the UN General Assembly United Nations General Assembly Resolution 45 → 3934182 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 44 1946 the UN General Assembly 44. Treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa The General Assembly, Having taken note of the application made by the Government of India regarding the treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa, and having considered the matter: 1. States that, because of that treatment, friendly relations between the two Member States have been impaired and, unless a satisfactory settlement is reached, these relations are likely to be further impaired; 2. Is of the…

Popular questions readers ask

• The 1946 resolution states that the "treatment of Indians in the Union of South Africa" impaired friendly relations between member states. How does this early UN intervention reflect the organization's initial understanding of its role in matters that might be considered internal affairs, and what specific provisions of the UN Charter would likely be invoked to justify such an intervention?
• The Preamble to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) emphasizes "inherent dignity" and "equal and inalienable rights." How do these foundational principles underpin the specific purpose of a convention dedicated solely to children, and why might a universal instrument for children's rights be considered necessary beyond general human rights declarations?
• Comparing the UN's approach in Resolution 44 (1946) with the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), what significant shifts can you identify in the UN's capacity, scope, or preferred methods for addressing human rights issues over these four decades?
• The 1946 resolution "requests the two Governments to report" on measures adopted, while the 1989 Convention creates a legally binding framework upon ratification. What are the strengths and limitations of each of these mechanisms (a non-binding resolution versus a binding convention) in compelling member states to uphold international obligations regarding human rights?
• Imagine you are explaining to a peer how the UN General Assembly functions to address human rights issues. Using only these two excerpts, what would you highlight about the spectrum of UN actions, from diplomatic intervention to treaty creation, and how might these actions reflect the changing landscape of international law?