Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
Adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna on 25 June 1993
The World Conference on Human Rights ,
Considering that the promotion and protection of human rights is a matter of priority for the
international community, and that the Conference affords a unique opportunity to carry out a
comprehensive analysis of the international human rights system and of the machinery for the
protection of human rights, in order to enhance and thus promote a fuller observance of those rights,
in a just and balanced manner,
Recognizing and affirming that all human rights derive from the dignity and worth inherent in the
human person, and that the human person is the central subject of human rights and fundamental
freedoms, and consequently should be the principal beneficiary and should participate actively in the
realization of these rights and freedoms,
Reaffirming their commitment to the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the United
Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
Reaffirming the commitment contained in Article 56 of the Charter of the United Nations to take joint
and separate action, placing proper emphasis on developing effective international cooperation for the
realization of the purposes set out in Article 55, including universal respect for, and observance of,
human rights and fundamental freedoms for all,
Emphasizing the responsibilities of all States, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, to
develop and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction
as to race, sex, language or religion,
Recalling the Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the determination to reaffirm
faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, and in the equal
rights of men and women and of nations large and small,
Recalling also the determination expressed in the Preamble of the Charter of the United Nations to
save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to establish conditions under which justice and
respect for obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained,
to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, to practice tolerance and
good neighbourliness, and to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and
social advancement of all peoples,
Emphasizing that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which constitutes a common standard of
achievement for all peoples and all nations, is the source of inspiration and has been the basis for the
United Nations in making advances in standard setting as contained in the existing international
human rights instruments, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
Considering the major changes taking place on the international scene and the aspirations of all the
peoples for an international order based on the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United
Nations, including promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for
all and respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, peace, democracy,
justice, equality, rule of law, pluralism, development, better standards of living and solidarity,
Deeply concerned by various forms of discrimination and violence, to which women continue to be
exposed all over the world,
Recognizing that the activities of the United Nations in the field of human rights should be rationalized
and enhanced in order to strengthen the United Nations machinery in this field and to further the
objectives of universal respect for observance of international human rights standards,