UNTIED NATIONSA/RES/61/17
23 JANUARY 2007
RESOLUTION ADOPTED BYTHE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF RECONCILIATION
2009
On 20 November 2006, the General Assembly decided to proclaim 2009 as the International Year of Reconciliation (resolution 61/17). It expressed its steadfast determination to pursue reconciliation processes in those societies affected or divided by conflicts, describing such processes as necessary for the establishment of firm and lasting peace.
The Assembly invited concerned Governments and international and non-governmental organizations to support reconciliation processes among such societies. It also invited them to implement adequate cultural, educational and social programmes to promote the concept of reconciliation, including the holding of conferences and seminars, and the dissemination of information on the subject.
United Nations A/RES/61/17
General Assembly Distr.:General
23 January 2007
Sixty-first session
Agenda item 150
06-49545
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly
[without reference to a Main Committee (A/61/L.22 and Add.1)]
61/17.International Year of Reconciliation, 2009
The General Assembly,
Bearing in mind the Charter of the United Nations,including the purposes and principles contained therein, and in particular those of saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war, bringing about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace, and practising tolerance and living together in peace with one another as good neighbours, thus developing friendly relations among nations and promoting international cooperation to resolve international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian issues,
Recognizing that reconciliation processes are particularly necessary and urgent in countries and regions of the world which have suffered or are suffering situations of conflict that have affected and divided societies in their various internal, national and international facets,
Recognizing also that many of the activities of theUnited Nations system in general and the international community as a whole to support peacekeeping and peacebuilding, conflict prevention, disarmament, sustainable development, the promotion and protection of human rights and dignity, democracy, the rule of law and governance, inter alia, lead to the initiation and development of reconciliation processes,
Aware that dialogue among opponents from positions of respect and tolerance is an essential element of peace and reconciliation,
Aware also that truth and justice are indispensable elements for the attainment of reconciliation and lasting peace,
Bearing in mind the role of the media in reporting on reconciliation processes,
Convinced that the declaration of an international year of reconciliation at the end of the first decade of the new millennium will provide the international community with the opportunity to pursue, with the active involvement of all stakeholders, efforts to develop reconciliation processes, which are necessary to and a condition for the establishment of firmand lasting peace,
1. Expresses its steadfast determination to pursue reconciliation processes in those societies that are affected and/or divided by conflicts;
2. Decides to proclaim 2009 the International Yearof Reconciliation;
3. Invites concerned Governments and international and non-governmental organizations to support reconciliation processes among affected and/or divided societies and to plan and implement adequate cultural, educational and social programmes to promote the concept of reconciliation, including by holding conferences and seminars and disseminating information about the issue.
56th plenary meeting
20 November 2006
