UN General Assembly
1952

121. If we do not advance in the direction I have suggested, faith in the economic and social work of the United Nations will disappear, just as the hope that the United Nations will be able to put an end to the present acute political tension is disappearing. If the United Nations fails to take a definite, clear, active and bold position on the questions arising in connexion with the implementation of the General Assembly resolution [377 (V)] on “Uniting for peace" if it does not take a clear stand in support of the principle of self-determination, of respect for human rights and of the economic progress of underdeveloped countries, it will be turning its back on the commandments of the Charter and, what is even more serious, it will be turning its back on reality. An organization like ours, if it is incapable of understanding the burning issues of the day, will be of no value whatsoever in the task of maintaining peace; other forces and other principles — not those of the Charter — will then direct the great avalanche of mankind’s yearnings for justice, liberty and progress.