A/HRC/21/66 10. The promotion of international solidarity is a duty common to all peoples and States. III. Normative framework 11. Both international law and international human rights law uphold international solidarity. A. Charter of the United Nations 12. The concept of solidarity has defined the core purpose of the United Nations since its creation, which drew the peoples and nations of the world together to promote peace, human rights and social and economic development. It is in the spirit of solidarity, unity and harmony that the Organization is determined “to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all” (Art. 1-3), and “to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attainment of these common ends” (Arts.1-4).1 B. Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action 13. The fundamental value of solidarity is explicitly expressed in the preamble to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action: Considering the major changes taking place on the international scene and the aspirations of all the peoples for an international order based on the principle 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, Determined to take new steps forward in the commitment of the international community with a view to achieving substantial progress in human rights endeavours by an increased and sustained effort of international cooperation and solidarity. C. Millennium Declaration 14. In the Millennium Declaration, the General Assembly reaffirmed certain fundamental values and principles essential to international relations in the twenty-first century, including “a collective responsibility to uphold the principles of human dignity, equality and equity at the global level”, and the principle of international solidarity, stating that “global challenges must be managed in a way that distributes the costs and burdens fairly in accordance with basic principles of equity and social justice. Those who suffer or who benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most.” 1 See also the reference made in Article 55 of the Charter. 3