In which year did the United Nations General Assembly adopt the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States?

Introduction / Context:
The Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States is an important document in international economic law, reflecting the efforts of developing countries to assert control over their natural resources and economic policies. This question checks whether you know the year in which the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted this charter, a key milestone in debates about a New International Economic Order during the 1970s.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The question asks for the year when the UN adopted a charter dealing with economic rights and duties of states.
• The options provided are 1956, 1964, 1969 and 1974.
• It is assumed that you can connect the demand for a more just global economic system with the period of decolonization and Third World solidarity, which peaked in the 1970s.

Concept / Approach:
The approach relies on placing the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States within the correct historical period. The charter is closely linked with the broader call for a New International Economic Order, which was especially strong in the early to mid-1970s. Many resolutions on economic sovereignty, permanent sovereignty over natural resources and fairer trade were passed during that decade. Therefore, among the given years, 1974 is the one that fits most accurately.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that during the 1960s and 1970s, newly independent states in Asia, Africa and Latin America sought more control over their economies and natural resources.Step 2: Remember that the idea of a New International Economic Order gained momentum in the early 1970s, culminating in several major resolutions in the UN General Assembly.Step 3: The Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1974 as part of this wave of economic reform demands.Step 4: Compare this knowledge to the options. The 1950s and 1960s saw early decolonization, but the major push for formal charters on economic rights came later.Step 5: Conclude that 1974 is the correct year from the options provided.

Verification / Alternative Check:
As a quick check, you can remember that 1974 is also associated with other economic resolutions, and many textbooks on international relations highlight 1974 as a turning point when developing countries collectively demanded fairer terms of trade. The Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States is always placed in this context, confirming that 1974 is the key year you must memorize.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• 1956: Too early, as most decolonization had not yet occurred, and the movement demanding a New International Economic Order had not fully developed.
• 1964: Although economic issues were important, this year is more closely linked with events such as the founding of UNCTAD, not the adoption of this specific charter.
• 1969: Also prior to the main wave of economic reform resolutions; the charter in question had not yet been framed and adopted.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students confuse different dates associated with economic institutions and resolutions, such as the creation of UNCTAD, OPEC activities and World Bank reforms. Another pitfall is to assume that any economic charter would have been adopted soon after the UN was formed, which is incorrect. Always link the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States with the 1970s push for a New International Economic Order to remember that the year is 1974.

Final Answer:
The United Nations adopted the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States in 1974.