A/RES/56/149 Emphasizing the need for further progress in the promotion and encouragement of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms through, inter alia, international cooperation, Underlining the fact that mutual understanding, dialogue, cooperation, transparency and confidence-building are important elements in all the activities for the promotion and protection of human rights, Recalling the adoption of resolution 2000/22 of 18 August 2000, entitled “Promotion of dialogue on human rights issues”, by the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights at its fifty-second session, 4 1. Reaffirms that it is one of the purposes of the United Nations and the responsibility of all Member States to promote, protect and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms through, inter alia, international cooperation; 2. Also reaffirms that dialogue among cultures and civilizations facilitates the promotion of a culture of tolerance and respect for diversity, and welcomes in this regard the holding of several conferences and meetings at the national, regional and international levels on dialogue among civilizations, as well as the meetings of the General Assembly under the agenda item entitled “United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations”, held on 8 and 9 November 2001; 3. Considers that international cooperation in this field, in conformity with the purposes and principles set out in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, should make an effective and practical contribution to the urgent task of preventing violations of human rights and of fundamental freedoms for all; 4. Reaffirms that the promotion, protection and full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms should be guided by the principles of universality, non-selectivity, objectivity and transparency, in a manner consistent with the purposes and principles set out in the Charter; 5. Calls upon Member States, specialized agencies and intergovernmental organizations to continue to carry out a constructive dialogue and consultations for the enhancement of understanding and the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and encourages non-governmental organizations to contribute actively to this endeavour; 6. Invites States and relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms and procedures to continue to pay attention to the importance of mutual cooperation, understanding and dialogue in ensuring the promotion and protection of all human rights; 7. session. Decides to continue its consideration of this question at its fifty-seventh 88th plenary meeting 19 December 2001 _______________ 4 2 See E/CN.4/2001/2-E/CN.4/Sub.2/2000/46, chap. II, sect. A.