Human Rights Council Resolution 9/9. Protection of the human rights of civilians in armed conflict The Human Rights Council, Guided by the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Recalling the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, the Additional Protocols thereto of 8 June 1977, other international human rights law and international humanitarian law instruments, and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, Bearing in mind General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006, in which the Assembly states that the Human Rights Council shall be responsible for promoting universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind and in fair and equal manner, Recalling resolution 2005/63 of 20 April 2005 of the Commission on Human Rights, and taking note of decision 2006/21 of 24 August 2006 adopted by the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights at its final session, Acknowledging that human rights law and international humanitarian law are complementary and mutually reinforcing, Gravely concerned at violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law during armed conflicts, wherever they occur, and their impact on the civilian population, especially women, children and vulnerable groups,