A/RES/57/209
Emphasizing the important role that individuals, non-governmental
organizations and groups play in the promotion and protection of human rights and
fundamental freedoms, including in combating impunity,
Recalling that, under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1
certain rights are recognized as non-derogable, and emphasizing that derogation
from other rights and freedoms can only take place under strict observance of the
agreed conditions and procedures identified under article 4 of the Covenant,
Welcoming the cooperation between the Special Representative and other
special procedures of the Commission on Human Rights,
Welcoming also regional initiatives for the promotion and protection of human
rights and the cooperation between international and regional mechanisms for the
protection of human rights defenders, and encouraging further development in this
regard,
Recalling that the primary responsibility for promoting and protecting human
rights rests with the State, and noting with deep concern that the activities of some
non-State actors pose a major threat to the security of human rights defenders,
Emphasizing the need for strong and effective measures for the protection of
human rights defenders,
1.
Calls upon all States to promote and give full effect to the Declaration on
the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to
Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms;
2.
Welcomes the reports of the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral on human rights defenders 2 and her contribution to the effective promotion
of the Declaration and improvement of the protection of human rights defenders
worldwide;
3.
Condemns all human rights violations committed against persons
engaged in promoting and defending human rights and fundamental freedoms
around the world, and urges States to take all appropriate action, consistent with the
Declaration and all other relevant human rights instruments, to eliminate such
human rights violations;
4.
Calls upon all States to take all necessary measures to ensure the
protection of human rights defenders;
5.
Emphasizes the importance of combating impunity, and in this regard
urges States to take appropriate measures to address the question of impunity for
threats, attacks and acts of intimidation against human rights defenders;
6.
Urges all Governments to cooperate with and assist the Special
Representative in the performance of her tasks and to furnish all information in the
fulfilment of her mandate upon request;
7.
Encourages Governments to give serious consideration to inviting the
Special Representative to visit their countries so as to enable her to fulfil her
mandate even more effectively;
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1
2
2
See resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.
E/CN.4/2001/94, A/56/341, E/CN.4/2002/106 and Add.1 and 2 and A/57/182.