A/HRC/RES/45/7 Recognizing also that local government has different forms and functions in every State, in accordance with the constitutional and legal system of the State concerned, Recognizing further that, given its proximity to people and being at the grass-roots level, one of the important functions of local government is to provide public services that address local needs and priorities related to the realization of human rights at the local level, Deeply concerned that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic perpetuates and exacerbates existing inequalities, and that those most at risk are persons in vulnerable and marginalized situations, Emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights in shaping the response to the pandemic both in relation to the public health emergency and the broader impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, and in this regard acknowledging the essential role of local government in ensuring a human rights-compliant response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the local level, Acknowledging the role of local government in preventing and reducing inequalities and protecting the rights of persons in vulnerable and marginalized situations from discrimination by developing and implementing local laws, policies and programmes that are based on States’ obligations under international human rights law, Noting with concern that local government may face a variety of challenges to fulfilling its role for the realization of human rights owing to, among other things, a lack of resources, awareness and a framework for its work on human rights, Underlining that the promotion of a human rights culture within public services and public servants’ knowledge, training and awareness play a vital role in promoting respect for and the realization of human rights in society, and stressing the importance in this regard of human rights education and training for public servants at the local government level, Underlining also that the expertise and knowledge of local government officials are an important asset in the provision of public services and the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the local government level and in the implementation of the pledge in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind, Emphasizing that protecting civic space and providing an enabling environment for civil society participation are essential to promote and protect human rights, as well as to ensure the effectiveness, transparency, accountability and sustainability of the work of local government, while recognizing that States and local government should take appropriate action to empower, including through capacity-building, civil society representatives to effectively exercise the right to participate in public affairs and to engage meaningfully with local government on human rights issues, while respecting the local and national legal frameworks, Recognizing the constructive role of local government in and its contribution to the strengthening of national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up, and encouraging its continued participation in and contribution to this mechanism, Recognizing also that, despite improvements in several countries, in some instances local stakeholders can face challenges in participating in local government programmes, Noting relevant international and regional initiatives to promote human rights at the local level and the role of local government in the implementation of such initiatives, Noting also that local government is increasingly connected with the United Nations human rights system, including through the universal periodic review, the treaty bodies, the special procedures and the forums mandated by the Human Rights Council, Recognizing that local government is among the key actors in localizing the commitments set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and can contribute, among other things, to raising awareness of and implementing its goals and targets, including through self-assessments, regional and international networks and local strategies, 1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on effective methods to foster cooperation between local 2