A/HRC/RES/51/11
Concerned about the continued and systematic abuse by Member States of the
extraterritorial application of their national legislation in a manner that affects the sovereignty
of other States, the legitimate interests of entities or persons under their jurisdiction and the
full enjoyment of human rights,
Considering the major changes taking place on the international scene and the
aspirations of all peoples for an international order based on the principles enshrined in the
Charter, including promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms for all and, in particular, respect for the principle of equal rights and selfdetermination of peoples, as well as peace, democracy, justice, equality, the rule of law,
pluralism, development, better standards of living and solidarity,
Reaffirming that the enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human
rights is essential for the full achievement of the purposes of the United Nations, including
the effective promotion and protection of all human rights,
Reaffirming also that democracy, development and respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and that democracy is
based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic,
social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives,
Recognizing that the promotion and protection of human rights should be based on the
principle of cooperation and genuine dialogue and be aimed at strengthening the capacity of
Member States to comply with their human rights obligations for the benefit of all human
beings,
Affirming that the right of every State to take part in the conduct of international affairs
is essential to the realization of a democratic and equitable international order,
Stressing the need for adequate financing of and technology transfer to developing
countries, in particular least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small
island developing States, including to support their efforts to adapt to climate change and
other challenges to development,
Reiterating the importance of a democratic and equitable international order for
effectively and promptly addressing the current global challenges and crises, aggravated by
the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic,
1.
Reaffirms that everyone is entitled to a democratic and equitable international
order that fosters the full realization of all human rights for all;
2.
Reiterates that democracy includes respect for all human rights and
fundamental freedoms and is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people
to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full
participation in all aspects of their lives, and reaffirms the need for universal adherence to
and implementation of the rule of law at both the national and international levels;
3.
Reaffirms that the will of the people, as expressed through periodic and genuine
elections, shall be the basis of government authority, and the right to choose representatives
freely through periodic and genuine elections, which shall be by universal and equal suffrage
and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures;
4.
Calls upon Member States and the United Nations system to minimize the
adverse impact of multiple interrelated global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic,
through, inter alia, the strengthening and enhancement of international cooperation, increased
equality of opportunities for trade, economic growth, sustainable development, global
communications, increased intercultural exchange and the preservation and promotion of
cultural diversity;
5.
Reaffirms that a democratic and equitable international order requires, inter
alia, the realization of the following:
(a)
The right of all peoples to self-determination, by virtue of which they can freely
determine their political status and pursue freely their economic, social and cultural
development, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and relevant resolutions
of the United Nations;
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