A/HRC/RES/58/8 trend of democratic backsliding, and the deterioration of the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as for the rule of law, Recognizing the need for all stakeholders to be a part of the responses to global crises and challenges, to have access to timely and accurate information online and offline and to be involved in decisions that affect them, and acknowledging the importance of an active, inclusive and safe engagement of civil society in policymaking, free from reprisals and acts of intimidation, and of facilitating the private sector’s contributions to these responses, Urging States to acknowledge and protect the important contributions of civil society, Indigenous Peoples, human rights defenders, journalists and media workers to the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and to ensure an open, safe and enabling environment for their work, both online and offline, Acknowledging that education contributes to the strengthening of democracy, good governance and the rule of law at all levels, the reduction of economic inequality, the realization of human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, accessibility for and inclusion of persons with disabilities, combating racism and all forms of discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, the achievement of all internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the development of human potential, the eradication of poverty and the fostering of greater understanding, dialogue and cooperation among peoples, Gravely concerned that attacks on schools, students and education personnel continue to escalate, with immediate and long-term consequences for children, especially girls and those with disabilities, recognizing the critical importance of keeping educational environments safe and upholding the right to education, and affirming that education is vital for development, peace, security, the rule of law and the full enjoyment of human rights and freedoms, Noting the principles enshrined in the Recommendation on Education for Peace and Human Rights, International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development, which emphasize the role of education in achieving peace, human rights and fundamental freedoms, international understanding, cooperation, democracy, the rule of law, global citizenship, sustainable development and the ability to think critically in an evolving information landscape, Acknowledging the fundamental importance of human rights education and training, including through digital platforms, in consolidating democracy and contributing to the promotion, protection and effective realization of all human rights, including by fostering critical thinking and by developing competences for active civic engagement in decisionmaking processes for building inclusive and peaceful societies and more resilient democracies, and stressing the need to close all digital divides with a view to ensuring that the benefits of new and emerging digital technologies are available to all, without discrimination of any kind, Reaffirming the importance of access to reliable, affordable and accessible information and communications technology and of digital, media and information literacy in fostering responsible use of digital technologies and access to reliable knowledge, while acknowledging the importance of open and inclusive educational resources in ensuring equitable access to quality education for all, acknowledging that innovation, technological change and education in the digital age are essential for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and emphasizing that the full, safe, accessible, equal and meaningful participation and representation of women at all levels of decision-making in political and public affairs are critical to democracy, Acknowledging that innovation, technological change and assistive technology in the digital age are important for achieving the full and meaningful participation of all persons with disabilities, and emphasizing the importance of their full, safe, equal and meaningful participation in designing and implementing policies, programmes and initiatives, free from discrimination, Reaffirming the need for States to develop and implement policies and strategies that ensure access to safe, inclusive, equitable and quality education and equal opportunities for 3