A/HRC/RES/24/8
Emphasizing the critical importance of equal political participation for democracy,
the rule of law, social inclusion and economic development, and advancing gender equality,
as well as for the realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Reaffirming that the active participation of women, on equal terms with men, at all
levels of decision-making, is essential to the achievement of equality, sustainable
development, peace and democracy,
Recognizing that the rights of everyone to freedom of expression, to peaceful
assembly and to freedom of association are among the essential conditions for equal
political participation and must be protected,
Recognizing also the need to intensify efforts to eliminate barriers in law and in
practice and to actively facilitate equal political participation,
Welcoming the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights, the special procedures, the treaty bodies and other relevant human rights
mechanisms on identifying and addressing obstacles to equal political participation,
1.
Expresses concern that, despite the progress made in achieving equal political
participation worldwide, many people continue to face obstacles, including discrimination,
in the enjoyment of their right to participate in political and public affairs of their countries;
2.
Recognizes that women, persons belonging to marginalized groups or to
minorities, and persons in vulnerable situations are among the most affected by
discrimination in political participation;
3.
Reaffirms the obligation of States to take all appropriate measures to ensure
that every citizen has an effective right and opportunity to participate in political and public
affairs on an equal basis;
4.
Urges all States to ensure the full and effective participation of all citizens in
political and public affairs on an equal basis, including by, inter alia:
(a)
Complying fully with their international human rights obligations and
commitments with regard to equal political participation;
(b)
Taking all necessary measures to eliminate laws, regulations and
that, directly or indirectly, discriminate against citizens in their right to
participation on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political
opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, or on the
disability;
practices
political
or other
basis of
(c)
Ensuring that no one’s right to participate in political and public affairs of his
or her country is suspended or conditioned, except on objective and reasonable grounds
which are duly established by law and in conformity with international law;
(d)
Taking proactive measures to eliminate all barriers in law and in practice that
prevent or hinder citizens, in particular women, persons belonging to marginalized groups
or minorities, and persons in vulnerable situations, from fully and effectively participating
in political and public affairs;
(e)
Taking appropriate measures to publicly encourage and promote the
importance of equal political participation of all citizens, in particular women, persons
belonging to marginalized groups or to minorities, and persons in vulnerable situations;
(f)
Ensuring the right of everyone to freedom of expression, to peaceful
assembly and to freedom of association, and facilitating equal and effective access to
information, media and communication technologies in order to enable pluralistic debates
fostering equal political participation;
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