A/RES/58/175 recognizing the value of such approaches in promoting universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Recalling the programme of action adopted by national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, meeting in Vienna from 14 to 16 June 1993 3 during the World Conference on Human Rights, in which it was recommended that United Nations activities and programmes should be reinforced to meet the requests for assistance from States wishing to establish or strengthen their national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, Noting the valuable role played and contributions made by national institutions in United Nations meetings dealing with human rights and the importance of their continued appropriate participation, Welcoming the strengthening in all regions of regional cooperation among national human rights institutions and between national human rights institutions and other regional human rights forums, Noting with appreciation the existence of the regional human rights networks in Europe and Africa, the continuing work of the Network of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Americas and the work of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, Welcoming the strengthening of international cooperation among national human rights institutions, including through the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions, 1. Welcomes the report of the Secretary-General; 4 2. Reaffirms the importance of the development of effective, independent and pluralistic national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, in keeping with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (“the Paris Principles”), contained in the annex to resolution 48/134 of 20 December 1993; Reiterates, on the tenth anniversary of their recognition by the General 3. Assembly, the continued importance of the Paris Principles, recognizes the value of further strengthening their application, where appropriate, and encourages States, national institutions and other interested parties to consider ways to achieve this; Recognizes that, in accordance with the Vienna Declaration and 4. Programme of Action,1 it is the right of each State to choose the framework for national institutions that is best suited to its particular needs at the national level in order to promote human rights in accordance with international human rights standards; Encourages Member States to establish or, where they already exist, to 5. strengthen national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, as outlined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action; Welcomes the growing number of States establishing or considering the 6. establishment of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights; _______________ 3 4 2 See A/CONF.157/NI/6. A/58/261.