A/HRC/RES/30/9
United Nations
General Assembly
Distr.: General
12 October 2015
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Thirtieth session
Agenda item 3
Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 1 October 2015
30/9.
Equal participation in political and public affairs
The Human Rights Council,
Guided by the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights,
Recalling relevant international human rights treaties, in particular the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights,
Recalling also all relevant General Assembly and Human Rights Council resolutions
on participation in political and public affairs, in particular Council resolutions 24/8 of 26
September 2013 on equal political participation, and 27/24 of 3 October 2014 on equal
participation in political and public affairs,
Reaffirming that every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity, without any
of the distinctions stipulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and
without unreasonable restrictions, to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or
through freely chosen representatives, and to have access, on general terms of equality, to
public service in his or her country, as well as to vote and to be elected at genuine periodic
elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and held by secret ballot,
guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors, and reaffirming also that the
will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government,
Reaffirming also that no distinctions are permitted among citizens in the enjoyment
of the right to participate in the conduct of public affairs on the grounds of race, colour, sex,
language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or
other status, or on the basis of disability,
Emphasizing the critical importance of equal and effective participation in political
and public affairs for democracy, the rule of law, social inclusion, 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, inclusive economic
growth and sustainable development, peace and democracy,
GE.15-17586(E)
*1517586*