A/RES/53/159 Page 3 4. Calls upon the Haitian authorities to mobilize the political will for the pursuit of reform and for the strengthening of the judicial system and the improvement of the country’s prisons; 5. Expresses its deep concern at the prolonged political stalemate, which presents considerable risks for democracy, economic and social development and respect for human rights, and in this regard urges the authorities and political leaders to continue their efforts to resolve the crisis so that the appointment of a Prime Minister may be ratified by the Parliament without further delay; 6. Notes with satisfaction the putting into operation by the Government of Haiti of the Office of the Ombudsman, and invites the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to contribute to its strengthening through a programme of technical cooperation, so that it may develop into a national institution for the promotion of human rights, open to wide participation by civil society; 7. Invites the international community, including the Bretton Woods institutions, to continue their involvement in the reconstruction and development of Haiti, having regard for the fragility of the political, social and economic situation of the country; 8. Encourages the Government of Haiti to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,2 the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment6 and the Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;7 9. Decides to continue its consideration of the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Haiti at its fifty-fourth session. 85th plenary meeting 9 December 1998 6 Resolution 39/46, annex. 7 See resolutions 2200 A (XXI), annex, and 44/128, annex.