BEYOND THE BOUNDS: A Shelter City Exhibition Booklet

53/144. Declaration on the Rig Organs of Society to Pro Rights and Fundamental

1. Adopts the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Org Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, a to the present resolution;

BEYOND THE BOUNDS.

A/RES/53/144 Page 2

[on the report of the

RESOLUTION ADOP

General Asse

Page 2

Fifty-third session Agenda item 110 (b)

2. Invites agencies ofand organizations of Organs the United Nations system 1. Adopts the Declaration on the Governments, Right and Responsibility Individuals, Groups and of intergovernmental non-governmental to Freedoms, intensify annexed their efforts to dissemina Society to Promote and Protect Universallyand Recognized Human Rightsorganizations and Fundamental to the present resolution; Declaration and to promote universal respect and understanding thereof, and requests the Secretary-G

to include the text of the Declaration in the next edition of Human Rights: A Compilation of Intern

UNITED NATIONS

2. Invites Governments, Instruments. agencies and organizations of the United Nations system and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to intensify their efforts to disseminate the Declaration and to promote universal respect and understanding thereof, and requests the Secretary-General to include the text of the Declaration in the next edition of Human Rights: A Compilation of International Instruments.

A Shelter City exhibition.

ANNEX

85th plenary m 9 Decembe

85th plenary meeting 9 December 1998

Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Pr and Protect Universally ANNEX Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Declaration on the Right The and General Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote Assembly, and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

Reaffirming the importance of the observance of the purposes and principles of the Charter

The General Assembly, United Nations for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms

persons in all countries of the world,

Reaffirming the importance of the observance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Reaffirming also the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights2 and the Intern persons in all countries of the world, 3

Covenants on Human Rights as basic elements of international efforts to promote universal respect

2 of human and Declaration fundamentaloffreedoms and the importance of other human rights instr Reaffirming alsoobservance the importance of therights Universal Human Rights and the International Unitedof Nations system, as well as thoseuniversal at the regional Covenants on Humanadopted Rights3 within as basicthe elements international efforts to promote respectlevel, for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the importance of other human rights instruments adopted within the United Nations system, as those of at the level, community shall fulfil, jointly and separatel Stressing that asallwell members theregional international

solemn obligation to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

Stressing that all members of the international shall fulfil, based jointly on andrace, separately, without distinction of any kind,community including distinctions colour, their sex, language, religion, p solemn obligation toorpromote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for and all reaffirming the pa other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, without distinction ofimportance any kind, including distinctions based oncooperation race, colour,tosex, language, religion, according political to the Charter, of achieving international fulfil this obligation or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, and reaffirming the particular importance of achieving international cooperation to fulfil this obligation according to the Charter, A/RES/53/144

Acknowledging the important role of international cooperation for, and the valuable work of indiv

Page 4

groups and role associations in contributing elimination of all violations of human rig Acknowledging the important of international cooperationto, for,the andeffective the valuable work of individuals, fundamental freedoms peopleselimination and individuals, including in relation mass, flagrant or sys groups and associations in contributing to, theofeffective of all violations of human rightstoand 2 3 Universal of Human Rights, the International Covenants Human Rights and other violations such those resulting fromin apartheid, all forms ofonracial discrimination, colonialism, fundamental Declaration freedoms of peoples andasindividuals, including relation to mass, flagrant or systematic domination orfrom occupation, to national sovereignty, international and commitments applicable in threats this field. violations suchinstruments as those resulting apartheid,aggression all forms or of racial discrimination, colonialism,national foreign unity or territorial in and from the refusal to recognize right of peoples self-determination and the right of every pe domination or occupation, aggression or threats to nationalthe sovereignty, national to unity or territorial integrity full the sovereignty over itstowealth and natural and resources, and from the refusal exercise to recognize right of peoples self-determination the right of every people to exercise full sovereignty over its wealth and natural resources, Article 5

For the purpose of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, at the national and international levels: 3

3

Resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.

Resolution A (XXI), annex. peacefully; (a) To2200 meet or assemble

/...

(b) To form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations, associations or groups; (c) To communicate with non-governmental or intergovernmental organizations.

Article 6 Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others: Netherlands, Bebeinformation Blanco Agterberg, Edward (a) By ToJustice know, and seek,Peace obtain, receive and hold about all and human rightsDşułaj and fundamental

Beyond the Bounds: A Shelter City Exhibition 28 February–26 March 2020 Atrium City Hall Gemeente The Hague

The term ‘Activist’ can often feel far-removed for many. Who are they?

What do they do? In this exhibition, developed by photographer Bebe Blanco Agterberg, graphic designer Edward Dżulaj and Hague-based organisation Justice and Peace Netherlands, you will meet six human rights defenders who stayed in The Hague and in the Netherlands for three months.

The exhibition leaves the word activist at the door, and invites you in to get to know the human side of activism through the stories of Jose, Tama, Kimsor, William, Baryalai, and Khaled. The exhibition pays tribute to those on the front line defending freedoms and standing up for justice everywhere in the world. In this way, we acknowledge the vital role they play locally, nationally and internationally in protect ing and promoting human rights, often with personal sacrifices.

Shelter City Network The six individuals portrayed in the exhibition were once participants in Shelter City, a Dutch initiative that began 8 years ago here in The Hague.

Shelter City is a temporary relocation programme for human rights defenders from around the world that are threatened or at risk.

Together with the municipality of The Hague, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local Hague-based organisation, Justice and Peace Netherlands, the initiative was founded.

Whether they are journalists, writers, artists, lawyers, LGBTI rights defenders, environmental defenders, or women’s rights activists – The Hague, 16 other Dutch and international cities and counting provide a safe space for these people. For a period of three months, human rights defenders have the opportunity to rest, re-energise, re-strategise, expand their network, and build their security, advocacy, or wellbeing capacities.

To date, over 300 human rights defenders have been supported.

The mission of Shelter City: to ensure sustainability in the human rights movement and claim space for civil society worldwide by supporting those that implement human rights at the local level.

A message from the artists Bebe Blanco Agterberg is a Dutch photographer and Edward Dşułaj is a graphic designer from Warsaw, Poland. We both work around the themes of politics, injustice and power, and often try to visualize what is not always visible. Currently, we are both graduating this year from Royal Academy of Art in The Hague.

The exhibition exists out of different layers. But most importantly, we wanted to show the person behind the human rights defender and at the same time shed light on the important work they do. The countries where these human rights defenders are coming from are far away and are less safe than the Netherlands. We may have seen images of their country’s situations on the news, but it can still feel very abstract to us and it is sometimes hard to imagine what activism actually means and what the consequences are for people who fight for justice. We collaborated closely with all the human rights defenders to make this exhibition. They are as much the creators as us.

The table is a central point in the exhibition. When all the exhibited human rights defenders were here to join the Shelter City programme, they often stayed together in one house in The Hague during trainings.

They shared stories, experiences and meals around one big table. The table stands for unity, because even though they have different causes, come from different countries and are fighting against different forms of injustice they all want the same thing and share the same cause, which is to live in a safer and more just world.

The General Assembly,

Reaffirming the importance of the United Nations for the promotion and persons in all countries of the world,

Reaffirming also the importance o Covenants on Human Rights3 as basic e observance of human rights and fundame adopted within the United Nations system

General Assembly

Stressing that all members of the solemn obligation to promote and enco without distinction of any kind, includin or other opinion, national or social ori importance of achieving international coo

in all territory under its jurisdiction, whether they be ombudsmen, hu Acknowledging the important role o form of national institution.

groups and associations in contributing fundamental freedoms of peoples and Articleresulting 15 violations such as those from domination or occupation, aggression or The State has the responsibility promote thethe teach and fromtothe refusaland tofacilitate recognize rig freedoms at all levels of exercise educationfull andsovereignty to ensure over that its all wealth those re a

association with others, to participate in peaceful activities al freedoms.

s to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of ers, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de er arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate claration.

Article 14

lative, judicial, administrative or other appropriate measures r its jurisdiction of their civil, political, economic, social and

ability of national laws and regulations and of applicable

ocuments in the field of human rights, including the periodic the international human rights treaties to which it is a party, the official reports of these bodies.

re appropriate, the creation and development of further

Article 17

In the exercise of the rights and freedoms referred to in the p individually and in association with others, shall be subject only to such applicable international obligations and are determined by law sole recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of mee public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.

A

in association with others, to solicit, receive and utilize g and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms e 3 of the present Declaration.

contributing to making the public more aware of questions relating freedoms through activities such as education, training and research in t alia, understanding, tolerance, peace and friendly relations among natio groups, bearing in mind the various backgrounds of the societies and their activities.

Distr.

GENERAL

Article 13

Resolution 2200 A (XXI), annex.instituti Individuals, non-governmental organizations and relevant 3

A/RES/53/144 8 March 1999

dividually and in association with others, to be protected t or opposing, through peaceful means, activities and acts, es that result in violations of human rights and fundamental by groups or individuals that affect the enjoyment of human

Article 16

Recognizing the relationship between international peace and security and the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and mindful that the absence of international peace and security does not

enforcement officers, the personnel of the armed forces and public off human rights teaching in their training programme.

A/RES/53/144 Page 3

Article 12

UNITED NATIONS

Fifty-third session Agenda item 110 (b) RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[on the report of the Third Committee (A/53/625/Add.2)]

53/144. Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

The General Assembly,

Reaffirming the importance of the observance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons in all countries of the world,

Taking note of Commission on Human Rights resolution 1998/7 of 3 April 1998,1 in which the

association with others, to the lawful exercise of his or her sult of his or her profession, can affect the human dignity, s should respect those rights and freedoms and comply with cupational and professional conduct or ethics.

Declaration on the Right and Respons and Protect Universally Re

Article 18

1. Everyone has duties towards and within the community, in which his or her personality is possible.

2. Individuals, groups, institutions and non-governmental organizatio a responsibility in safeguarding democracy, promoting human rig contributing to the promotion and advancement of democratic societies,

3. Individuals, groups, institutions and non-governmental organizatio responsibility in contributing, as appropriate, to the promotion of th international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in the Un and other human rights instruments can be fully realized.

9 December 1998

Arti

ANNEX

For the purpose of promoting and protecting hum right, individually and in association with others, at the

sibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote ecognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

(a) To meet or assemble peacefully;

(b) To form, join and participate in non-governm

e observance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the d protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all

(c) To communicate with non-governmental or i

Arti

of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights2 and the International elements of international efforts to promote universal respect for and ental freedoms and the importance of other human rights instruments m, as well as those at the regional level,

Everyone has the right, individually and in associ

(a) To know, seek, obtain, receive and hold freedoms, including having access to information as domestic legislative, judicial or administrative systems

e international community shall fulfil, jointly and separately, their ourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all ng distinctions based onA/RES/53/144 race, colour, sex, language, religion, political igin, property, birth or other Page status, 7 and reaffirming the particular operation to fulfil this obligation according to the Charter,

(b) As provided for in human rights and other impart or disseminate to others views, information freedoms;

uman rights commissions or any other

A/RES/53/144 8 March 1999

Distr.

GENERAL

A

/...

/...

Everyone has the right, individually and in asso rights ideas and principles and to advocate their accep Nothing in the present Declaration shall be construed as impairing or contradicting the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations or as restricting or derogating from the provisions of the

ons also have an important role and a he right of everyone to a social and niversal Declaration of Human Rights

Arti

Arti

1. Everyone has the right, individually and in asso discriminatory basis, to participation in the governm affairs.

General Assembly

Article 4

Article 3

2. This includes, inter alia, the right, individually an bodies and agencies and organizations concerned wi

UNITED NATIONS

Declares:

excuse non-compliance,

ons have an important role to play and ghts and fundamental freedoms and , institutions and processes.

(c) To study, discuss, form and hold opinions human rights and fundamental freedoms and, throug attention to those matters.

Domestic law consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and other international obligations of the State in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the juridical framework within which human rights and fundamental freedoms should be implemented and enjoyed and within which all activities referred to in the present Declaration for the promotion, protection and effective realization of those rights and freedoms should be conducted.

alone the free and full development of

2. Each State shall adopt such legislative, administrative and other steps as may be necessary to ensure that the rights and freedoms referred to in the present Declaration are effectively guaranteed.

Article 1

present Declaration, everyone, acting h limitations as are in accordance with ely for the purpose of securing due eting the just requirements of morality,

Article 2

ions have an important role to play in to all human rights and fundamental these areas to strengthen further, inter ons and among all racial and religious d communities in which they carry out

1. Each State has a prime responsibility and duty to protect, promote and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms, inter alia, by adopting such steps as may be necessary to create all conditions necessary in the social, economic, political and other fields, as well as the legal guarantees required to ensure that all persons under its jurisdiction, individually and in association with others, are able to enjoy all those rights and freedoms in practice.

Recognizing the right and the responsibility of individuals, groups and associations to promote respect for and foster knowledge of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels,

Stressing that the prime responsibility and duty to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms lie with the State,

Reiterating that all human rights and fundamental freedoms are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and should be promoted and implemented in a fair and equitable manner, without prejudice to the implementation of each of those rights and freedoms,

ficials include appropriate elements of

Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to promote and to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels.

of international cooperation for, and the valuable work of individuals, g to, the effective elimination of all violations of human rights and individuals, including in relation to mass, flagrant or systematic m apartheid, all forms of racial discrimination, colonialism, foreign r threats to national sovereignty, national unity or territorial integrity hing of peoples human rights and fundamental and the right of every people to ght of to self-determination esponsible training lawyers, law and natural for resources,

JOSE

Thousands of people are missing in Mexico, and impunity runs rampant. Despite the existence of detailed evidence and testimonies of hundreds of victims, neither the state nor the federal government has initiated criminal investigations.

When Jose’s three brothers and two cousins disappeared, he began a collective of victims called Siempre Vivos (Always Alive) to find their missing loved ones and fight for justice.

“I do not want to be pitied, I do not want people to have compassion for me, I don’t want them to see me and feel sorry for what happened to me.

What I want is to attain justice in a dignified way and that international organisations or other authorities and pressure mechanisms can help us improve things in Chilapa.�

KHALED

Since President el-Sisi took power in Egypt via a military coup in 2013, he has systematically removed obstacles to his power. Limits to freedom of speech, breaches in data privacy, and repression of protestors and human rights defenders continue to worsen. For Khaled, the youth have the power to change his country. Khaled is a lawyer and civil rights defender. He trains young people from Egypt about the potential of peaceful activism.

“When I was younger, I had to walk seven kilometres every day to get to school.

I wanted to study law and politics when I was older, so I continued going. But the education was not good – the teachers didn’t have many supplies, and we never progressed in levels.

But after school, I would turn on the radio and listen to everything that was happening around the world.

Sometimes, I’d go and entertain the nearby farmers with stories from close and far away places.”

KIMSOR

Kimsor is an environmental defender. For over a decade, the government of Cambodia has granted economic land concessions to private companies to exploit its natural resources. After being a victim of forced displacement in 2009 due to a national development plan, Kimsor started her activist work. Her aim is to empower communities to advocate and fight against land-grabbing and to protect Cambodia’s natural resources.

“What I want to see in Cambodia is real development - for the people, for the community.

I want to see people not having to live off one or two dollars per day.�

WILLIAM

Illegal logging is widespread in Uganda. In the past 25 years, Uganda has lost 63% of its forest cover due to tree-cutting for timber, firewood, and charcoal.

William is an environmental defender. With his work, William has exposed the powerful individuals behind these illicit activities and dedicates himself to protecting the only natural rain forest in the Adjumani district in Northern Uganda, the Zoka forest.

“When I look into the faces of my children, I ask myself: Is this the world I will leave for them? Because I inherited a better world from my dad. ...

My entire life was dependent on the environment.�

TAMA

Tama is a transgender man and LGBTI rights activist. In 2016, the Indonesian government identified the LGBTI community as a threat to national stability, resulting in a national homophobia outbreak (“the crackdown�). Attacks against the LGBTI community happened across the country. Tama creates safe spaces for the LGBTI community, advocates locally, nationally, and internationally, and works to mainstream trans issues in the LGBTI rights movement.

“I believe that joy is a form of resistance. I used to work so hard, until I even forgot to be happy. And after some point, I feel that with me being very sad and depressed with all of the situation… those who oppress us, I feel like they win at some point.

I need to love myself more.

Because those people, they don’t want us [LGBTI/trans people] to love ourselves.

Now I probably can’t do as much work as I used to do, but I feel so much better and I do the most basic resistance by being happy.”

BARYALAI

Baryalai is a human rights defender from Farah, Afghanistan. Afghanistan has been in a state of almost constant war for the last 40 years. Taliban resistance, the opium trade, US and international involvement, and other complexities have fuelled the ongoing conflict. For Baryalai, who has only experienced war in his country his whole life, a better life and a better future for his people is what he works towards.

“I started because my people don’t have access to their rights, to education, and to health services.

We don’t have a good government, there is violence against women and children. That is why I started my activism, for my people.”

Supporting human rights defenders worldwide Human rights defenders are under immense pressure in many parts of the world. While these stories of the six brave people featured in this exhibition are testaments to the resilience, will for change, and fire burning within of many human rights defenders around the world, they also reveal a very salient fact that human rights defenders must continue to be supported and protected.

Something that we have learned through the many years we have been supporting human rights defenders is the importance of wellbeing.

The wellbeing of human rights defenders is a critical - but still often neglected - issue in the human rights movement. Cultures of human rights practice tend to value deep commitment and sacrifice, prompting feelings of guilt in relation to ’self-care’. Human rights defenders are also concerned about the stigma around mental health, especially when they are already cast in a negative light for their activism. All these factors can cause human rights defenders to not look after themselves, and could result in human rights defenders facing burnouts, depression, trauma, and having to leave the human rights movement altogether.

We believe that another way is possible. From all of us at Justice & Peace, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting human rights defenders worldwide, to building a stronger and larger solidarity network of Shelter Cities worldwide for and with human rights defenders, and call on the global community to put wellbeing at the forefront for a sustainable, safer, and more effective human rights movement.

In solidarity with each other and with all human rights defenders.

Justice & Peace Netherlands

Beyond the Bounds was created by:

Together with Bebe Blanco Agterberg and Edward Dşułaj

With thanks to:

A part of:

Would you like to support human rights defenders through the Shelter City programme? You can donate via www.sheltercity.nl or via the QR code below. We thank you for your kind support.

How else can you support human rights defenders? By showing your solidarity for their work, showing support for their cause, and helping make their voices stronger. It is important in the human rights movement that those at the front line do not feel alone.

We are in this together. Thank you.

For more information on Shelter City and the people who have been supported, go to www.sheltercity.nl or www.justiceandpeace.nl

Or follow more stories of HRDs via:

@ShelterCityHRDs,

@Justice_PeaceNL

@JusticeandPeaceNL

2. Each State shall adopt such legislative, administrative and other steps as may be necessary to ensure that the rights and freedoms referred to in the present Declaration are effectively guaranteed.

(b) To form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations, associations or groups;

(c) To communicate with non-governmental or intergovernmental organizations.

Article 6

Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others:

(a) To know, seek, obtain, receive and hold information about all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including having access to information as to how those rights and freedoms are given effect in domestic legislative, judicial or administrative systems;

(b) As provided for in human rights and other applicable international instruments, freely to publish, impart or disseminate to others views, information and knowledge on all human rights and fundamental freedoms;

(c) To study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters.

Article 7

53/144. Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to develop and discuss new human rights ideas and principles and to advocate their acceptance.

Article 8

[on the report of the Third Committee (A/53/625/Add.2)]

Reaffirming the importance of the observance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons in all countries of the world,

Taking note of Commission on Human Rights resolution 1998/7 of 3 April 1998,1 in which the Commission approved the text of the draft declaration on the right and responsibility of individuals, groups and organs of society to promote and protect universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Taking note also of Economic and Social Council resolution 1998/33 of 30 July 1998, in which the Council recommended the draft declaration to the General Assembly for adoption,

The General Assembly,

Domestic law consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and other international obligations of the State in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the juridical framework within which human rights and fundamental freedoms should be implemented and enjoyed and within which all activities referred to in the present Declaration for the promotion, protection and effective realization of those rights and freedoms should be conducted.

/...

RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1. Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to have effective access, on a nondiscriminatory basis, to participation in the government of his or her country and in the conduct of public affairs.

The General Assembly,

3 human rights teaching in their trainingannex. programme.

Resolution 2200 A (XXI),

A/RES/53/144 8 March 1999

/...

2. This includes, inter alia, the right, individually and in association with others, to submit to governmental bodies and agencies and organizations concerned with public affairs criticism and proposals for improving

Fifty-third session Agenda item 110 (b)

Article 16

Article 2

Distr.

GENERAL

Reaffirming the importance of the observance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations for the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons in all countries of the world,

1. Each State has a prime responsibility and duty to protect, promote and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms, inter alia, by adopting such steps as may be necessary to create all conditions necessary in the social, economic, political and other fields, as well as the legal guarantees required to ensure that all persons under its jurisdiction, individually and in association with others, are able to enjoy all those rights and freedoms in practice.

Individuals, non-governmental organizations and relevant institutions have an important role to play in contributing to making the public more aware of questions relating to all human rights and fundamental freedoms through activities such as education, training and research in these areas to strengthen further, inter alia, understanding, tolerance, peace and friendly relations among nations and among all racial and religious groups, bearing in mind the various backgrounds of the societies and communities in which they carry out their activities.

Article 17

Article 1

In the exercise of the rights and freedoms referred to in the present Declaration, everyone, acting individually and in association with others, shall be subject only to such limitations as are in accordance with applicable international obligations and are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.

Article 18

Nothing in the present Declaration shall be construed as impairing or contradicting the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations or as restricting or derogating from the provisions of the

Reaffirming also the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights2 and the International Covenants on Human Rights3 as basic elements of international efforts to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the importance of other human rights instruments adopted within the United Nations system, as well as those at the regional level,

Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to promote and to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels.

1. Everyone has duties towards and within the community, in which alone the free and full development of his or her personality is possible.

General Assembly

Article 15

Recognizing the right and the responsibility of individuals, groups and associations to promote respect for and foster knowledge of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels,

Stressing that all members of the international community shall fulfil, jointly and separately, their solemn obligation to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction of any kind, including distinctions based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, and reaffirming the particular importance of achieving international cooperation to fulfil this obligation according to the Charter,

Stressing that the prime responsibility and duty to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms lie with the State,

2. Individuals, groups, institutions and non-governmental organizations have an important role to play and a responsibility in safeguarding democracy, promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms and contributing to the promotion and advancement of democratic societies, institutions and processes.

Article 3

Acknowledging the important role of international cooperation for, and the valuable work of individuals, groups and associations in contributing to, the effective elimination of all violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms of peoples and individuals, including in relation A/RES/53/144 to mass, flagrant or systematic Page 7 colonialism, foreign violations such as those resulting from apartheid, all forms of racial discrimination, domination or occupation, aggression or threats to national sovereignty, national unity or territorial integrity in all territory under its jurisdiction, whether they be ombudsmen, human rights commissions or any other and from the refusal to recognize the right of peoples to self-determination and the right of every people to form of national institution. exercise full sovereignty over its wealth and natural resources, Reiterating that all human rights and fundamental freedoms are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and should be promoted and implemented in a fair and equitable manner, without prejudice to the implementation of each of those rights and freedoms,

The State has the responsibility to promote and facilitate the teaching of human rights and fundamental freedoms at all levels of education and to ensure that all those responsible for training lawyers, law enforcement officers, the personnel of the armed forces and public officials include appropriate elements of

Recognizing the relationship between international peace and security and the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and mindful that the absence of international peace and security does not excuse non-compliance,

3. Individuals, groups, institutions and non-governmental organizations also have an important role and a responsibility in contributing, as appropriate, to the promotion of the right of everyone to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights instruments can be fully realized.

Declares:

A/...

UNITED NATIONS

A/RES/53/144 Page 3

Article 4