A/HRC/24/22 the San Salvador Protocol highlighted the role of the family as the natural and fundamental element of society in the development of the values of solidarity, respect and responsibility and in which, in particular, mothers and children, should be protected. 36. The Observatoire de la diversité et des droits culturels, Université de Fribourg, Switzerland, in a joint contribution with the Centre interdisciplinaire sur les droits culturels de l’Université de Nouakchott, Mauritania, addressed two traditions and traditional strategies of conflict resolution between individuals or ethnic groups, namely Dendiraagal and Molaare, where traditional values and old as well as new religious traditions enabled effective implementation of human rights in Mauritania. E. Civil society organizations 37. Acción Solidaria, Argentina, asserted that human life begins with conception. That idea constituted a traditional value in Argentina and many other countries, with the implication that rights of human embryos should be respected. The same position should also apply to embryos resulting from extracorporeal fertilization. Citing, amongst others, the National Academy of Medicine in Argentina, it pointed out several medical and scientific arguments to support the view that abortion was inacceptable. 38. Referring to conformity with natural law as well as the Roman ius gentium, Alliance Defending Freedom, United States, stated that rights and freedoms based on traditional values in the form of natural law could not be withdrawn without a violation, and conviction for such human rights violations was possible even in the absence of positive law. Natural law could not be bound to one culture at one particular place in time and found evidence in other traditions, such as the notion of “Tao” in classical Confucianism. 39. This natural-law-based universality could be seen in the emphasis the Universal Declaration of Human Rights placed on the family and its importance as a natural and fundamental unit of society. The institution of marriage was important, as it was based on the natural complementary nature of man and woman. Parents had the right to educate their children without interference by the State. 40. The Alliance of Romania’s Families, Romania, promoted the fundamental interests of the community, such as pro-family practices, pro-life policies and freedom of religion, conscience and expression. It emphasized the promotion of article 16, paragraph 3, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, i.e. through supporting the role of family, fostering dialogue, mutual respect and an equal opportunity for input in the definition and determination of social norms in the global society, as a best practice to support human rights and freedoms through traditional values. The Alliance noted that both rights and obligations should be emphasized, in preference to highlighting only rights and freedoms. This was especially important in educating the younger generation. 41. Amnesty International asserted that an understanding of the complexity of the concept of “tradition” was essential to promote a better appreciation of the contribution of traditional values in relation to human rights protection. Best practices should recognize that tradition and traditional values were contested and evolving, and that traditions that were not in line with human rights standards could be found in any culture, community or country. 42. Amnesty International noted that the Human Rights Council had appointed a Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, and best practices identified by that expert were highly relevant. The previous Independent Expert in the field of cultural rights had asserted 9