A/HRC/RES/33/22 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, the rule of law, peace and democracy, Recognizing that the rights of everyone to freedom of expression, to peaceful assembly, to freedom of association, to education, and access to information, and inclusive economic empowerment, are among the essential conditions for equal participation in political and public affairs and must be promoted and protected, Welcoming the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,1 which recognizes equal participation as a vital principle for achieving sustainable development, eradicating poverty and the realization of all human rights, Recognizing the need for further work on the full and effective implementation of the right to participate in public affairs in the context of article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including by identifying possible gaps in existing guidance on the implementation of this right, Welcoming the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the special procedures, the treaty bodies and other relevant human rights mechanisms on identifying and addressing obstacles to the full implementation of the right to participate in public affairs, 1. Expresses concern that, despite progress made towards the full implementation of the right to participate in public affairs worldwide, many people continue to face obstacles, such as discrimination, including multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, in the enjoyment of their right to participate in the public affairs of their countries as well as in the enjoyment of other human rights that enable it; 2. Recognizes that women, persons belonging to marginalized groups or minorities, and persons in vulnerable situations are among those who are most affected by discrimination in participation in political and public affairs; 3. Reaffirms the obligation of States to take all appropriate measures to ensure that every citizen has an effective right and opportunity to equal participation in public affairs; 4. Notes the emergence of new forms of participation and grass-roots engagement, in particular through new information and communications technology and social media, and the challenges to established forms of political participation in some States; 5. Welcomes the expert workshop on existing guidance on the implementation of the right to participate in public affairs, and on challenges, gaps, opportunities, new developments, trends and innovations with respect to full, effective and equal participation in political and public affairs, organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and held on 18 May 2016, and the summary report thereon,2 and the efforts and initiatives at all levels aimed at facilitating, in law and in practice, full and effective participation in political and public affairs; 6. Urges all States to ensure the full, effective and equal participation of all citizens in political and public affairs, including by, inter alia: 1 2 2 General Assembly resolution 70/1. A/HRC/33/25.