A/HRC/24/54 respect for human rights. Moreover, the High Commissioner confirmed that, while democracy can and should be contextualized, its core values are universal. In reference to the hurdles faced by democracy, the High Commissioner underlined that there are many experiences and good practices on ways to overcome these various challenges. Experience has shown that new democracies, as soon as they come to life, must address past human rights violations, and prioritize the fight against impunity. In this regard, transitional justice processes are crucial. Whether they are new or mature democracies, States must ensure that their governing institutions are sufficiently strong to maintain order and preserve political stability. Furthermore, the High Commissioner referred to socioeconomic inequalities and corruption as serious challenges to democratic values. The High Commissioner concluded by emphasizing the responsibility of the international community to support States not only in the early stages of a transition to democracy, but also in the consolidation phase. 7. The Romanian State Secretary for Political Affairs and Liaison with Parliament, Radu Podgorean, stated that, over the last two decades, Romania has been in a process of transition from dictatorship to democracy. He noted that the main challenges are of a political nature and includes the inherited communist legal system and mentalities, the political culture shaped by authoritarianism, and mistrust in public institutions and authorities. The essential elements that have contributed to the success of democratization are: the guarantee of all human rights for all citizens, in legislation and in practice; the establishment of strong, respected and accountable institutions; and the creation of a legal and judicial system defined by the rule of law, including a favourable framework for building a strong civil society and an uncensored media. In addition, the State Secretary underlined that the new Constitution, with its checks and balances mechanisms, free and fair elections and a strong and independent justice system, are further cornerstones in building the road to a democratic society. He emphasized that the national democratization process has not been the result of exclusively internal endeavours. Since the beginning of the transition, Romania has relied on cooperation with international partners, both at the European and global level, including the Council of Europe and the European Union. He concluded by saying that the United Nations can and should pursue a comprehensive approach to human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and should provide space for coordination of various global or regional initiatives in this field. 8. The Vice-President of the Arab Parliament of the League of Arab States, Aisha alMannai, underscored that democracy, human rights and the rule of law are all very closely related. She also recalled that everyone is entitled to equal rights regardless of race, religion or gender, as well as recalling the importance of fair laws. The Vice-President of the Arab Parliament highlighted that various Human Rights Council resolutions have thoroughly tackled the issue of democracy and its relationship with human rights and rule of law. In that context, she emphasized that there is no single definition of democracy. Furthermore, democracy not only relates to the political arena but also encompasses an economic and social perspective. The Vice-President of the Arab Parliament also noted with interest the study prepared by OHCHR and presented to the twenty-second session of the Council, and noted that it gave an accurate picture of the interdependency between democracy, human rights and the rule of law. In addition, she pointed out various challenges to democracy and highlighted that one major impediment comes from the leadership itself, as exemplified by the Arab Spring. In her statement, the Vice-President of the Arab Parliament called for the recognition of the rights of Palestinians to a free and independent State. She also stressed the need to fight religious extremism and terrorism, including when not linked to religion. Finally, she recommended the organization of trainings and workshops on democracy and the rule of law, in order to promote mutual respect and build trust among people. 9. The Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Vidar Helgesen, welcomed the particular emphasis in Human Rights Council resolution 19/36 on the notion that there was no single model of democracy and that 4