A/HRC/16/37 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 13 December 2010 Original: English Human Rights Council Sixteenth session Agenda items 2 and 8 Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action Workshop on traditional values of humankind Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Summary The present report contains a summary of the discussions held during the workshop on traditional values and human rights, which was held in Geneva, on 4 October 2010, in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 12/21 The workshop, which was opened by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, saw the participation of experts representing different civilizations and legal systems, as well as delegates from interested States, academics and intergovernmental and civil society organizations. The workshop focused on the issue of how the traditional values underpinning international human rights contributed to the promotion and protection of human rights in general. Five panels were created: an introductory panel, to frame the issue; a panel on human dignity and equality; a panel on freedom and responsibility through the prism of different cultures and traditions; a panel on practical approaches to take advantage of opportunities and tackle challenges; and a panel for final conclusions. GE.10-17740