A/HRC/25/27 I. Introduction 1. In its resolution 19/20 on the role of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights, the Human Rights Council requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare and present to the Human Rights Council, at its twenty-fourth session, a comprehensive report outlining the role of the public service as an essential component of good governance, including a compilation of best practices based on information received from Member States of the United Nations, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). At its twenty-fourth session, the Council was informed that, in accordance with the calendar of thematic resolutions of the Council, the report would be submitted to the Council at its twenty-fifth session. 2. The Council invited the relevant stakeholders to provide information on “good practices and their views regarding the organization, training and education of the public service in the promotion and protection of and respect for human rights”. The submissions were to include views on “impartiality, accountability and transparency and the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, as well as activities developed to assist and support the public service”. 3. Submissions were received from 35 Member States, 4 intergovernmental organizations, 1 NGO, 2 NHRIs and 1 observer to the United Nations. II. Background and definition of concepts relating to good governance and human rights A. Defining the role of public service as a component of good governance and its linkage with human rights 4. The definition of good governance has evolved over time and has shifted from governance priorities aimed at increasing economic efficiency and growth to those governance policies and institutions that best promote greater freedom, genuine participation, sustainable human development and human rights. The international community has, directly or indirectly, established the interconnection between good governance, human rights and sustainable development in a number of declarations and other global conference documents. In making the link between good governance and human rights, Human Rights Council resolution 7/11 recognizes that transparent, responsible, accountable and participatory government that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people, including women and members of vulnerable and marginalized groups, is the foundation on which good governance rests. It also recognizes that such a foundation is an indispensable condition for the full realization of human rights, including the right to development.1 1 The concept of good governance was earlier dealt with by the former Commission on Human Rights in a number of resolutions between 2000 and 2005. In its resolution 2000/64, the Commission identified the key attributes of good governance as transparency, responsibility, accountability, participation and responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of the people. The resolution also expressly linked good governance to an enabling environment conducive to the enjoyment of human rights and to promoting growth and sustainable human development. 3