A/HRC/22/29 91. There is a need for an internationally concerted and endorsed strategic framework of accompagnement of nascent democracies. Such a framework would highlight comparative advantages and complementarities and would reinforce coherence and cooperation throughout the United Nations system. B. Recommendations National efforts to promote democracy and the rule of law 92. States should strive to respect the principles of the rule of law, in particular, the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, the independence and accountability of Parliament and institutional checks and balances, as guarantors of protection against impunity, corruption and abuse of power. 93. Democracy, development and human rights have important conceptual and practical affinities.21 The suppression of impediments to participation in public life and decision-making, reductions in income disparities, improved access to economic opportunities and social safety nets are markers of a healthy democracy. Statebuilding should not be merely a technocratic exercise. Building or rebuilding inclusive, resilient and responsive States requires inclusive and participatory governance, accountability and constructive State-society relations.22 94. There is momentum for an interactive approach, synergies and coordination among national actors, including parliaments and national human rights institutions, the United Nations system and regional organizations, with respect to the development of guidelines and codes of conduct and the exchange of experiences and lessons learned. Human rights indicators23 should be further developed to include the translation of democratic principles into operational benchmarks. 95. All components of civil society must be able to exercise their right to participate in decision-making structures and mechanisms and to be actively involved in democratization processes. 96. Incitement to hatred, discrimination or intolerance on any ground is a threat to democracy and should be appropriately countered. 97. National security and counter-terrorism strategies must not serve as pretexts to undermine democracy, human rights and the rule of law. 98. Human rights education and civic education foster democratic culture and practices and promote a culture of peace. They should be systematically incorporated into school and academic curricula. International efforts to promote democracy and the rule of law 99. Democracy assistance should revolve around building States’ capacities to undertake comprehensive reforms. A constructive promotion of democratic ideals, anchored in respect for human rights, including the right to self-determination, serves to advance global peace and security. 21 22 23 See Jack Donnelly, ―Human rights, democracy, and development‖, Human Rights Quarterly, vol. 21 (1999), pp. 608-632. See Anna K. Jarsad and Timothy D. Sisk, eds., From War to Democracy: Dilemmas of State-Building (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2008). See OHCHR, Human Rights Indicators: A Guide to Measurement and Implementation (HR/PUB/12/5). 17