A/HRC/RES/27/24 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, 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, as well as inclusive economic empowerment, are among the essential conditions for equal participation in political and public affairs and must be promoted and protected, Recognizing also 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, Recognizing further the need to intensify efforts to eliminate barriers in law and in practice and to actively facilitate full and effective participation in political and public affairs, 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, including 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 with appreciation the study on the factors that impede equal political participation and steps to overcome those challenges, prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,1 and urges all States to consider, as appropriate, the conclusions and recommendations of the study, and to ensure the full, effective and equal participation of all citizens in political and public affairs, including by, inter alia: (a) Complying fully with their international human rights law obligations and commitments with regard to participation in political and public affairs, including by reflecting them in their national legislative framework; (b) Considering signing and ratifying or acceding to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other core international human rights treaties; (c) Taking all necessary measures to eliminate laws, regulations and practices that discriminate, directly or indirectly, against citizens in their right to participate in public affairs on the grounds of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, or on the basis of disability; 1 2 A/HRC/27/29.