A/HRC/4/16 page 14 On the other hand, there is a clear and indestructible interrelationship between respect for human rights, the effectiveness of democratic mechanisms and the functioning of the rule of law. The nature of recognized and protected human rights, as well as the instruments for their protection are different in different countries in accordance with the differences between those countries’ political regimes. While one should admit that respect for human rights might vary from one country or region to another as a result of variations in local cultural, social and historical backgrounds, one must admit that there is a minimal set of fundamental values having a universal character encompassing basic human rights which must be enhanced, respected and protected everywhere in the world. The violation of these basic universal rights is a matter of legitimate concern for the whole international community and legitimates the intervention of the whole international community. Such an intervention, which should take place in compliance with international law, has not only a moral basis but also a pragmatic and political explanation, since lack of respect for human rights generates social tensions and ultimately national and international insecurity; (b) Whenever an incompatibility exists between the nature of a certain political regime and respect for universally recognized human rights, a change in the political behaviour of the respective regime must be recommended. The alternative would be the acceptance of the human rights violations and of their consequences in the security field. What must be stressed is that such a change should be foreseen and promoted only in a transparent way, with non-violent means and preferably within a multilateral framework. This is precisely what the Commission on Human Rights was doing by putting in place the country mandates; (c) Since violations of human rights affect at the same time the real lives of human beings and international security, it is of paramount importance for everyone not only to assess the situation, but to act to change it for the better. To this end the mandate of a special rapporteur has no limits, any rapporteur being obliged to look at every single issue which might directly or indirectly touch upon the capacity to violate or, on the contrary, to restore respect for human rights; (d) In the accomplishment of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur has encountered, for the third consecutive year, an absolute refusal to cooperate on the part of the Government of Belarus. All efforts made to engage in constructive dialogue were fruitless. The Special Rapporteur has consistently informed the Government of Belarus of all of his findings based on information received from different sources, requested their official assessment, and made it clear that silence would be interpreted as a confirmation of accuracy. The absence of any reaction implies that the Government of Belarus accepts the facts contained in this report. 52. The decision to establish a special procedure to monitor the situation of human rights in Belarus, taken in accordance with United Nations rules, must be accepted and enforced by all States Members of the United Nations. The systematic obstruction of United Nations special procedures in the fulfilment of their mandates violates the obligations which the Republic of Belarus has accepted as a Member State. The persistent