A/HRC/RES/19/36 3. Stresses therefore that everyone must be able to express their grievances or aspirations in a peaceful manner, including through public protests, without fear of being injured, beaten, arbitrarily arrested and detained, tortured, killed or subjected to enforced disappearance; 4. Reaffirms that democracy is vital for the promotion and protection of all human rights; 5. Recalls that the interdependence between a functioning democracy, strong and accountable institutions, transparent and inclusive decision-making and effective rule of law is essential for a legitimate and effective Government that is respectful of human rights; 6. Emphasizes the crucial role played by the political opposition and civil society in the proper functioning of a democracy; 7. Calls upon States to ensure a safe and enabling environment for the media, including for journalists, media workers and associated personnel; 8. Urges States to acknowledge publicly the important contribution of human rights defenders to the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and to create a safe and enabling environment for their work; 9. Stresses the need for the international community to assist and support countries, upon their request, that are emerging from conflict or undergoing democratization, as they may face special challenges in addressing legacies of human rights violations during their transition and in moving towards democratic governance and the rule of law; 10. Welcomes the encouraging developments in countries on all continents where free elections have taken place for the first time, positive constitutional changes have been enacted and democratic institutions have been strengthened, thus building confidence in representational governance and contributing to greater national and regional peace and stability; 11. Recalls that democratization can be a fragile process and that the respect of human rights and the rule of law are essential for the stability of democratic societies, including in the context of using information and communication technologies such as the Internet, mobile networks and social media tools; 12. Also recalls that States are guarantors of democracy, human rights, good governance and the rule of law, and bear responsibility for their full implementation; 13. Reaffirms that democracy and racism are incompatible and that any form of impunity condoned by public authorities for crimes motivated by racist, xenophobic or other discriminatory attitudes plays a role in weakening the rule of law and democracy and tends to encourage the recurrence of such acts, and condemns political platforms and organizations based on racism, xenophobia or doctrines of racial superiority and related discrimination, as well as legislation and practices based on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; 14. Acknowledges the fundamental importance of education and training on human rights and democracy in contributing to the promotion, protection and effective realization of all human rights; 15. Emphasizes the importance of effective, transparent and accountable legislative bodies, and acknowledges their fundamental role in the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law; 3