A/HRC/22/71 through human rights education, to exercise responsibility by striving for the promotion, respect and observance of human rights for all. 77. Traditional values consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can be instrumental in the promotion, protection and implementation of international human rights in diverse social and cultural contexts. Human rights education and training through such traditional values can be effective in the local context by rooting human rights in such familiar positive traditional values, thus enhancing their acceptability and eliminating the negative perception that human rights are foreign or alien concepts. It is important to recognize and safeguard the links between positive traditional values and human rights to strengthen universal respect for and implementation of human rights. 78. Families, communities, societies and educational institutions have an important role to play in upholding and transmitting the universal values of humankind as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights through human rights education and training. Positive traditional values that underpin and support human rights may be instrumental in increasing acceptability and implementation at the grass-roots level. States should respect the cultural diversity and pluralism that exist within communities and societies as a source of enrichment and value added to the social and cultural fabric of those communities and societies, as well as of marginalized and vulnerable groups; this should not, however, justify any breach of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. 79. Although human rights have been for many years recognized as universal, inalienable and indivisible according to many international human rights instruments, their realization has faced obstacles, especially in certain areas where the population continues to live according to centuries-old traditions and customs in conditions of poverty and deprivation. Regional, cultural and religious specificities that are consistent with universal human rights may be instrumental in promoting the awareness, acceptability and implementation of human rights in diverse local contexts. This must not, however, prejudice the responsibilities of States to promote, protect and fulfil universal human rights in their respective countries and to cooperate at the international level. 80. In order to ensure that a better understanding and appreciation of traditional values of dignity, freedom and responsibility may contribute to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights at the regional, national and grass-roots levels, the distinctive features of different cultures and religions should be accorded respect, on the condition that they are consistent with international human rights standards. To that end, there should be a constant dialogue between different countries and peoples, and respect shown for positive customs and diverse paths of development, while recognizing the responsibility of all States to promote and protect human rights for all. Such an approach would be an important step towards preserving the cultural diversity of our world, preventing conflict and ensuring the universal application of human rights. 21