A/HRC/RES/29/6 uphold human rights, thus contributing to due process and the smooth functioning of the criminal justice system, Condemning the increasingly frequent attacks on the independence of judges, lawyers, prosecutors and court officials, in particular threats, intimidation and interference in the discharge of their professional functions, Recalling that every State should provide an effective framework of remedies to redress human rights grievances or violations and that the administration of justice, including law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies and, especially, an independent judiciary and legal profession in full conformity with applicable standards contained in international human rights instruments is essential to the full and non-discriminatory realization of human rights and indispensable to the processes of democracy and sustainable development, Recalling also that it is essential to ensure that judges, prosecutors, lawyers and court officials possess the professional qualifications required for the performance of their functions through improved methods of recruitment and legal and professional training, and through the provision of all necessary means for the proper performance of their role in ensuring the rule of law, Stressing the importance of ensuring accountability, transparency and integrity in the judiciary as an essential element of judicial independence and a concept inherent to the rule of law when it is implemented in line with the Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary and other relevant human rights norms, principles and standards, Emphasizing that judges, prosecutors and lawyers play a critical role in upholding human rights, including the absolute and non-derogable right of freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Emphasizing also that an independent and impartial judiciary, objective and impartial prosecution services and an independent legal profession that foster a balanced representation of men and women and the establishment of gender-sensitive procedures are essential for the effective protection of women’s rights, including protection from violence and revictimization through court systems, to ensuring that the administration of justice is free from gender-based discrimination and stereotypes, and to a recognition that both men and women benefit when women are treated equally by the justice sector, Recognizing the importance of bar associations, professional associations of judges and prosecutors, and non-governmental organizations working in defence of the principle of the independence of judges and lawyers, Stressing the role that independent and effective national human rights institutions established in accordance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles) can and should play in strengthening the rule of law and in supporting the independence and integrity of the judicial system, Recognizing that legal aid is an essential element of a fair, humane and efficient system of administration of justice that is based on the rule of law, Acknowledging that children who come into contact with the law and/or the justice system have rights, needs and interests that must be considered and respected, including through the provision of child-friendly procedures, and that the administration of justice must be in line with States’ commitments and obligations under international human rights instruments, in particular the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and with principles and standards relating to children, including the principles of non-discrimination and the best interests of the child, as well as the right to life and the right of the child to express his 2