A/HRC/18/2 26. Decides to continue its consideration of this issue under the same agenda item in accordance with its annual programme of work. 36th meeting 29 September 2011 [Adopted without a vote.] 18/13 The role of prevention in the promotion and protection of human rights The Human Rights Council, Reaffirming the obligation of States under the Charter of the United Nations to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Reaffirming also the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and recalling the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other human rights instruments, as well as the outcomes of major United Nations conferences and relevant resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, Recalling the role of the Human Rights Council in the prevention of human rights violations through cooperation and dialogue, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006, Reaffirming that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and that all human rights must be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis, Expressing concern about continued human rights violations around the world, Recalling Human Rights Council resolutions 5/1 and 5/2 of 18 June 2007, and 16/21 of 25 March 2011, Recalling also Human Rights Council resolution 14/5 of 17 June 2010, 1. Affirms the importance of effective preventive measures as a part of overall strategies for the promotion and protection of all human rights; 2. Recognizes that States have the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of all human rights, including the prevention of human rights violations, and that this responsibility involves all branches of the State; 3. Stresses that States should promote supportive and enabling environments for the prevention of human rights violations, including, inter alia, by: (a) Considering ratifying international human rights conventions and covenants; (b) Fully implementing international human rights conventions and covenants to which they are party; (c) Developing good governance, democratic systems, the rule of law and accountability; (d) Adopting policies to ensure the enjoyment of all human rights; (e) Addressing all forms of discrimination, as well as factors, inter alia, inequality and poverty, that may lead to situations in which human rights violations are committed; GE.12-17756 39