A/HRC/RES/25/38 Recalling further the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Recognizing that, pursuant to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, of expression and of association are human rights guaranteed to all, while their exercise may be subject to certain restrictions, in accordance with States’ obligations under applicable international human rights instruments, Recognizing also that any such restrictions must be based in law, in accordance with States’ obligations under applicable international human rights instruments and subject to a competent, independent, impartial and prompt administrative or judicial review, Recalling that States have the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including in the context of peaceful protests, and to ensure that national legislation, policies and practices, as the national framework for the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, of expression and of association, are in compliance with international human rights law, Acknowledging that peaceful protests can occur in all societies, including protests that are spontaneous, simultaneous, unauthorized or restricted, Acknowledging also that participation in peaceful protests can be an important form of exercising the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, of expression, of association and of participation in the conduct of public affairs, Recognizing that peaceful protests can make a positive contribution to the development, strengthening and effectiveness of democratic systems and to democratic processes, including elections and referendums, Acknowledging that peaceful protests can contribute to the full enjoyment of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, Reaffirming that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person, Reaffirming also that participation in public and peaceful protests should be entirely voluntary and uncoerced, Stressing therefore that everyone must be able to express their grievances or aspirations in a peaceful manner, including through public protests, without fear of reprisals or of being intimidated, harassed, injured, sexually assaulted, beaten, arbitrarily arrested and detained, tortured, killed or subjected to enforced disappearance, Deeply concerned about extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of persons exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, of expression and of association in all regions of the world, Expressing its concern about the number of attacks targeting human rights defenders and journalists in the context of peaceful protests, Expressing its concern also at the criminalization, in all parts of the world, of individuals and groups for having organized or taken part in peaceful protests, Stressing that peaceful protests should not be viewed as a threat, and therefore encouraging all States to engage in an open, inclusive and meaningful dialogue when dealing with peaceful protests and their causes, 2