A/HRC/15/60 Recognizing the importance of bar associations, professional associations of judges and non-governmental organizations in the defence of the principle of the independence of judges and lawyers, Recalling that prosecutors shall, in accordance with the law, perform their duties fairly, consistently and expeditiously, and respect and protect human dignity and uphold human rights, thus contributing to due process and the smooth functioning of the criminal justice system, Emphasizing that judges, prosecutors and lawyers play a critical role in safeguarding the non-derogable right of freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Recalling that it is essential to ensure that prosecutors 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 combating criminality, Recalling also 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, Noting with concern the increasingly frequent attacks on the independence of judges, lawyers, prosecutors and court officials, Reaffirming Council resolution 8/6 of 18 June 2008 on the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, 1. Encourages States to take into consideration principles and individual and institutional parameters for effectively guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary and the free and independent functioning of lawyers and the legal profession, as contained in previous reports submitted by the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to the Council3 and the General Assembly;4 2. Takes note with appreciation of the latest report of the Special Rapporteur5 on, inter alia, continuing education and training in international human rights as a crucial factor for the independence of judges and lawyers and for the objectivity and impartiality of prosecutors and their ability to perform their functions accordingly, and invites all Governments and competent national entities, such as bar associations, associations of magistrates and universities, to consider seriously the conclusions and recommendations made therein; 3. Requests the Special Rapporteur to carry out, within existing resources and with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, a global thematic study to assess the human rights education and continuing training of judges, prosecutors, public defenders and lawyers, with recommendations for appropriate follow-up, and to present it to the Council at its twentieth session; 3 4 5 10 A/HRC/11/41. A/64/181. A/HRC/14/26. GE.11-17043