A/HRC/19/2 Recalling General Assembly resolution 65/32 of 6 December 2010, in which the Assembly decided to convene a high-level meeting on the rule of law at the national and international levels during the high-level segment of its sixty-seventh session, Reaffirming that, while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region, and reaffirming also the necessity of due respect for sovereignty and the right to selfdetermination, 1. Stresses that democracy includes respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, inter alia, freedom of association and of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and opinion, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, the right to be recognized everywhere as a person before the law and the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives, to vote in a pluralistic system of political parties and organizations and to be elected at genuine, periodic, free and fair elections by universal and equal suffrage and by secret ballot guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the people, as well as respect for the rule of law, the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, transparency and accountability in public administration and decision-making and free, independent and pluralistic media; 2. Reaffirms the right of every citizen to vote and be elected at genuine periodic elections without discrimination of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion or belief, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, and stresses that persons entitled to vote must be free to vote for any candidate of party for election and free to support or to oppose government, without undue influence or coercion of any kind that may distort or inhibit the free expression of the elector’s will, and that the results of genuine, periodic, free and fair elections representing the choice of the people for their representatives should be respected by the international community, as well as by all parties and stakeholders; 3. Stresses therefore that everyone must be able to express their grievances or aspirations in a peaceful manner, including through public protests, without fear of being injured, beaten, arbitrarily arrested and detained, tortured, killed or subjected to enforced disappearance; 4. Reaffirms that democracy is vital for the promotion and protection of all human rights; 5. Recalls that the interdependence between a functioning democracy, strong and accountable institutions, transparent and inclusive decision-making and effective rule of law is essential for a legitimate and effective Government that is respectful of human rights; 6. Emphasizes the crucial role played by the political opposition and civil society in the proper functioning of a democracy; 7. Calls upon States to ensure a safe and enabling environment for the media, including for journalists, media workers and associated personnel; 8. Urges States to acknowledge publicly the important contribution of human rights defenders to the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and to create a safe and enabling environment for their work; 9. Stresses the need for the international community to assist and support countries, upon their request, that are emerging from conflict or undergoing democratization, as they may face special challenges in addressing legacies of human rights violations during their transition and in moving towards democratic governance and the rule of law; GE.13-14768 99