A/HRC/22/71 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 6 December 2012 Original: English Human Rights Council Twenty-second session Agenda items 3 and 5 Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development Human rights bodies and mechanisms Study of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee on promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms through a better understanding of traditional values of humankind Summary In the present study, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 16/3, the Advisory Committee examines how a better understanding and appreciation of the traditional values of dignity, freedom and responsibility could contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights. Mindful that discussions on the relationship between traditional values and human rights have revealed divided views, the Committee reflects on both the negative and the positive impact that traditional values may have on the effective implementation of human rights, analysing existing United Nations and other human rightsfocused publications from all perspectives, including consideration of the role that traditional values may play in promoting respect for human rights, as well as the ways in which legitimate concerns may best be addressed. GE.12-18577