7
27. Every State should provide an effective framework of remedies to redress human rights grievances
or violations. 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, are essential to the full and non-discriminatory
realization of human rights and indispensable to the processes of democracy and sustainable
development. In this context, institutions concerned with the administration of justice should be
properly funded, and an increased level of both technical and financial assistance should be provided
by the international community. It is incumbent upon the United Nations to make use of special
programmes of advisory services on a priority basis for the achievement of a strong and independent
administration of justice.
28. The World Conference on Human Rights expresses its dismay at massive violations of human rights
especially in the form of genocide, "ethnic cleansing" and systematic rape of women in war situations,
creating mass exodus of refugees and displaced persons. While strongly condemning such abhorrent
practices it reiterates the call that perpetrators of such crimes be punished and such practices
immediately stopped.
29. The World Conference on Human Rights expresses grave concern about continuing human rights
violations in all parts of the world in disregard of standards as contained in international human rights
instruments and international humanitarian law and about the lack of sufficient and effective remedies
for the victims.
The World Conference on Human Rights is deeply concerned about violations of human rights during
armed conflicts, affecting the civilian population, especially women, children, the elderly and the
disabled. The Conference therefore calls upon States and all parties to armed conflicts strictly to
observe international humanitarian law, as set forth in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and other
rules and principles of international law, as well as minimum standards for protection of human rights,
as laid down in international conventions.
The World Conference on Human Rights reaffirms the right of the victims to be assisted by
humanitarian organizations, as set forth in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and other relevant
instruments of international humanitarian law, and calls for the safe and timely access for such
assistance.
30. The World Conference on Human Rights also expresses its dismay and condemnation that gross
and systematic violations and situations that constitute serious obstacles to the full enjoyment of all
human rights continue to occur in different parts of the world. Such violations and obstacles include, as
well as torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, summary and arbitrary
executions, disappearances, arbitrary detentions, all forms of racism, racial discrimination and
apartheid, foreign occupation and alien domination, xenophobia, poverty, hunger and other denials of
economic, social and cultural rights, religious intolerance, terrorism, discrimination against women and
lack of the rule of law.
31. The World Conference on Human Rights calls upon States to refrain from any unilateral measure
not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations that creates obstacles to
trade relations among States and impedes the full realization of the human rights set forth in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights instruments, in particular the
rights of everyone to a standard of living adequate for their health and well-being, including food and
medical care, housing and the necessary social services. The World Conference on Human Rights
affirms that food should not be used as a tool for political pressure.
32. The World Conference on Human Rights reaffirms the importance of ensuring the universality,
objectivity and non-selectivity of the consideration of human rights issues.
33. The World Conference on Human Rights reaffirms that States are duty-bound, as stipulated in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights and in other international human rights instruments, to ensure that education is aimed
at strengthening the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The World Conference on