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22. Special attention needs to be paid to ensuring non-discrimination, and the equal enjoyment of all
human rights and fundamental freedoms by disabled persons, including their active participation in all
aspects of society.
23. The World Conference on Human Rights reaffirms that everyone, without distinction of any kind, is
entitled to the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution, as well as the
right to return to one's own country. In this respect it stresses the importance of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, its 1967 Protocol
and regional instruments. It expresses its appreciation to States that continue to admit and host large
numbers of refugees in their territories, and to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees for its dedication to its task. It also expresses its appreciation to the United Nations Relief
and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
The World Conference on Human Rights recognizes that gross violations of human rights, including in
armed conflicts, are among the multiple and complex factors leading to displacement of people.
The World Conference on Human Rights recognizes that, in view of the complexities of the global
refugee crisis and in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, relevant international
instruments and international solidarity and in the spirit of burden-sharing, a comprehensive approach
by the international community is needed in coordination and cooperation with the countries concerned
and relevant organizations, bearing in mind the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees. This should include the development of strategies to address the root causes and effects of
movements of refugees and other displaced persons, the strengthening of emergency preparedness
and response mechanisms, the provision of effective protection and assistance, bearing in mind the
special needs of women and children, as well as the achievement of durable solutions, primarily
through the preferred solution of dignified and safe voluntary repatriation, including solutions such as
those adopted by the international refugee conferences. The World Conference on Human Rights
underlines the responsibilities of States, particularly as they relate to the countries of origin.
In the light of the comprehensive approach, the World Conference on Human Rights emphasizes the
importance of giving special attention including through intergovernmental and humanitarian
organizations and finding lasting solutions to questions related to internally displaced persons including
their voluntary and safe return and rehabilitation.
In accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of humanitarian law, the World
Conference on Human Rights further emphasizes the importance of and the need for humanitarian
assistance to victims of all natural and man-made disasters.
24. Great importance must be given to the promotion and protection of the human rights of persons
belonging to groups which have been rendered vulnerable, including migrant workers, the elimination
of all forms of discrimination against them, and the strengthening and more effective implementation
of existing human rights instruments. States have an obligation to create and maintain adequate
measures at the national level, in particular in the fields of education, health and social support, for the
promotion and protection of the rights of persons in vulnerable sectors of their populations and to
ensure the participation of those among them who are interested in finding a solution to their own
problems.
25. The World Conference on Human Rights affirms that extreme poverty and social exclusion
constitute a violation of human dignity and that urgent steps are necessary to achieve better
knowledge of extreme poverty and its causes, including those related to the problem of development,
in order to promote the human rights of the poorest, and to put an end to extreme poverty and social
exclusion and to promote the enjoyment of the fruits of social progress. It is essential for States to
foster participation by the poorest people in the decision-making process by the community in which
they live, the promotion of human rights and efforts to combat extreme poverty.
26. The World Conference on Human Rights welcomes the progress made in the codification of human
rights instruments, which is a dynamic and evolving process, and urges the universal ratification of
human rights treaties. All States are encouraged to accede to these international instruments; all
States are encouraged to avoid, as far as possible, the resort to reservations.