A/RES/74/158
United Nations
General Assembly
Distr.: General
17 January 2020
Seventy-fourth session
Agenda item 70 (b)
Promotion and protection of human rights: human rights
questions, including alternative approaches for improving
the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental
freedoms
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly
on 18 December 2019
[on the report of the Third Committee (A/74/399/Add.2)]
74/158.
Strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing periodic
and genuine elections and the promotion of democratization
The General Assembly,
Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
Reaffirming that democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed
will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural
systems and their full participation in all aspects o f their lives,
Reaffirming also 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 further the necessity of due respect for sovereignty and the
right to self-determination,
Stressing that democracy, development and respect for all human rights and
fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing,
Reaffirming that Member States are responsible for organizing, conducting and
ensuring transparent, free and fair electoral processes and that Member States, in the
exercise of their sovereignty, may request international organizations to provide
advisory services or assistance for strengthening and developing their electoral
institutions and processes, including sending preliminary missions for that purpose,
Recognizing the importance of fair, periodic and genuine elections, including in
new democracies and countries undergoing democratization, in order to empower
citizens to express their will and to promote a successful transition to long-term
sustainable democracies,
19-22284 (E)
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