Resolution 21/16. The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association (A/HRC/RES/21/16)

Recognizing the importance of the freedoms of peaceful assembly and of association, as well as the importance of civil society, to good governance, including through transparency and accountability, which is indispensable for building peaceful, prosperous and democratic societies,

Aware of the crucial importance of active involvement of civil society in processes of governance that affect the life of people,

3. Emphasizes the critical role of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association for civil society, and recognizes that civil society facilitates the achievement of the purposes and principles of the United Nations;

4. Stresses that respect for the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, in relation to civil society, contributes to addressing and resolving challenges and issues that are important to society, such as the environment, sustainable development, crime prevention, human trafficking, empowering women, social justice, consumer protection and the realization of all human rights;