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to the status of national institutions" and recognizing that it is the right of each
State to choose the framework which is best suited to its particular needs at the
national level.
37. Regional arrangements play a fundamental role in promoting and protecting
human rights. They should reinforce universal human rights standards, as
contained in international human rights instruments, and their protection. The
World Conference on Human Rights endorses efforts under way to strengthen
these arrangements and to increase their effectiveness, while at the same time
stressing the importance of cooperation with the United Nations human rights
activities.
The World Conference on Human Rights reiterates the need to consider the
possibility of establishing regional and subregional arrangements for the
promotion and protection of human rights where they do not already exist.
38. The World Conference on Human Rights recognizes the important role of
non-governmental organizations in the promotion of all human rights and in
humanitarian activities at national, regional and international levels. The World
Conference on Human Rights appreciates their contribution to increasing public
awareness of human rights issues, to the conduct of education, training and
research in this field, and to the promotion and protection of all human rights
and fundamental freedoms. While recognizing that the primary responsibility for
standard-setting lies with States, the conference also appreciates the contribution
of non-governmental organizations to this process. In this respect, the World
Conference on Human Rights emphasizes the importance of continued dialogue
and cooperation between Governments and non-governmental organizations.
Non-governmental organizations and their members genuinely involved in the
field of human rights should enjoy the rights and freedoms recognized in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the protection of the national law.
These rights and freedoms may not be exercised contrary to the purposes and
principles of the United Nations. Non-governmental organizations should be
free to carry out their human rights activities, without interference, within the
framework of national law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
39. Underlining the importance of objective, responsible and impartial information
about human rights and humanitarian issues, the World Conference on Human
Rights encourages the increased involvement of the media, for whom freedom
and protection should be guaranteed within the framework of national law.