WUNRN
Summary
of Information from States Members/Governments of the United Nations and Other
Relevant Stakeholders on Best Practices in the Application of Traditional
Values while Promoting and Protecting Human Rights and Upholding Human Dignity
(Consider
for women and girls in the context of traditional values, and
the importance of international human rights norms and standards.)
Direct Link to Full 16-Page 2013
Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the UN Human Rights
Council, Geneva:
III.
Analysis and Conclusions
83. Several respondents found that some
traditional values were closely related to human dignity and human rights,
provided the basis and background of universal rights, and supported their
promotion and protection. Examples were provided as best practices in the application
of traditional values while promoting and protecting human rights and upholding
human dignity by both States and other stakeholders.
84. Some respondents were of the view that
traditional values could be invoked to justify the status quo and undermine the
rights of the most marginalized and disadvantaged groups. They noted
that traditional values were at times misused to justify human rights
violations especially with regard to freedom of belief, women’s rights, sexual
orientation and gender identity. It was underlined by many that traditional
values could never be used to justify violations of universal human rights or
as a basis for discrimination in any form.
