[12/January/2004]
SANA\'A, Jan.12(Saba)- At the conclusion of the Sana\'a Inter-Governmental Regional Conference for Democracy, Human Rights and the role of the International Criminal Court, organized by the Government of Yemen and the non-governmental organization No Peace Without Justice from 10-12 January in the beautiful history Sana\'a
has wrapped up on Monday Jan. 12.

The Regional Governmental and Preliminary Delegations from regional and international countries and attended by representatives of civil society from within and outside the region in the presence of many governments\'
delegations from outside the region, have completed three days of fruitful and in depth dialogue, shared experiences and reviewed the progress achieved on Democracy and Human Rights issues and the role of the International
Criminal Court.

They have reached a broad consensus of the following principles:

a- Democracy and human rights, which have their origins in faith and culture, are interdependent and inseparable.

b- Cultural and religious diversity is at the core of universally recognized human rights, which should be overserved in a spirit of understanding in the application of democratic and human rights principles, this diversity
should not be a source of confrontation or clashes but should be a source of dialogue and building bridges of understanding between religions and cultures,

c- Democratic systems protect the rights and interests of everybody without discrimination especially the rights and interests of disadvanted and vulnerable groups,

d- Democracy is achieved not only through institutions and laws but also through the actual practice of democratic principles which should be measured by the degree to these principles, norms, standards and values
are actually implemented and the extent to which they advance the realization of human rights,

e- The basics of democratic system is reflected in periodically elected legislatures, representing the citizens in fair way and ensuring their full participation, on executive bodies responsible and committed to principles
of good governance and on an independent judiciary that guarantee fair trial rights and protects the rights and freedoms of the people, these principles are the guarantors of good governance, which ensures the protection
of human rights.

f- Efforts to ensure a forum for discussion and dialogue must be encouraged in order to exchange ideas, experiences and expertise and to promote
participation and political and democratic development among participating countries.


g- The practice of democracy and human rights and enhancing its understanding require overcoming potential threats to the form and substance of democracy, including foreign occupation, imbalances in the international justice system, the concentration and abuse of power ,ineffective and unaccountable
civil service, poverty, inadequate education, corruption, , crimes under international law discrimination,
h- The effective application of the rule of law is vital to protect democracy and human rights and is the foundation for judicial independence and the application of the separation of powers,


i -A free and independent media is essential for the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights. Pluralism in the media and its privatization is vital for contributing to the dissemination of human rights information,
facilitating informed public participation, promoting tolerance and contributing
to governmental accountability. The media should contribute effectively and responsibly towards the strengthening of democracy and human rights
knowledge.


j- Proper democratic governance and respect for human rights require a freely functioning, well-organized, vibrant and responsible civil society
and a legal framework within which civil society can operate in a spirit of partnership and participation, civil society should play its role responsibly within the framework of law and the principles of human rights and democracy.

k- The private sector is a vital partner in the strengthening of foundations of democracy and human rights, It has a responsibility to work with governments and civil society to enhance progress,

l-The development in the international relations and the increasing international interest in issues of human rights and the rule of law and the serious efforts to stop violations of international law require strong international
judicial institutions to prosecute those who commit crimes under international law, in full respect for the fundamental fair guarantees and the right of the accused.
JW/NS