A/RES/66/13 and improved security of property rights, and welcomes the steps already taken by the Government in this regard; D. Human rights 51. Recalls the constitutional guarantee of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Afghans as a significant political achievement, calls for full respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, without discrimination of any kind, and stresses the need to fully implement the human rights provisions of the Afghan Constitution, in accordance with obligations under applicable international law, including those regarding the full enjoyment by women and children of their human rights; 52. Acknowledges and encourages the efforts made by the Government of Afghanistan in promoting respect for human rights, and expresses its concern at the harmful consequences of violent and terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other violent and extremist groups and criminals for the enjoyment of human rights and for the capacity of the Government of Afghanistan to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Afghans, notes with concern reports of continued violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law, including violent or discriminatory practices, violations committed against persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, as well as against women and children, in particular girls, stresses the need to promote tolerance and religious freedom as guaranteed by the Afghan Constitution, emphasizes the necessity of investigating allegations of current and past violations, and stresses the importance of facilitating the provision of efficient and effective remedies to the victims and of bringing the perpetrators to justice in accordance with national and international law; 53. Commends the Government of Afghanistan for its active participation in the universal periodic review process, calls for continued active participation of Afghan civil society in this process, and encourages the timely implementation of the recommendations addressed in the relevant report; 54. Stresses the need to ensure respect for the right to freedom of expression and the right to freedom of thought, conscience or belief as enshrined in the Afghan Constitution, in this regard calls for full implementation of the mass media law, while noting with concern the continuing intimidation and violence targeting Afghan journalists and challenges to the independence of the media, condemns cases of the abduction and even killing of journalists by terrorist as well as extremist and criminal groups, and urges that harassment and attacks on journalists be investigated by Afghan authorities and that those responsible be brought to justice; 55. Reiterates the important role of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, stresses the need to guarantee its constitutional status and implement its mandate, focusing on communities across Afghanistan, so as to foster a more informed public and increase Government accountability, welcomes the decision of the Government of Afghanistan to take full responsibility for the core funding of the Commission, urges the Commission to cooperate closely with Afghan civil society, and calls upon the international community for continued support in this regard; 56. Recalls Security Council resolutions 1674 (2006) of 28 April 2006, 1738 (2006) of 23 December 2006, 1894 (2009) of 11 November 2009 and the mid-year report of July 2011 on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, prepared by the Assistance Mission,3 expresses its serious concern at the high 11

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