Human rights in the administration of justice A/RES/71/188 Convinced that the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and the integrity of the judicial system as well as an independent legal profession are essential prerequisites for the protection of human rights, the rule of law, good governance and democracy and for ensuring that there is no discrimination in the administration of justice and should therefore be respected in all circumstances, Recalling that every State should provide an effective framework of remedies to redress human rights grievances or violations, Emphasizing that the right to access to justice for all forms an important basis for strengthening the rule of law through the administration of justice, Welcoming the inclusion in Sustainable Development Goal 16, 18 on the promotion of just, peaceful and inclusive societies, of the target to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and to ensure equal access to justice for all, Mindful of the importance of ensuring respect for the rule of law and human rights in the administration of justice as a crucial contribution to building peace and justice and ending impunity, Recognizing the importance of the principle that, except for those lawful limitations that are demonstrably necessitated by the fact of incarceration, persons deprived of their liberty shall retain their non -derogable human rights and all other human rights and fundamental freedoms, Concerned about the negative impact of overincarceration and overcrowding on the enjoyment of human rights, and acknowledging that overincarceration constitutes one of the major underlying causes of overcrowding, Recalling that the social rehabilitation and reintegration of persons deprived of their liberty shall be among the essential aims of the criminal justice system, ensuring, as far as possible, that offenders are able to lead a law -abiding and selfsupporting life upon their return to society, Recognizing the need for Governments to take measures, within the justice system, particularly the criminal justice system, to prevent discrimination, inter alia, against persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and to increase their effective participation within the sys tem, Aware of the need for special vigilance with regard to the specific situation of children, juveniles and women in the administration of justice, in particular while they are deprived of their liberty, and their vulnerability to various forms of violence, abuse, injustice and humiliation, Reaffirming that children who are victims and witnesses of crime and violence are particularly vulnerable and require special protection, assistance and support appropriate to their age, level of maturity and needs, in order to prevent further hardship and trauma that may result from their participation in the criminal justice process, Recognizing the specific situation and needs of children formerly associated with armed forces or armed groups when accused of crimes under international law allegedly committed while they were associated with armed forces or armed groups, _______________ 18 See resolution 70/1. 3/8