A/RES/68/178 Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism 8. Recognizes the importance of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, 14 the implementation of which will make a significant contribution in support of the rule of law in countering terrorism, including by prohibiting places of secret detention, and encourages all States that have not yet done so to consider signing, ratifying or acceding to the Convention; Urges all States that have not yet done so to sign, ratify or accede to the 9. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,4 and encourages States to consider ratifying as a matter of priority the Optional Protocol thereto, 15 the implementation of which will make a significant contribution in support of the rule of law in countering terrorism; 10. Calls upon the United Nations entities involved in supporting counterterrorism efforts to continue to facilitate the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as due process and the rule of law, while countering terrorism; 11. Recognizes the need to continue ensuring that fair and clear procedures under the United Nations terrorism-related sanctions regime are strengthened in order to enhance their efficiency and transparency, and welcomes and encourages the ongoing efforts of the Security Council in support of these objectives, including by supporting the enhanced role of the office of the ombudsperson and continuing to review all the names of individuals and entities in the regime, while emphasizing the importance of these sanctions in countering terrorism; 12. Urges States, while ensuring full compliance with their international obligations, to ensure the rule of law and to include adequate human rights guarantees in their national procedures for the listing of individuals and entities with a view to combating terrorism; 13. Requests the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism to continue to make recommendations, in the context of his mandate, with regard to preventing, combating and redressing violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of countering terrorism, and to continue to report and engage in interactive dialogues on an annual basis with the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council in accordance with their programmes of work; 14. Requests all Governments to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur in the performance of the tasks and duties mandated, including by reacting promptly to the urgent appeals of the Special Rapporteur and providing the information requested, and to give serious consideration to responding favourably to his requests to visit their countries, as well as to cooperate with other relevant procedures and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council regarding the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; 15. Welcomes the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to implement the mandate given to her by the General Assembly in its resolution 60/158 of 16 December 2005, and requests her to continue her efforts in this regard; _______________ 14 15 6/8 Resolution 61/177, annex. United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2375, No. 24841.