A/HRC/35/35 Part I. International solidarity: definition, principles and objectives Article 1 1. International solidarity is the expression of a spirit of unity among individuals, peoples, States and international organizations, encompassing the union of interests, purposes and actions and the recognition of different needs and rights to achieve common goals. 2. International solidarity is a foundational principle underpinning contemporary international law in order to preserve the international order and to ensure the survival of international society. 3. The principle of international solidarity is based on, and in accordance with: (a) Justice, equity, peace, non-interference, self-determination, mutual respect and accountability in international relations; (b) The permanent sovereignty of each State over its own natural wealth and resources and to determine freely its own objectives of sustainable development, to set its own priorities and to decide, in accordance with international human rights law, including the right to development and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the means and methods of achieving those objectives, without any external interference; h (c) Equitable, just and fair partnerships of States as the basis of international cooperation; (d) Respect for and protection and fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals, without distinction as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability or other status; (e) The accountability of States to their peoples concerning the implementation of their foreign policy and their bilateral, regional and international agreements and partnerships, for the actions of the international organizations of which they are members, in conformity with the States’ international human rights obligations, i and for failures to investigate, prevent or sanction the conduct of the private sector within their jurisdiction. Article 2 International solidarity consists of preventive solidarity, reactive solidarity and international cooperation: (a) Preventive solidarity is characterized by collective actions to safeguard and ensure the fulfilment of all human rights, and requires that States fully respect and comply with their obligations under international law, and that individuals, peoples, civil society, the private sector and international organizations complement the efforts of States through their activities in that regard; (b) Reactive solidarity is characterized by collective actions of the international community to respond to the adverse impacts of natural disasters, health emergencies, epidemic diseases and armed conflict, with the goals of alleviating human suffering, mitigating further damage and ensuring that the response complies fully and effectively with States’ obligations under international human rights law; (c) International cooperation rests on the premise that some States may not possess the resources or capacity necessary for the full realization of the rights set forth in international human rights treaties. States in a position to do so should provide international assistance, acting separately or jointly, to contribute to the fulfilment of human rights in other States in a manner consistent with the fundamental principles of international law and international human rights law. h i See A/HRC/21/66, para. 22 (e). See Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 14 (2000) on the right to the highest attainable standard of health, para. 50. 17