A/63/263 arise, disclosure is important, consistent with the human rights requirements of transparency. Associations of pharmaceutical companies 46. So far as these Guidelines bear upon the strategies, policies, programmes, projects and activities of associations of pharmaceutical companies, they shall apply equally to all such associations. The Guidelines on lobbying (Guidelines 17 and 26) and financial support (Guideline 18), for example, shall apply equally to all associations of pharmaceutical companies. 47. A company that is a member of an association of pharmaceutical companies should take all reasonable steps to ensure that the association fully conforms to these Guidelines. Commentary: A company has a responsibility to ensure that its professional associations are respectful of the right-to-health considerations set out in these Guidelines; otherwise a company could use an association as a way of avoiding its human rights responsibilities. 08-45647 25