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Vienna 1989
on Civil and Political Rights, and with their international commitments, in particular the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These restrictions have the character of exceptions.
The participating States will ensure that these restrictions are not abused and are not applied
in an arbitrary manner, but in such a way that the effective exercise of these rights is ensured.
(22) In this context they will allow all refugees who so desire to return in safety to their
homes.
(23) The participating States will
(23.1) - ensure that no one will be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile;
(23.2) - ensure that all individuals in detention or incarceration will be treated with humanity
and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person;
(23.3) - observe the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners
as well as the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials;
(23.4) - prohibit torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and
take effective legislative, administrative, judicial and other measures to prevent and punish
such practices;
(23.5) - consider acceding to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment, if they have not yet done so;
(23.6) - protect individuals from any psychiatric or other medical practices that violate human rights and fundamental freedoms and take effective measures to prevent and punish such
practices.
(24) With regard to the question of capital punishment, the participating States note that capital punishment has been abolished in a number of them. In participating States where capital
punishment has not been abolished, sentence of death may be imposed only for the most serious crimes in accordance with the law in force at the time of the commission of the crime and
not contrary to their international commitments. This question will be kept under consideration. In this context, the participating States will co-operate within relevant international
organizations.
(25) With the aim of developing mutual understanding and confidence, promoting friendly
and good neighbourly relations, strengthening international peace, security and justice and
improving the implementation of their CSCE commitments, the participating States will further develop co-operation and promote dialogue between them in all fields and at all levels on
the basis of full equality. They agree that full respect for and application of the principles and
the fulfilment of the other CSCE provisions will improve their relations and advance the development of their co-operation. They will refrain from any action inconsistent with the provisions of the Final Act and other CSCE documents and recognize that any such action would
impair relations between them and hinder the development of co-operation among them.
(26) They confirm that governments, institutions, organizations and persons have a relevant
and positive role to play in contributing to the achievement of the aims of their co-operation
and to the full realization of the Final Act. To that end they will respect the right of persons
to observe and promote the implementation of CSCE provisions and to associate with others
for this purpose. They will facilitate direct contacts and communication among these persons,
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