On 12 August, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Geneva Conventions, the Government laid before the country and the international community its "policy on the promotion of respect for, and the guaranteeing of Human Rights and the application of International Humanitarian Law". This document is the result of a lengthy and complex process of reaching consensus. The technical teams of government and state offices directly responsible for Human Rights issues contributed to it. In addition to new guidelines, the policy incorporates actions which have been implemented by this government ever since its assumption of office, and even by previous governments.

The policy gives precise direction to the government's action in respect of Human Rights. It allows greater internal coherence and facilitates cooperation within the state and society as a whole, and even with the international community. It is the starting point for the outlining and carrying out of an Action Plan which will set into motion, coordinate, set goals and deadlines to, and establish controls over the action of the various government bodies in connection with Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, in accordance with the recommendations of the Vienna Convention of 1993.