Chapter 2 • The Major Universal Human Rights Instruments and the Mechanisms for Their Implementation 1.3 Civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights As will be shown in further detail in Chapter 14 of this Manual, the interdependence of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights has been emphasized by the United Nations ever since its inception. However, it is important at the outset to put to rest a frequently invoked distinction between civil and political rights, on the one hand, and economic, social and cultural rights on the other. According to this distinction, all that States basically have to do in order to respect civil and political rights is to refrain from killing, enforced disappearance, torture and other such practices; whereas in order to implement the other group of rights they have to undertake forceful positive actions. However, as has already been pointed out in Chapter 1, and as will be further demonstrated in other chapters of this Manual, there are indeed many situations which impose on States positive obligations to comply with their international legal duties in the field of civil and political rights as well. When one examines, from a purely practical point of view, the reasons why in many countries worldwide people are still being killed and subjected to other forms of unlawful treatment, it becomes abundantly clear that it is precisely because States have not taken the resolutely positive actions required in order to put an end to these practices that human rights violations persist. Rarely, if ever, do such practices go away by themselves, and for States to adopt a position of inaction is thus not an adequate and sufficient means of ensuring that they comply with their international legal obligations. States also have to undertake significant efforts both to organize free and fair elections at regular intervals and to set up and maintain an efficient, independent and impartial judiciary. This imperative need for positive action to secure compliance with international human rights obligations is an important factor to be borne in mind at all times by judges, prosecutors and lawyers in the exercise of their professional responsibilities. In order effectively to respect and ensure civil and political rights, it may not be sufficient for States simply to do nothing. States may have to take strong positive action in order to comply with their legal obligations in this field. 30 Human Rights in the Administration of Justice: A Manual on Human Rights for Judges, Prosecutors and Lawyers