The fundamental freedoms of thought, conscience and religion or belief, expression, assembly and association are the preconditions for political pluralism, democratic process and an open society, whereas democratic control, domestic accountability and the separation of powers are essential to sustain an independent judiciary and the rule of law which in turn are required for effective protection of human rights.
Is réamhchoinníollacha iad na saoirsí bunúsacha smaointeoireachta, coinsiasa agus reiligiúin nó creidimh, cainte, tionóla agus comhlachais maidir le hiolrachas polaitiúil, maidir le próisis dhaonlathacha agus maidir le sochaí oscailte, agus tá rialú daonlathach, cuntasacht bhaile agus scaradh cumhachtaí bunriachtanach chun breithiúnacht neamhspleách agus an smacht reachta a chothú, agus tá siad sin riachtanach chun cearta an duine a chosaint go héifeachtach.