262. Though the Constitution does not clearly state the principle of equality of peoples, several provisions relating to the protection of human rights (Article 10) can be construed as promoting such as well as those stipulating that "all human beings are equal before the law". 263. Likewise, the law in Djibouti and government initiatives in all intervention areas (access to basic social services, employment, local development…) uphold the equality and dignity of peoples as a fundamental principle. In this regard, Djibouti ratified in 2004 the ILO Convention on Discrimination in respect of Employment and Occupation, 1958 (No. 111). 264. Lastly, given that personal development cannot be achieved without the right to personal dignity, Djibouti has progressively implemented legislative and administrative measures and conducted several information campaigns aimed at the public and the police force to give effect to the provisions of Article 5 of the Charter. 265. Efforts to ensure protection and promotion of the right of peoples to equality in Djibouti have been supported by a broad substratum of traditional customs and practices that structure the way the various communities live. Long before decentralization was put in place, the existence of this traditional system enabled community leaders (Okals) to voice their concerns to State authorities and the latter to consult with the former prior to any undertaking. 2. Right to self-determination Article 20 1. All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen. 2. Colonized or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community. 3. All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the State Parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural. 266. For the purposes of Article 20 of the Charter, Djibouti, an independent and democratic country, acknowledges the fundamental principles laid down in these provisions and has firmly committed to adhere to these principles to the best of its ability knowing that the power of the State lies with the people of Djibouti as a whole (Part I of the Constitution). 267. The right of the people to self-determination in its diverse forms has always been a major concern. 268. The right to existence of the people of Djibouti was only realized in 1977 following a lengthy struggle for independence commenced in the late ‘50s. Like all populations on the African continent with budding aspirations for emancipation, the movement for independence in Djibouti expressed its right to liberate themselves from colonial domination during the first referendum on self-determination in 1958 which did not succeed in ending colonial rule. The second referendum (1967) was not successful either 50