|
International Human Rights Day
December 10th is
International Human Rights Day, and 2007 is the 60th Anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We would like to share the
statement of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on this occasion.
Statement of the
Secretary-General:
On this Human
Rights Day, we launch a year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The entire UN family will
take part in a campaign to promote the Declaration's ideals and
principles of justice and equality for everyone.
The campaign
reminds us that in a world still reeling from the horrors of the Second
World War, the Declaration was the first global statement of what we now
take for granted -- the inherent dignity and equality of all human
beings.
The
extraordinary vision and determination of the drafters produced a
document that for the first time set out universal human rights for all
people in an individual context. Now available in more than 360
languages, the Declaration is the most translated document in the world
-- a testament to its universal nature and reach. It has inspired the
constitutions of many newly independent States and many new democracies.
It has become a yardstick by which we measure respect for what we know,
or should know, as right and wrong.
The
Declaration remains as relevant today as it did on the day it was
adopted. But the fundamental freedoms enshrined in it are still not a
reality for everyone. Too often, Governments lack the political will to
implement international norms they have willingly accepted.
This
anniversary year is an occasion to build up that will. It is a chance to
ensure that these rights are a living reality -- that they are known,
understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who
most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed
that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them.
May this year
reinvigorate us in that mission. Let us make the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights an integral part of everyone’s life.
Ban Ki-moon |
