Today, 10 December 2007, is Human Rights Day. The Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights will launch a year-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This theme for 2008, “Dignity and justice for all of us,” reinforces the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a commitment to universal dignity and justice. It is not a luxury or a wish-list.
The UDHR and its core values, inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The Declaration is universal, enduring and vibrant, and it concerns us all.
Since its adoption in 1948, the Declaration has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
An essential element in the protection of human rights is a widespread knowledge and understanding among people of what their rights are and how they can be defended. The Declaration is now available in over 360 languages and is the most translated document in the world – a testament to its universal nature and reach.
Sixty years on, we pay tribute to the extraordinary vision of the Declaration’s original drafters and to the many human rights defenders around the world who have struggled to make their vision a reality.
The Declaration belongs to each and every one of us – read it, learn it, promote it and claim it as your own.
Source: : Human Rights Day
Also read:
rocky'sbru's "No one is above the Law" : here
Aniza Damis's interview with Tun Musa Hitam "Rights come with responsibilities" : here
Nuraina A. Samad's "International Human Rights Day" : here
2 comments:
It's a sad day for Human Rights in this country.
Nine people arrested for taking part in a peaceful walk to mark Human Rights Day.
Pak Lah why boast so much that the BN is a democratically-elected Government when we cant even celebrate this?
It wasnt a protest rally, so why? Why?
Puteri.
It is sad indeed that the celebration of International Human Rights Day in this country was marred by the arrest nine people who took part in the walk yesterday.
I thought that under the United Nations' declaration, peaceful assembly is considered a fundamental foundation of human rights.
Unfortunately, in Malaysia the Government does not think so for fear that such a gathering would disturb the peace in the country.
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