HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2007: Launch of a Year-Long Celebration
of the 60th Anniversary of the UDHR
The Campaign
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) turns 60 on 10 December 2008. Human Rights Day 2007,is serving as the launch of a year-long UN system-wide advocacy campaign to mark this important milestone. The campaign, an initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, will be led by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and supported by UN agencies, departments and funds, and other international and local partners, to celebrate the Declaration and the promise that has made this document so enduring: “Dignity and Justice for All of Us”.
The year-long commemoration, culminating on Human Rights Day 2008, aims to continue to raise awareness of the Declaration and its relevance to people around the world. The campaign aims to engage the wide participation of individuals and institutions -- from global organizations to grassroots advocacy groups – to make the Declaration a reality for all. The Declaration opened the door to much progress but there is no room for complacency, as the almost daily litany of human rights violations around the world demonstrates.
The Logo
The anniversary campaign is symbolized by the UDHR60 logo, which depicts a human shape standing with arms wide open. The yellow and red symbol represents liberation and equality. The yellow is a sign of peace and warmth. The symbol is set on a solid block which represents the foundation of human rights. The earthy red colour of the block reinforces human rights as a foundation stone and as humankind’s common heritage.
The UDHR60 logo – in full colour or as a single colour -- is available with text in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. It will be used during the anniversary period, from 10 December 2007 to 31 December 2008. It is under embargo until 10 December 2007.
The logo is available on the OHCHR website. Please visit the OHCHR website for guidelines on its usage.
Theme
The UDHR60 logo comes with words that encapsulate the promise of the Declaration: “Dignity and Justice for all of us”. It reinforces the vision of the UDHR as the first international recognition that fundamental rights and freedoms are inalienable and inherent to all human beings, that every one of us is born free and equal. The phrase also serves as a rallying call, for the promise of dignity and justice is far from realized for everyone. The UDHR is a living document that matters not only in times of conflict and in societies suffering repression, but also in addressing social injustice and achieving human dignity in times of peace in established democracies. Non-discrimination, equality and fairness – key components of justice – form the foundation of the UDHR. And no matter where you live, how much money you have, what faith you practice or political views you hold, all the human rights in the Declaration apply to you, everywhere, always.
www.KnowYourRights2008.org
The United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) in Brussels has created a new website, KnowYourRights2008.org, as a repository of ideas to commemorate the year of human rights. The highly interactive website enables people to upload and download multimedia files and share their European projects and initiatives on the Universal Declaration. KnowYourRights2008.org will be launched on 10 December 2007.
The UDHR: the foremost statement of the rights and freedoms of all human beings
The Declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, consists of a preamble and 30 articles, setting out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all men and women, everywhere in the world, are entitled, without any distinction.
The Declaration was drafted by representatives of all regions and legal traditions. It has over time been accepted as a contract between governments and their peoples. Virtually all States have accepted it. The Declaration has also served as the foundation for an expanding system of human rights protection that today focuses also on vulnerable groups such as disabled persons, indigenous peoples and migrant workers.
Human Rights Day
The UDHR was adopted on 10 December 1948. The date has since served to mark Human Rights Day worldwide. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main UN rights official, and her Office play a major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observance of Human Rights Day.
ABOUT OHCHR
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the global authority on human rights. It represents the world’s commitment to universal ideals of human dignity and has been given a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights. Headquartered in Geneva, the Office is also present in some 40 countries. Headed by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, a position established by the General Assembly in 1993 to spearhead the United Nations’ human rights efforts, OHCHR offers leadership, works objectively, educates and takes action to empower individuals and assist States in upholding human rights. OHCHR, a part of the United Nations Secretariat. For more information, please visit the OHCHR website.