Human Rights Day, Dignity and Justice for all of us: 10 December 2007

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Statements

Statement of the General Assembly President

Message on Human Rights Day

Today is Human Rights Day. On 10 December 1948 the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – a historic milestone in the evolution of our common understanding, and affirmation, of values we deem inviolable: that all human beings are born free and with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms!

The Declaration, inspired by the extraordinary vision and determination of its drafters, is a testament to what we can achieve together as an international community. Its universality is a sign of the shared human values that bind us together, no matter where we were born, or where we live. The rights and values contained in this Declaration stand as a truly binding force in today’s globalized world.

It is, however, also important to remember that even on this day human beings continue to be subjected to violations of their fundamental rights in all parts of the world. This must not and will not deter us.

In calling for a new culture of international relations, based on full respect of human rights, human security, the responsibility to protect and sustainable development, I wish to emphasize that we must not and cannot forget those who are denied these rights. It is incumbent upon us to champion their cause.

Human Rights Day 2007, with the theme “dignity and justice for all of us”, provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the achievements we have made collectively since 1948, the obstacles we are facing together today and the challenges we aim to overcome tomorrow.

Let us therefore seize the moment and work together to uphold the Declaration through our work in the General Assembly. Let us also strive - as we embark on a year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - to live up to the spirit embodied by those who had the courage and conviction to leave us with this great legacy.

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

Statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, issued the following statement to mark Human Rights Day which is commemorated on 10 December.

As we jointly celebrate today not only Human Rights Day but also launch the year-long campaign leading to the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we have cause to celebrate the accomplishments made, since 1948, on the road to ensuring fundamental freedoms for each one of us.

The Universal Declaration and its core values- inherent human dignity, justice, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality- apply to everyone, everywhere, always.

In all parts of the world, individuals, groups, organisations, and Governments have striven to transform into reality the promises contained in the Universal Declaration. Many have died in the pursuit of these ideals.

Today is also the day to reflect upon our individual and collective failures to stand up against violence, racism, xenophobia, torture, repression of unpopular views and injustices of all sorts.

In today’s growing divisions between the rich and the poor, the powerful and the vulnerable, the technologically advanced and the illiterate, the aggressors and the victims, the relevance of the Declaration and the universality of the enshrined rights need to be loudly reaffirmed.

In the course of this year, unprecedented efforts must be made to ensure that every person in the world can rely on just laws for his or her protection. In advancing all human rights for all, we will move towards the greatest fulfilment of human potential, a promise which is at the heart of the Universal Declaration.