Opening remarks by the President of the General Assembly,

H.E. Mr Dennis Francis,

to the GA informal meeting on UDHR75 and the UN Human Rights Prize award ceremony

Friday 15 December

[As Delivered]

 

Your Excellency, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General,

Your Excellency, Volker Turk, High-Commissioner for Human Rights,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we come together to commemorate a monumental achievement – one that resonates not only within the walls of this institution, but that echoes through the rich mosaic of humanity.

Seventy-five years ago, the visionary adoption of what Eleanor Roosevelt aptly       referred to as “the international Magna Carta for all people, everywhere” took place in this General Assembly.

Borne out of the ashes of humanity’s darkest chapters — the Holocaust, the shadows of two world wars, and the stolen lives that lingered in their wake — the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stands as an enduring cornerstone, its relevance and universality reverberating through the corridors of time.

This landmark document indeed marked a pivotal juncture, where nations, irrespective of their diverse backgrounds, cultures, and histories, joined hands to affirm “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

It underscored that human rights are inherent to every existence, transcending origin, cultural identity, religious beliefs, or any other distinctions.

This decisive moment highlighted the formidable force that human rights carry, emphasizing their inalienability, indivisibility, inseparability, and interconnectedness.

The Universal Declaration proclaimed the inherent dignity and intrinsic worth of every human being, without caveats or conditions of any kind.

This milestone not only laid the foundation for international, national, and regional human rights instruments, but continues to serve as a timeless beacon for its advocates worldwide.

Today, we commemorate this important anniversary amid unprecedented challenges —interlocking crises and conflicts straining the achievement of human rights and perturbing the very essence of our multilateral system and demanding our unwavering resolve to fulfill the promise of the Declaration.

Regrettably, 75 years after the UDHR adoption, millions of people around the globe continue to endure the denial of their most basic human rights.

But – ensuring the universal fulfillment of these rights is critical to the sustenance of peace and security.

As articulated in the preamble of the Universal Declaration, “disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind”.

We must act on what we already know: human rights violations are the proverbial canary in the coalmine, the signal of the impending threat of conflict.

Excellencies,

Alarming pushbacks against human rights, including surges in hate speech and hate crime, setbacks in women’s and children’s rights, and emerging challenges, such as the climate crisis and digital transformation, demand our collective attention.

In this climate of proliferating conflicts and heightened global polarization, this 75th anniversary serves as an opportunity for introspection and a renewed call for action.

This year’s anniversary should prompt reflection and a genuine recommitment to do better; to address shortcomings and emerging challenges.

Where have we fallen short in upholding the Universal Declaration’s goals and principles? How did this impact the most vulnerable? What have we learnt from tragedies?

Excellencies,

Later this morning, we will honour the recipients of the 2023 United Nations Human Rights Prize, acknowledging the pivotal role of civil society organizations and human rights defenders.

But in doing so, we are reminded that the primary responsibility of respecting, protecting, and indeed, fulfilling human rights lies pre-eminently with states, and with those who govern them.

We must optimize upcoming high-level events, such as the Summit of the Future in 2024, to fulfill the promise of the Universal Declaration and deliver on peace, progress, prosperity, and sustainability for all.

Seventy-five years after its adoption, we stand at a critical crossroads.

This is a time for action to ensure that human rights transcend mere slogans, empowering individuals to claim back their rights, our entitlement to which are and must be deemed sacrosanct.

Moving forward, let us individually and collectively rededicate ourselves to human rights, transforming the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration into a dynamic, living reality for all, without exception, everywhere.

The Universal Declaration’s principles must remain our North Star, both guiding and illuminating our path towards a future where the full enjoyment of human rights is not just an aspiration but an undeniable reality for every individual across the globe.

Because we are all human, and equal in rights, every life matters, without-distinction.

I thank you.