Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th Anniversary

On December 10th, 2008, the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is celebrated. This declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly, in the year of 1948, in Paris and it recognizes the basic human rights.

Nowadays, the UDHR is available in over 360 languages , the most widely translated document in the world, which attests for its character and worldwide reach. It’s a brief and unique document containing 30 articles, which has probably affect humanity deeper than any other document in history. Written by representatives of all regions and judicial traditions, the UDHR has resisted the test of time, and has been accepted by all governments. The declaration and its basic values such as no discrimination, equality and universality are applicable to all people, in all places and at all times. Freedom, peace and justicce in the world are considered inalienable rights of the human family.

By initiative of the UN Secretary General, on December 1st, 2007, a promotional campaign was started, led by the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights and supported by the agencies, departments and funds of the UN as well as other international and local associations. The initiative celebrates the Declaration and the promise that has made this document so enduring: “Dignity and justice for all of us”. The campaign aims to increase knowledge and awareness of human rights among people and highlight their importance to the peoples of the world. During the year of 2008 several activities were carried out not only to make this declaration known but also to promote these fundamental rights.

“It is a chance to ensure that these rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere” stated the UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon

Current Situation

There is no doubt that the humanitarian organizations keep denouncing that the reality continues to defy the aims of the declaration. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the resurgence of violence has left 250.000 people without a home.

According to data from the Amnesty International, cases of torture were registered in 81 countries, only in the last year. At least 1252 people were executed around the world, most of which in China, the host of the Olympic Games this year.

In 45 countries there citizens arrested for political reasons. The discrimination of women, disabled people and dissidents continue to thrive in numerous places, not mentioning the millions who live in undignified conditions due to poverty.

UN Celebration

The United Nations celebrates several panels and a plenary session of the General Assembly. The day starts with a debate about the theme “60 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: lessons learned”

The plenary session of the General Assembly will devote the afternoon to dealing with the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, when several delegations will deliver their speeches.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the South African Navi Pillay stated that, despite the efforts during these 6 decades “we are very far from reaching the goals stated in the declaration.”

The Commissioner highlighted that, in face of the current financial crisis, the poorest populations have had their rights ignored and called upon people to “watch guard in order to ensure that the development programs and the social security networks are either kept or reinforced.”

However, the analysts agree that , although the UDHR has not yet managed to extinguish all forms of cruelty, inequality, exploitation and abuse, the last 60 years would have been much worse without it.

Text: Gabriela Lara
English Version: Patricia Mamede
Soure: UN, Amnesty International

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