Human Rights Council marks UDHR 60

The Human Rights Council marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR 60) with a commemorative session on 12 December at its headquarters in Geneva.

The session featured speeches by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Human Rights Council President, Dr. Martin I. Uhomoibhi, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay and a special message from Nelson Mandela.

Many senior government ministers representing member States participated as did representatives of other countries, UN agencies, country groupings and civil society. Children read out the 30 articles of the Declaration and a school choir performed.

In his address, UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon offered congratulations to “all the activists who refused to be silenced by their tormenters. Who knew that right must triumph over might.”

“We have come a long way,” he said, “But the reality is that we have not lived up to its vision – at least not yet.”

“As we mark this milestone, we must also acknowledge the savage inhumanity that too many people in our world must endure. There is no time to rest.”

In her speech to the Council, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Navi Pillay echoed these sentiments, “the recent food emergencies, the degradation of the natural environment, the current financial crisis and the unrest that they engender all underscore that those who are at the frontlines of hardship are also most likely to be the victims of the ripple effects of human rights violations.”

Ms Pillay said an evaluation of the Universal Declaration finds it “as relevant today as it was 60 years ago.”

Nevertheless, she said, “Renewed efforts are needed to give effect to human rights on the ground, not only through the creation of domestic institutions and additional standards, but through concrete protection and promotion measures by States.”

“Sixty years on, we are still a very long way from achieving the goals laid down in the Universal Declaration. No country in the world can sit back complacently and say “We’re there.””, Ms Pillay said.

President of the Human Rights Council, Dr. Martin I. Uhomoibhi noted that “one of the fundamental challenges we face today is awareness raising, that is how to make sure people, ordinary people, know their rights, so that they can claim them.”

“The local level, is where we must concentrate our efforts to make human rights a “living reality””, he said.

Nelson Mandela also sent a special message on UDHR 60, read out by one of the young people who took part in the Human Rights Council commemoration.

He recalled ten years ago, when the Declaration reached 50, “we told the United Nations General Assembly that the challenge posed by the next 50 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights consisted in whether humanity, especially those occupying positions of leadership, would have the courage to build a human world consistent with the articles of the historic Declaration.”

“Today,” Mr Mandela said, “this pressing challenge remains more relevant than ever.”

“Human rights are in our hands. Our generation, and the men and women who drafted the Declaration 60 years ago, have done our part. Now it is in your hands to ensure that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights becomes a reality to all,” said the 90-year-old human rights defender.

December 2008