Happy Human Rights Day!
Thousands gathered in Tahrir Square to protest for their rights.
This spring, thousands of people in the Arab world had enough. Enough of repressive regime,s enough of not having access to basic human rights. They stood up together to protest and demand their rights, and inspired the whole world.
As the international community is getting ready to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pilay says, “2011 has been an extraordinary year for human rights, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, but also in many other countries where people have mobilized, often with the help of social media, to demand their basic human rights. In 2011, human rights went viral.”
Eleanor Roosevelt, once described the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the “international Magna Carta of all mankind.” As Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Eleanor led the way in drafting the charter—outlining inalienable rights for all people. Since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration 63 years ago on December 10, 1948, the human rights charter has become the benchmark for the extension and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Today, we have seen many more women continue the work Eleanor has started, pushing for human rights to become truly universal. From Shehrbano Taseer’s committed efforts to fight extremism in Pakistan, Viktória Mohácsi’s multi-decade-long fight for Roma Rights, and to the revolutionary work of Esraa Abdel Fattah in Egypt and Jaleela Al-Salman in Bahrain to democratize their countries—all four demonstrate passion and commitment to human rights.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has been awarded the Guinness World Record for having collected, translated and disseminated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into more than 380 languages and dialects: from Abkhaz to Zulu. The Universal Declaration is thus the most translated document – indeed, the most “universal” one in the world
“Human rights education is much more than a lesson in schools or a theme for a day; it is a process to equip people with the tools they need to live lives of security and dignity. On this International Human Rights Day, let us continue to work together to develop and nurture in future generations a culture of human rights, to promote freedom, security and peace in all nations.” Kofi Annan
