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HR Commish - 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of HR

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  • HR Commish - 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of HR

    Commissioner Hammarberg marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal
    Declaration of Human Rights

    Strasbourg, 09.12.2008 - On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the
    Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg has published
    today two audio messages and a video statement marking this anniversary.


    The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights stresses in his
    messages that "the Declaration is a landmark document which has shaped
    the spirit of human rights activities all over the world." He underlines
    two main strong points: "First, it is the most authoritative definition
    of what human rights are and which recognises social and economic rights
    as full human rights. Second, its legitimacy does not come only from its
    acceptance by governments, but in particular from the vibrant support it
    receives in all societies. For these reasons it is a major source for
    all people committed to change the world for the better."

    The Commissioner further affirms that "there is still a long way to go
    to have the Declaration's principles respected in everyday life. I see a
    deterioration of human rights protection in several areas: data
    protection, discrimination, xenophobia, protection of vulnerable groups
    of people. Counter-terrorism measures have also contributed to a
    widespread deterioration of human rights. In particular, complicity or
    silence in the US-initiated war on terror has brought Europe brutally
    backward. Furthermore, in times of economic crisis, there are already
    signs that the less wealthy will suffer most from the recession the
    world is facing. It is therefore crucial that all measures are taken to
    ensure the protection of social rights."

    Commissioner Hammarberg concluded stressing that the Declaration's 30
    articles "are still topical today and have kept intact all their
    potential to address fundamental human needs in the future. It is
    essential that we use the Declaration for a grassroots work of human
    rights re-education and explanation to the public about the fundamental
    values. The Declaration must be therefore used to inspire policies and
    attitudes to let people enjoy inalienable rights everywhere, anytime."

    The podcasts and the video messages can be downloaded from the
    Commissioner's website <http://www.commissioner.coe.int/> .

    Press contacts in the Office of the Commissioner
    Stefano Montanari, Tel. +33 6 61 14 70 37 ; [email protected]

    ***

    The Commissioner for Human Rights is an independent, non-judicial
    institution within the Council of Europe, mandated to promote awareness
    of, and respect for, human rights in the organisation's 47 member
    states. Elected by the Council's Parliamentary Assembly, the present
    Commissioner, Thomas Hammarberg, took up his duties on 1 April 2006.

    Press Release
    Communication Unit - Office of the Commissioner
    Ref: 896a08
    Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 35 38
    Fax:+33 (0)3 90 21 50 53
    [email protected]
    internet: www.coe.int/press

    To receive our press releases by e-mail, contact :
    [email protected]

    A political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to
    promote democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops
    common responses to social, cultural and legal challenges in its 47
    member states.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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