ISSN 1993-8616
2008 - Number 9
Human Rights : a thorny path
© UNESCO/Ariane Bailey
Memory, a key to human rights.
From Franco’s regime in Spain to Hindutva historical revisionism in India by way of South American dictatorships, the dismal memory of the past can contribute to human rights as long as it is revealed and repaired.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Courier presents some backward glances that can help us move forward.
In our editorial, Pierre Sané, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, reviews the status of the dignity of the individual in the world today. More
Human rights are inalienable and indivisible
Stéphane Hessel, French-German diplomat and writer, participated in the great adventure that was the drafting of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Hessel, a concentration camp survivor, explains how the document is unique and why it must remain universal – but also why it might not be adopted today. More
Capturing the Essence of Absence
Argentine photographer Gustavo Germano’s exhibition, “Absences”, explores the universe of the victims of “disappearances” during Argentina’s “Dirty War” (1976-1983). Photos are juxtaposed in pairs, one old and one recent. On the new one, a person is missing. Disappeared for ever, without leaving a trace. More
Ideology clashing with history
Early in the decade, a woman raised her voice against Hindu fundamentalism asserting Aryan superiority. And she was heard. Her name: Romila Thapar. The famous Indian historian explains here how spurious identities founded on pseudo-historical arguments affect human rights. More
Spain: Pact of Oblivion
Nearly 70 years after its civil war, Spain has yet to establish an accurate tally of the victims of repression during Franco’s regime. Thousands of citizens want to know where their murdered relatives were buried. No investigations, no trial, were held. Only now is the country beginning to uncover this part of its past. More
The fourth dimension
I serve those who lived in 1600 and I'm serving those who will live in 2200, says Librarian and Archivist of Canada Ian Wilson. He promotes digitization and free acess to archives, which can play a crucial role in the fight against human rights violations. More
