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UNESCO launches its activities for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
UNESCO's activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were launched at the Organization’s Headquarters on Human Rights Day, 10 December 2007. Events commemorating the anniversary will take place throughout 2008.
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UNESCO launches its activities for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human RightsKoïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, and Bacre Ndiaye, representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, opened the ceremony. Two special guests, Karel Vasak, human rights expert, and Hector Gross Espiell, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Uruguay to UNESCO, recalled the drafting of the 1948 Declaration and UNESCO’s role in its implementation.

Experts debated future challenges, particularly regarding rights in UNESCO’s fields of competence, namely the right to education; freedom of opinion and expression; the right to take part in cultural life; the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. Keynote speakers included:

A message from the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the launching of the 60th anniversary celebrations was broadcast during the gathering.

In his message on the occasion of Human Rights Day, the Director-General declared, “The Universal Declaration remains a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all Nations. Human rights belong to everybody, and we should work together to transform into a reality the motto chosen by the United Nations for the 60th anniversary: ‘Dignity and justice for all of us’.”

The 60th anniversary provides an opportunity to mobilize the whole of the United Nations and to evaluate progress in respecting and promoting human rights. UNESCO in addition to activities relating to the rights in its fields of competence will host at its Headquarters the 61st International Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on 3-5 September 2008. The Conference will be jointly organized by the United Nations Department of Public Information and will focus on the celebration of the Universal Declaration’s 60th anniversary.

In 2003, UNESCO adopted a strategy to give new impetus to activities in the field of human rights and to better promote them. One of its key components is the strengthening of existing partnerships and the creation of new alliances with intergovernmental organizations, academic institutions, NGOs and other civil society groups. The fight against racism and all forms of discrimination, including against women, and the promotion of gender parity will be the focus of particular attention.

  • Message by UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura

    Human Rights Day in the UN system:
     

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    • Author(s) UNESCO
    Publication Date 11-12-2007
    Source UNESCO



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