CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS

December 10 is Human Rights Day, a day commemorating the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the importance of securing human rights for all people.

What is the key international statement of human rights?

It declares that human rights are universal, to be enjoyed by all people, no matter who they are or where they live. The Universal Declaration includes civil and political rights, like the right to life, liberty, free speech and privacy.

What is the message of human rights?

Human rights promote values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage all individuals to uphold their own rights and those of others. It develops an understanding of eI’mveryone’s common responsibility to make human rights a reality in each community. 2021, Our Rights and Our Freedoms.

At a time of multiplying conflicts, intensifying humanitarian needs and rising hate speech, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us that recognition of “the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”. Step by step, we can build a future based on our shared values of equality and human dignity.

That is also the spirit we will need to combat extremism, halt the erosion of respect for international humanitarian law, and defend civil society groups facing increasingly harsh measures aimed at preventing them from fulfilling their vital role.

Upholding human rights is in the interest of all. Respect for human rights advances well-being for every individual, stability for every society, and harmony for our interconnected world.

And this work can be done by all, at every level of society. States have the primary responsibility for upholding human rights. The United Nations, along with partners around the globe, must continue to strengthen responses to abuses, and work better to prevent human rights crises.

All of us can, and must, act in our daily lives to advance the human rights of the people around us. This is the driving force behind a new global campaign being launched by the UN Human Rights Office “Stand Up for Someone’s Rights Today.”

Wherever we are, each of us can make a difference for human rights in our neighborhoods, in school, at work, on social media, at home and even in sporting arenas across the world.

Finally, I pay tribute to one of the great symbols of human rights of our time: Nelson Mandela, whose passing has plunged the world into sorrow but whose lifelong commitment to human dignity, equality, justice and compassion will forever remain an inspiration as we continue to build a world of all human rights for all.

Stand Firm to all mankind.

Best Regards,

His Excellency Dr. Lawson Victor Tom,
The Kingdom of New Atlantis Continental Ambassador to Africa.