423 (V). Human Rights Day
The General Assembly,
Considerinq that on 10 December 1948 the General Assembly proclaimcd the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a cornmon standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations,
Considering that the Declaration marks a distinct forward step in the march of human progress,
Considering that the anniversary of this event should be appropriately celebrated in all countries as part of a common effort to bring the Dec1aration to the attention of the peoples of the world,
Expressinq its appreciation to all those countries Members or non-members of the United Nations which have already celebrated this anniversary,
1. Invites all States and interested organizations to adopt 10 Decernber of each year as Human Rights Day, to observe this day to celebrate the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly on 10 LJecember 1948, and to exort increasing efforts in this field of human progress.
2. Invites all States to report annually through the Secretary-General concerning the observance of Human Rights Day.
317th plenary meeting,
4 December 1950
The universal declaration of human rights: A living document View photos with captions on new page
Many things can be said about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It is the foundation of international human rights law, the first universal statement on the basic principles of inalienable human rights, and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. As the UDHR approaches its 60th birthday, it is timely to emphasize the living document’s enduring relevance, its universality, and that it has everything to do with all of us. Today, the UDHR is more relevant than ever.
Universality
It was the UDHR, almost 60 years ago, that first recognized what have become nowadays universal values: human rights are inherent to all and the concern of the whole of the international community. Drafted by representatives of all regions and legal traditions, the UDHR has stood the test of time and resisted attacks based on “relativism”. The Declaration and its core values, including non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The UDHR belongs to all of us.
More than ever, in a world threatened by racial, economic and religious divides, we must defend and proclaim the universal principles --first enshrined in the UDHR-- of justice, fairness and equality that people across all boundaries hold so deeply.
Enduring Relevance
Human rights are not only a common inheritance of universal values that transcend cultures and traditions, but are quintessentially local values and nationally-owned commitments grounded in international treaties and national constitutions and laws.
The Declaration represents a contract between governments and their peoples, who have a right to demand that this document be respected. Not all governments have become parties to all human rights treaties. All countries, however, have accepted the UDHR. The Declaration continues to affirm the inherent human dignity and worth of every person in the world, without distinction of any kind.
Ongoing struggle
The UDHR protects all of us, and it also enshrines the gamut of human rights. The drafters of the UDHR saw a future of freedom from fear, but also of freedom from want. They put all human rights on an equal footing and confirmed human rights are essential to a life of dignity.
The UDHR drafters’ vision has inspired many human rights defenders who have struggled over the last six decades to make that vision a reality. The contemporary international human rights edifice that originates in the UDHR is to be celebrated. But it has yet to benefit all of humanity equally.
The struggle is far from over. As the Declaration’s custodians and beneficiaries, all of us must reclaim the UDHR, make it our own. While we are entitled to our human rights, we should also respect the human rights of others and help make universal human rights a reality for all of us. In our efforts lies the power of the UHDR: it is a living document that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Fuentes:
http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/RESOLUTION/GEN/NR0/060/21/IMG/NR006021.pdf?OpenElement
http://www.un.org/events/humanrights/2008/
http://www.un.org/events/humanrights/2008/declaration.shtml