60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [1]
Thursday, November 13, 2008 - 16:32. Updated on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 - 16:07.
The 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10 is an occasion for everyone, governments included, to recommit to efforts to uphold and protect freedom, dignity and human rights, said Dr Purna Sen, head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
She noted the vision of past leaders in the introduction of this important charter that safeguards people...s rights.
"The passing of the declaration 60 years ago was a phenomenally visionary thing to do ... the way in which the people had got together, including from countries of the Commonwealth, was far sighted," said Dr Sen. "They thought about what it would be like to live a dignified life - this was after the terrible wars in Europe and the rest of the world, and they said: 'What is needed for people to have dignified lives and to live freely and in harmony with each other?' And in the 60 years since that time, a huge amount has happened to start to make the declaration have meaning in our lives."
Acknowledging that although much has been achieved in the past six decades in the promotion and protection of human rights, Dr Sen said more has to be done to attain greater progress in social, economic, political, civil and cultural rights, stressing that all the rights are important and fundamental to the welfare of every human being.
"The declaration gives shape to the way in which people all over the world can aspire to live their lives: it says for all people that here is what a life of human dignity will look like and that is relevant to every single person; it means that they can make choices over their lives; it means that they should have decent housing in which to live, they should have access to the best possible healthcare, they should be able to go to school, have work of a decent standard and a say in decisions that affect them," said Dr Sen.
She pointed out that human rights form the basis of a just and harmonious society.
"Without the right to life, you can't enjoy any of the other rights. Some rights are contingent upon others, but in every way, they are inter-related," explained Dr Sen. "How can you enjoy the right to participate in running your country or making decisions about who should run your country if you don't have access to information - if your media can't tell you what is going on? How can you have only the right to vote if you can...t have good health and decent eye care to read your newspaper? Why - and how - would some rights have priority over others and who would decide this, for whom? It doesn't make for a fulfilled life."
Dr Sen expressed hope that the Commonwealth can lead the way in championing the rights of its people so that they can live in a safe and peaceful environment that enables them to thrive, and in turn, enables their nations to succeed and progress.
"I would like us to be showing the best in freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the best in showing respect for our brothers and sisters who are like us and those who are not like us - that we live with respect and understanding for each other, and in tolerance and enjoyment of each others' lives that are lived in dignity." Commonwealth Secretariat, 12/11/08.