MESSAGE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER ON HUMAN RIGHTS DAY, 10 DECEMBER 2002
6 December 2002
We commemorate today the creation of one of the most important testaments of our times: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is an occasion to reflect on our human rights achievements as well as to rededicate ourselves to overcoming our shortcomings.
The Declaration is a timeless and powerful document that captures the profound aspirations of humankind to live in dignity, equality and security. It provides minimum standards and has helped turn moral issues into a legally binding framework. Today, human rights, as protected by the rule of law, are now demanded by civil society. They are adopted as pillars of domestic and foreign policy. They are invoked by parliaments, national and international judiciaries, the media, schools, workers, employers and corporations.
6 December 2002
We commemorate today the creation of one of the most important testaments of our times: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is an occasion to reflect on our human rights achievements as well as to rededicate ourselves to overcoming our shortcomings.
The Declaration is a timeless and powerful document that captures the profound aspirations of humankind to live in dignity, equality and security. It provides minimum standards and has helped turn moral issues into a legally binding framework. Today, human rights, as protected by the rule of law, are now demanded by civil society. They are adopted as pillars of domestic and foreign policy. They are invoked by parliaments, national and international judiciaries, the media, schools, workers, employers and corporations.