UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls for more solidarity
Published: Monday, Dec 11th 2023, 10:50
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The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, commemorated the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75 years ago with a call for more solidarity.
On Monday, he opened a two-day forum in Geneva at which representatives from politics and civil society will discuss achievements and challenges on the occasion of the anniversary. Türk began with a minute's silence for the victims of human rights violations around the world.
Adopted on December 10, 1948 by the then members of the newly founded United Nations, the Declaration is considered a milestone in social development. In 30 articles, it stipulates, among other things, the freedom and equality of all people as well as freedom of expression and assembly and protection against state arbitrariness.
"The drafters of the Universal Declaration overcame geopolitical disputes and economic differences," Türk said, "leaving aside many terrible disputes to write this enlightening text that illuminates the path to peace, justice and freedom." The Declaration of Human Rights is a call to overcome polarization and to tackle the great challenges facing the world with courage and principles, said Türk.
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