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Message from Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of Human Rights Day, 10 December 2007 News 5 of 17 On 10 December 1948, the United Nations solemnly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Faithful to its constitutional mandate to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights and fundamental freedoms, UNESCO greatly contributed to the adoption of the Declaration. The symposia organized by UNESCO in 1947 and 1948 were important steps in this process, demonstrating how basic human rights values embody common aspirations across various different civilizations and cultures. Through a General Conference resolution adopted on 11 December 1948, UNESCO also became the first entity within the United Nations system to take into account the implications of the Declaration in every field of its action, and to promote education and information about this landmark document. The international community has chosen to honour the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by celebrating 10 December as Human Rights Day. Every year, this Day is an opportunity to give renewed impetus to national and international efforts to better promote and protect human rights. On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Declaration, this commemoration takes on particular significance. In accordance with the decision of the Secretary-General, the United Nations system as a whole will undertake activities throughout the year leading up to 10 December 2008 to ensure universal recognition and observance of human rights standards embodied in the international human rights law that has emerged and been consolidated as a result of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. More ... [PDF] This message is also available in: Français | Español | العربية | 中文 | Русский [PDF] Photo: © UNESCO / M. Ravassard   Related Links UNESCO launches a year-long commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights UNESCO and Human Rights Author(s) Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO Publication Date 04-12-2007 Source UNESCO   Email this page     Printable version

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