Did you know that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights exists in over 500 languages (including Slovak), making it one of the most translated documents in the world? This living document, which affects all people on the planet, is today celebrating the 70th anniversary of its adoption. ADRA has issued a statement on it.
This Monday we celebrate a very important day - the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The principles enshrined in it are as valid today as they were in 1948 when the UNGA adopted it. This document lays down on all responsibility and strengthens us in our activities. For it sets the dignity of every human being and the value of human life on an equal footing. It also affirms that the state has a primary duty to promote standards of living that enable us to exercise our dignity and equality in greater freedom.
Important human rights, principles, universal values
The declaration shall include the inalienable rights of every individual as a human being without distinction of colour, sex, language, religion or opinion. Human rights are important to all of us, on a daily basis. These include our rights to freedom; to be free to express ourselves (to speak out); to health and education; and to benefit from measures to promote economic and social justice.
Our common humanity and shared humanity is rooted in these universal values. As human beings, we are in this world of interconnectedness. These human rights that we share (plus solidarity with each other and the fulfilment of our responsibilities for these rights) are precisely what bind us together on planet Earth. Equality, justice and freedom should prevent violence and keep the peace. Respect for human rights and sound, impartial legal standards for resolving disputes are at the heart of development and peace.
That is why we are called upon (especially on this day - 10 December) to stand up for human rights. Each one of us can do this and make a public statement. We can take daily action or activism and act responsibly in our daily lives in favour of respect for rights. These protect not only us, but all people equally. Because if human values and human rights can be trampled on at any time and anywhere, we will all be at greater risk of danger.
Cohesive ADRA workers
We are at a crossroads. Attacks on human rights by parties that want to profit from hatred and exploitation are undermining freedom and equality, both locally and globally. We witness this daily through the media and social networks. We must stand up to such traps and attacks together, vigilant and resilient. Hashtag #standup4humanrights is therefore not chosen by chance.
For people in ADRA and CASD, an inspirational figure who lived in the mid-nineteenth century may serve as a good example. This is John Byington, who has always stood up for the human rights of the oppressed (especially in racially motivated attacks on African Americans), thus being in stark contrast to the majority of the population at the time. We at ADRA International, ADRA Europe and ADRA Slovakia encourage people to stand in solidarity and solidarity with the oppressed, and to support respect for human rights, for every individual worldwide without distinction.
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we reiterate that as ADRA staff, volunteers and workers, we believe that all lives are of equal value and therefore have equal access to all human rights. At the same time, in today's World Human Rights Day in Bratislava, we are also co-organising a Seminar on Human Rights in Humanitarian Aid.
ADRA Europe statement on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights here,
UN campaign for the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights here.
Invitation to the seminar on human rights in Bratislava (ADRA & FSEV UK) here.
Illustrated version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights here.
Translation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (in Slovak) here.
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