Commissioner Hammarberg marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights

Strasbourg, 09.12.2008 – On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg has published
today two audio messages and a video statement marking this anniversary.

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights stresses in his
messages that "the Declaration is a landmark document which has shaped
the spirit of human rights activities all over the world." He underlines
two main strong points: "First, it is the most authoritative definition
of what human rights are and which recognises social and economic rights
as full human rights. Second, its legitimacy does not come only from its
acceptance by governments, but in particular from the vibrant support it
receives in all societies. For these reasons it is a major source for
all people committed to change the world for the better."

The Commissioner further affirms that "there is still a long way to go
to have the Declaration’s principles respected in everyday life. I see a
deterioration of human rights protection in several areas: data
protection, discrimination, xenophobia, protection of vulnerable groups
of people. Counter-terrorism measures have also contributed to a
widespread deterioration of human rights. In particular, complicity or
silence in the US-initiated war on terror has brought Europe brutally
backward. Furthermore, in times of economic crisis, there are already
signs that the less wealthy will suffer most from the recession the
world is facing. It is therefore crucial that all measures are taken to
ensure the protection of social rights."

Commissioner Hammarberg concluded stressing that the Declaration’s 30
articles "are still topical today and have kept intact all their
potential to address fundamental human needs in the future. It is
essential that we use the Declaration for a grassroots work of human
rights re-education and explanation to the public about the fundamental
values. The Declaration must be therefore used to inspire policies and
attitudes to let people enjoy inalienable rights everywhere, anytime."

The podcasts and the video messages can be downloaded from the
Commissioner’s website <; .

Press contacts in the Office of the Commissioner
Stefano Montanari, Tel. +33 6 61 14 70 37 ; stefano.montanari@coe.int

***

The Commissioner for Human Rights is an independent, non-judicial
institution within the Council of Europe, mandated to promote awareness
of, and respect for, human rights in the organisation’s 47 member
states. Elected by the Council’s Parliamentary Assembly, the present
Commissioner, Thomas Hammarberg, took up his duties on 1 April 2006.

Press Release
Communication Unit – Office of the Commissioner
Ref: 896a08
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 35 38
Fax:+33 (0)3 90 21 50 53
press.commissioner@coe.int
internet:

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A political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to
promote democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops
common responses to social, cultural and legal challenges in its 47
member states.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress