EXHIBITION IN ARMENIA TO MARK HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

armradio.am
11.12.2008 18:18

This year’s International Human Rights Day is of special significance
as it marks the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, which represented the first step in
establishing a comprehensive international framework for the protection
of human rights.

Today the Universal Declaration is one of the fundamental texts
establishing respect for human rights as a guiding principle in
international relations.

The year 2008 also witnesses the 15th anniversary of the Vienna
Declaration and Programme of Action proclaimed by the Vienna World
Conference on Human Rights as well as the 10th anniversary of the
adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Declaration on Human
Rights Defenders.

President José Manuel Barroso declared: "I am always struck by the
truly revolutionary nature of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, which courageously stated in the immediate aftermath of the
Second World War that "inherent dignity" and "the equal and inalienable
rights of all members of the human family" were the foundations of
freedom, justice and peace. Sixty years on and against the background
of the continuing critical human rights situation in many countries,
the Declaration remains as pertinent as ever."

Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy Benita
Ferrero-Waldner said: "Six ty years after the proclamation of the
Universal Declaration it is widely accepted as part of customary
international law – testimony to the genuinely universal nature
of the rights it enshrines. But much more still needs to be done
to make every citizen – women and men -aware of the impact of this
declaration, so that its full potential as an empowerment tool for
human rights defenders and promoters of human security around the
globe will be enforced.Today’s celebrations belong to all men and
women who dedicate their lives to defending and upholding human rights
worldwide I strongly affirm that the European Union continues to be
on their side and is fully determined to contribute to promoting and
protecting human rights as an integral part of its external policies".

Vice-President Jacques Barrot added: "Behind the European project
there is a joint endeavour to the strengthening of pluralism,
non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality
between women and men in our societies. The EU is not complacent
with its own human rights record. The protection of human rights
requires a constant effort to extend and update our legislative
and policy initiatives in areas such as the fight against racism,
xenophobia and all types of discrimination. This is our contribution
to implementing every day the Declaration. "

On December 11, 2008 "Armenian Camp: Language and Sailing Sch ool"
NGO organized an exhibition to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Different paintings,
ceramics and photos made by disabled children were exposed during
the exhibition in the Academy Art Gallery in Yerevan.

The exhibition was financed by the European Union.

–Boundary_(ID_IjCdP8tLiUOaVL3dqyrBOA)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress