UN launches Campaign to mark 70th Anniversary of Universal Declaration

The United Nations on Sunday kicked off a year-long campaign in Paris, France to honor the foundational human rights document to mark its 70th anniversary next year. As “one of the world’s most profound and far-reaching international agreements,” the Universal Declaration proclaimed the inalienable rights of every human being regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages.

In his message for Human Rights Day,  The Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Since the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, human rights have been one of the three pillars of the United Nations along with peace and development.”

Mr. Guterres noted that human rights has helped countless people to gain greater freedom and security, and has also helped to prevent violations, obtain justice for wrongs, and strengthen national and international human rights laws and safeguards.

Citing rising hostility towards human rights and those who defend them by people who want to profit from exploitation and division, Mr Guterres said, “Despite these advances, the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration are being tested in all regions. We see hatred, intolerance, atrocities and other crimes. These actions imperil us all.”

The year-long campaign started at Palais de Chaillot in Paris on Sunday, with an event also to be held on Monday at UN Headquarters in New York. UN Information Centres around the world will also launch commemorative activities.