|
“Discrimination
lies at the root of many of the world’s most pressing
human rights problems. No country is immune from this
scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the
highest order.”
Navi Pillay
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Human Rights Day 2009 on 10 December will focus on
non-discrimination. “All human beings are born free and equal in
dignity and rights”. These first few famous words of the Universal
Declaration of  Human
Rights established 60 years ago the basic premise of international
human rights law. Yet today, the fight against discrimination
remains a daily struggle for millions around the globe.
“Our main
objective is to help promote discrimination-free societies and a
world of equal treatment for all,” says the High Commissioner who
this year will mark Human Rights Day in
South Africa.
She encourages
people everywhere - including the UN family, governments, civil
society, national human rights institutions, the media, educators,
and individuals - to seize the opportunity of Human Rights Day 2009
to join hands to embrace diversity and end discrimination.
The realisation
of all human rights - social, economic and cultural rights as well
as civil and political rights – is hampered by discrimination. All
too often, when faced with prejudice and discrimination, political
leaders, governments and ordinary citizens are silent or complacent.
Yet everyone of
us can make a difference. You are encouraged to celebrate Human
Rights Day by advocating non-discrimination, organizing activities,
raising awareness and reaching out to your local communities on 10
December and throughout 2010.
It is the
international message in the honour of human rights and it feels
pleasure that Human Rights Day is also celebrating in Pakistan with
dignity and dedication.
I think the
Charter of Human Rights is as precious document, which is ratified
by all of the countries in spite of few countries reservations. I
would like to say that it must better that said reservation should
be eliminated so that the ratification may be proved authenticated.
Nadeem Ahmed Jamal
Editor
|
