International Human Rights’ Day

(December, 10.2011) At the end of an extraordinary year for human rights, let us take strength from the achievements of 2011, said UN Secretary General, Ban ki Moon, specifying that new democratic transitions have been set in motion, new steps to ensure accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, new and ever-spreading awareness of rights themselves. He was marking Human Rights Day, Saturday 10 December, when we remember the creation 63 years ago of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He concluded his message saying, “ As we look to the challenges ahead, let us take inspiration from the example of human rights activists and the timeless power of the Universal Declaration, and do our utmost to uphold the ideals and aspirations that speak for every culture and every person.”. Earlier on the eve of Human Rights Day UN Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay in New York, took part in a global social media conversation on human rights. In her message she said “In 2011, human rights went viral. During the course of this extraordinary year, it was wielded not just by mighty institutions in marble buildings, but increasingly by ordinary men, women, and even children, courageously standing up to demand their rights. In the Middle East and North Africa, many thousands have paid with their lives, and tens of thousands have been injured, besieged, tortured, detained, and threatened, but their newfound determination to demand their rights has meant they are no longer willing to accept injustice.