UDHR reflects humanity's aspirations - Ban Ki-Moon

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) whose 60th anniversary falls on this year's Human Rights Day reflects humanity's aspirations for a future of prosperity, dignity and peaceful existence" says Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations in his message on Human Rights Day which falls today, December 10. He observes that the Declaration remains a core part of the UN's very identity.

His full message reads: "On this Human Rights Day, we also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Drafted amid utter destruction and destitution following the Second World War, the declaration reflects humanity's aspirations for a future of prosperity, dignity and peaceful co-existence.

"Its adoption was a landmark. Today, the Declaration remains a core part of the United Nations' very identity."

"The challenges we face today are as daunting as those that confronted the Declaration's drafters."

We face a food emergency and a global financial crisis. Humankind's assault on the natural environment continues.

There is political repression in too many countries." "And, as ever, the most vulnerable continue to be on the frontlines of hardship and abuse. The luckiest among us, those who are spared the most negative effects of disaster, poverty or instability, cannot turn a blind eye.

The cascading effects of abuse and indifference can eventually engulf the entire planet. Rights, and especially their violation, must hold the whole world in solidarity."