UN honours human rights defenders
Laws to protect and promote human rights are indispensable. But quite
often, progress comes down to people.. courageous women and men,
striving to protect their own rights and the rights of others,
determined to make rights real in people's lives, said United Nations
Secretary GeneralBan Ki-moon in his message to mark Human Rights Day
which falls today.
"It is these human rights defenders to whom we dedicate this year's
observance of Human Rights Day," he said
The Secretary General's message further reads:
"Human rights are the foundation of freedom, peace, development and
justice and the heart of the work of the United Nations around the
world.
"Defenders are a diverse group. They might be part of a civil society
organization, a journalist or even a lone citizen, spurred to action by
abuses close to home. But they all share a commitment to expose
wrongdoing, protect the most vulnerable and end impunity.
They stand up, speak out and today they tweet in the name of freedom
and human dignity. Human rights defenders play a vital role in the fight
against discrimination. They investigate violations and help victims
gain justice and support. Far too often, their work entails tremendous
risk.
"Defenders are harassed, stripped of their jobs and wrongfully
imprisoned. In many countries, they are tortured, beaten and murdered.
Their friends and family members are also subjected to harassment and
intimidation. Women human rights defenders face additional risks, and
therefore need additional support. This Human Rights Day is an occasion
to salute the courage and achievements of human rights defenders
everywhere - and to pledge to do more to safeguard their work.
"States bear the primary responsibility to protect human rights
advocates. I call on all States to ensure the freedom of expression and
the freedom of assembly that make their work possible.
When the lives of human rights advocates are endangered, we are all
less secure. When the voices of human rights advocates are silenced,
justice itself is drowned out.
"On this Human Rights Day, let us be inspired by those seeking to
make our world more just. And let us remember that everyoneno matter
their background, training or education can be a human rights champion.
So let us use that power. Let us each be a human rights defender." |