Today is World Human Rights Day:
Everyone has right to be heard - UN Secy. Gen.
Everyone has the right to be heard and to shape the decisions that
affect their community.
This right is enshrined in the Universal. Declaration of Human Rights
and fully integrated in international law, especially in article 25 of
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, United Nations
Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon said in a message to mark Human Rights
Day. The message over the past century, we have made undeniable progress
along the path of inclusion.
Yet far too many groups and individuals face far too many obstacles.
Women have the right to vote almost everywhere, but remain hugely
under-represented in parliaments and peace processes, in senior
government posts and corporate boardrooms, and in other decision- making
positions.
Indigenous people frequently face discrimination that denies them the
opportunity to make full use of their guaranteed rights or fails to take
account of their circumstances.
Religious and ethnic minorities - as well as people with disabilities
or those with a different sexual orientation or political opinion - are
often hampered from taking part in key institutions and processes.
Institutions and public discourse need to represent societies in all
their diversity.
More generally, in several parts of the world, we have seen alarming
threats to hard-won gains in democratic governance. In some countries,
civil society groups face growing pressures and restrictions.
Legislation has been introduced specifically targeting civil society
organizations and making it almost impossible for them to operate.
Champions of democracy have encountered new confrontational measures. We
should all be troubled by such backsliding.
Even in societies with a good track record, there is room for
improvement. No country has succeeded in ensuring that all its
inhabitants are able to participate fully in public affairs. |