UN stresses respect for human rights

KABUL.

Each year, the UN commemorates Human Rights Day on December 10, the day on which the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This year’s slogan, “Human Rights 365,” is designed to reflect the notion that the fundamental propositions in the Universal Declaration apply to all people, everywhere, at all times.

Human rights are not country-specific, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, noting human rights are the inalienable entitlements of all people, 365 days a year.

In 1950, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights Day to bring to the attention of the world the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples.

In a statement, the High Commissioner said the year 2014 will be remembered as a year of daunting human rights challenges. Nonetheless, he said, there have been significant, ongoing, global advances in achieving human rights.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the world body protects human rights because when people enjoy their rights, economies flourish and countries are at peace.

Ban called on all countries to honour their obligations to protect human rights every day of the year, and urged people everywhere to hold their governments accountable.

“Let us respond to the cries of the exploited, and uphold the right to human dignity for all,” he said.

Human rights form an important part of the work carried out by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

The Mission is expected to monitor the situation of civilians, coordinate efforts to ensure their protection and promote accountability.

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