Going back to basics: rights and freedoms exist for all humanity, OSCE human rights head says
WARSAW, 10 December 2019 – Universal human rights are indivisible and interrelated, with any violations striking a blow at all of society, the head of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on the occasion of Human Rights Day.
“Every single one of us is entitled to human rights simply by virtue of our common humanity. We are all potentially vulnerable to human rights violations and should get assistance and protection when our rights are threatened,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “Populist declarations like to ignore the fact that human rights are for the majority just as they are for minorities. Everybody – including anyone who calls themselves ‘traditionalist’ or ‘mainstream’ – should be cheering the rights and freedoms that just a few generations ago were only a dream.”
Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December each year to remember the day on which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly following the horrors and destruction of the Second World War, and to reflect on the work still ahead in order to create peaceful, democratic and tolerant societies in which all humans are able to live in dignity.
Among the many rights OSCE countries have committed to are the right to life, liberty and security, the right to a fair trial, the freedom to organize and take part in peaceful gatherings, and the freedom to participate in democratic elections. The countries of the OSCE region recognize the exceptional importance of the Universal Declaration, and acknowledge the right of everyone to know and act upon their rights. This includes the right of individuals to seek and receive assistance in defending human rights, and to help others in doing so.
ODIHR’s activities in this area are based on the premise that human rights are key to the security and stability of all our societies. ODIHR works with many brave people throughout the OSCE region who have taken the decision to focus on the protection of human rights, despite the risks and dangers this can entail. See some of their stories here.