UN honours human rights declaration at 75

The United Nations system in Barbados marked Human Rights Day and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the UN’s top official here underscoring the document’s legacy.

Didier Trebucq, the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, stressed the declaration’s role in a reception at UN House in Marine Gardens.

Addressing a diverse audience, including parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and diplomats, Trebucq highlighted the profound significance of understanding and upholding human rights that are deeply entrenched in global treaties and laws.

“We cannot commemorate this anniversary without acknowledging that human rights encompass much more than mere words in any document,” Trebucq said.

“Behind every social change that has enhanced justice, freedom, or inclusion, there has always been a person or a group of persons ‘fighting the fight,’ risking their lives,” he added while acknowledging the relentless efforts of countless individuals who have championed justice, freedom, and inclusion.

Considered a milestone document in the history of human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris on December 10 1948. Its 30 articles set down the fundamental rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to regardless of their race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Minister of Labour Colin Jordan echoed the UN official’s sentiments, emphasising the indispensable nature of equal rights in safeguarding all individuals within the country’s borders.

“Everyone should be treated fairly. Every person deserves dignity… [and] I assure you of the Government’s commitment to the human rights agenda, ensuring that discrimination has no place in this country,” he declared.

Canada’s High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee, also weighed in, stressing the fundamental role of human rights in nurturing democratic principles. She applauded the critical role played by human rights defenders in promoting awareness and equality, acknowledging the risks they often face in their advocacy.

The event showcased presentations from local human rights advocates, including The Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill, the president of the Barbados Council for the Disabled; Maria Marshall, UNICEF’s Youth Advocate for the Environment; and Ranako Bailey, co-founder and chair of WeTalkingBois.

The evening’s proceedings culminated in a one-minute candlelight vigil, intended to symbolise hope and underscore the collective commitment to upholding and protecting the foundational principles of human rights.

Adopted three years after the end of the Second World War and in response to the horrors of the Jewish Holocaust and other atrocities, the framers of the declaration intended a set of global rights to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

Although the Universal Declaration is not legally binding, its language on equality and non-discrimination has been included in many national constitutions. Its guarantee of freedom of expression has also contributed to the adoption of freedom of speech constitutional provisions, among other fundamental rights and freedoms.
(RG)