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Universal Declaration of Human Rights is 60
21 November, 2008
Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was celebrated in the UNU by a seminar "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 60". The seminar assessed the progress made and the challenges remaining since the document was adopted by the UN General Assembly.
During the seminar the UNU Rector Konrad Osterwalder pointed the deep historical roots of the concept of human rights. The first found human rights document - the Cyrus Cylinder - was issued in 539 B.C. in Persia.
Prof. Yozo Yokota, Special Advisor to the Rector, regarded his practical experience during his work within the United Nations Human Rights system.
Dr. Morten Pedersen presented a summary of his research during his two years as a JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral fellow, focusing specifically on the case of Myanmar, which since 1988 has been subject to intense international scrutiny of its human rights record, yet with few positive results. His presentation highlighted the failures of both Western sanctions and Asian engagement, arguing for a substantial increase in aid to help the people of Myanmar and to support longer-term change, developing human resources and nurturing civil society.
The Declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The Commission on Human Rights that drafted the Declaration was cahired by Ms. Elleanor Roosevelt. The document was developed after the World War II and included the first global perception of rights to which all human rights are inherently entitled. The Declaration, which consists of 30 articles, has been adopted in or influenced most national constitutions since 1948.
The critics of the Declaration argue that the document don't sufficiently cover the cultural and religious aspects of Islamic countries. The most criticism comes from Islamic countries (Sudan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran).
Among later proposed rights following "the right to refuse to kill" and "the right to object to military service" could be added.
The day of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - 10 December - became and International Human Rights Day and is celebrated each year.
For further information visit web page of the UNU Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
Video record of the seminar is available on-line
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Page last modified 2009.11.02.
