International Human Rights Day being observed today

ISLAMABAD: International Human Rights Day is being observed today (Monday) to uphold human rights and throw light on the plight of the people being denied those basic rights.

This year, Human Rights Day marks the 71^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.The day is being commemorated in Pakistan and across the globe today.

The United Nations had declared December 10 as the International Human Rights Day, the date when the world body had adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

Seminars, rallies and awareness campaigns will be held today across the world to encourage people to stand up for their own rights and those of others.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, on the eve of ‘Human Rights Day’ expressed his resolve to promote and protect the human rights in the county.

In his message on the occasion, PM Imran Khan said that Pakistan is proud to join hands with the global community in celebrating Human Rights Day and added that this day acknowledges the world’s commitment to the promotion and protection of Human Rights.

According to a statement released from his office, the prime minister said, “In the Pakistan of today, we are committed to a strong democracy, rule of law, an independent judiciary, a free media and a vibrant civil society. The present Government of Pakistan is cognisant of its duties in the realm of human rights.”

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

As per United Nations website, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being — regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Drafted by representatives of diverse legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration sets out universal values and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

It establishes the equal dignity and worth of every person. Thanks to the Declaration, and States’ commitments to its principles, the dignity of millions has been uplifted and the foundation for a more just world has been laid. While its promise is yet to be fully realized, the very fact that it has stood the test of time is testament to the enduring universality of its perennial values of equality, justice and human dignity.