By Irene Khan and - -
LONDON, Dec 19 2007 (IPS)

December 10th marked the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which began a period of impressive development of international human rights standards, laws, and institutions that have improved the lives of many millions around the world, writes Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International. The year 2007, however, has brought grave human rights violations and the failure to protect the economic, social, and cultural rights of an important part of the global population. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, human rights are being violated, neglected, and eroded with audacity and impunity by governments, big business, and armed groups. Renewed commitment is needed by governments as well as civil society to convert rhetoric into reality, disillusionment and despair into hope and action. A global strategy of counter-terrorism, led by the US has undermined fundamental principles of human rights, while extremists and armed groups have unleashed a downward spiral of violence that has endangered the lives of ordinary people everywhere. Parliaments, courts and civil society must call for respect of human rights and the rule of law as the path to greater security.

The Universal Declaration reflects global values of equality and justice. It inspired the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa, and to promote democracy in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. It has led to progress to end the death penalty, to outlaw torture, to promote the equality of women, to protect the rights of children, to turn the tide against impunity. Above all, it has moved a worldwide community of ordinary men and women to join in the fight for justice and equality for all.

But this is not only a moment for celebration and self-congratulation. It is also a time of challenge — the challenge of making rights real.

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, human rights are being violated, neglected, and eroded with audacity and impunity by governments, big business, and armed groups. Renewed commitment is needed by governments as well as civil society to convert rhetoric into reality, disillusionment and despair into hope and action.

In Darfur, murder, rape, and violence continue unabated. It is not enough for world leaders to wring their hands in horror. We call on them to adequately resource the United Nations/African Union peacekeeping force so that it can protect people effectively.

In Zimbabwe, human rights defenders and political dissidents are being attacked, tortured, and thrown into prison without a fair trial. We call on governments like South Africa that have influence over President Robert Mugabe to exert pressure to bring an end to the violations.

In the Middle East impunity, injustice, and human rights abuses are a major obstacle to peace and justice, yet world leaders in the recent meeting in Annapolis paid scant attention to them. We call on the international community to put human rights at the centre of the political dialogue.

The International Olympics Committee recently met to assess progress towards the 2008 Olympics in China. The Committee must not overlook the repression by the Chinese authorities of activists who are protesting forcible evictions to clear land for the Olympics and other projects, or the restrictions on Chinese journalists and internet users. The Committee must use its influence with the Chinese government to end these practices, which are both contrary to human rights and to the spirit of the Games.

In Myanmar, crimson-robed monks courageously marched to protest the repression and impoverishment of their people but were brutally crushed by the military junta. The neighbouring governments of Myanmar are major trade partners of the military regime. They have power and influence that they must use to pressure the military regime to release opposition leaders and Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and bring about change.

In Pakistan, lawyers who took to the streets to demand the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary fared no better than the Burmese monks – because like the Pakistani General too has powerful allies. The allies must prioritise human rights over political expediency and misguided security strategies.

A global strategy of counter-terrorism, led by the world’s most powerful government, has undermined fundamental principles of human rights, while extremists and armed groups have unleashed a downward spiral of violence that has endangered the lives of ordinary people everywhere. Parliaments, courts and civil society must call for respect of human rights and the rule of law as the path to greater security.

More attention and resources must be allocated to tackle the hidden or forgotten human rights scandals that destroy millions of lives and livelihoods. While the atrocities of wars make the newspaper pages, very few people are aware that violence against women causes more casualties than armed conflicts.

While world leaders remind us daily of the threat of weapons of mass destruction, the sale and transfer of small arms and conventional weapons, which kill a thousand people a day continue unchecked.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights began as an initiative of governments but today it is the common endeavour of people everywhere. Every human has rights. That is the essence of our humanity. It places on each of us the duty to stand up, not just for our own rights but also for those of others. That is the spirit of international solidarity. That is the true meaning of universal, indivisible human rights. (END/COPYRIGHT IPS)

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