The concept of non-discrimination lies at the heart of human rights. For this reason, it has been designated the official theme of this Human Rights Day, which occurs every year on the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. And for this and many other reasons it should be an unofficial theme every day, every year, for everyone. Twenty-six of the Universal Declaration’s 30 Articles begin with the words “Everyone…” or “No one…” Everyone should enjoy all human rights. No one should be excluded. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Non-discrimination must prevail. Today, we have a whole range of rights-based international treaties imbued throughout with the concept of non-discrimination. These include, for example, Conventions on the rights of the
child, rights of people with disabilities, rights of refugees and of migrant workers; Conventions dedicated to the elimination of racial discrimination and discrimination against women; as well as treaties dealing with labour, health and religion. These legally binding standards are complemented by important UN declarations detailing minority rights and the rights of indigenous peoples.
These international laws and standards are supported by thousands of national and regional laws and institutions. Quite a few countries now have truly universal education, and a smaller number have universal public health systems. Taken together all of this marks an extraordinary celebration of humankind’s ability and aspiration to create a world of equal opportunity and equal treatment under the law. And many millions of people have benefited as a result.
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Publisher:
UNOHCHR
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(2009
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Type / Script:
Press Release
in English
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Keywords:
HUMAN RIGHTS, NON-DISCRIMINATION, RAMPANT, DIGNITY, BORN FREE, REGIONAL LAWS, HEALTH, RELIGION, RIGHT OF REFUGEE, MIGRANT WORKERS, SOCIAL BACKGROUND, RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, INSTITUTIONS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, EQUAL TREATMENT, HUMANKIND, EQUALITY, EQUITY, LAW AND ORDER, RULES AND REGULATIONS
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Thematic Group:
UNOHCHR
:
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
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Thesaurus:
14.02.02
- Human Rights
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Reference Link:
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