The commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Human Rights Week ends with the main event on Human Rights Day

Belgrade – Tonight’s event at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Belgrade marked the Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, with support of the United Nations Country Team in Serbia, OSCE Mission to Serbia, European Union Delegation to Serbia and Council of Europe Office in Belgrade.

Guests were welcomed by the reception hosts – Mrs.  Steliana Nedera, UN Resident Representative in Serbia, Ambassador Sem Fabrizi, Head of the EU Delegation, Ambassador Andrea Orizio, Head of the OSCE Mission, and Mr. Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Council of Europe Office, who concluded the following:

“With every step in the Human Rights Week, including tonight, we have celebrated 70 years of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Marking of this anniversary has provided us with an opportunity to summarise achievements and think about the future, setting relevant tasks for us in the years to come.

This grand anniversary reminds us how human rights concern all of us and how important they  are in any equality and inequality. Furthermore, we have been reminded how important it is that we all are at the same table, all of us engaged in human rights, and that no one should be left behind or neglected.”

The events organised during the Human Rights Week, provided an opportunity to highlight priorities in respecting and fighting for the rights of the most vulnerable groups, exchange experiences, discuss and propose steps for improving human rights for all of us.

On Monday, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was marked with representatives of the disabled community groups. The human right to a healthy living environment has been promoted. The International Volunteer Day, with the role of volunteerism in the rights of the elderly, was celebrated.  The right to adequate housing and the right to seek and enjoy asylum was promoted together with refugees and former refugees, recipients of housing assistance. The focus was on human rights defenders and their vital role. Elimination of transgender identity  from the list of diseases was promoted through testimonials of the community about effects of pathologisation on them. In the final days of the Human Rights Week, we listened to youth from all over Serbia, to recognize the relevance of their rights and their voices to be heard. Hundreds of rights-holders participated in numerous events throughout Serbia, spotlighting  the most urgent problems they face in their fight for human rights. Four international partners in Serbia will continue to support the communities - especially those at highest risks, and the Government, in their advancement of human rights, in compliance with the human rights law and the standards to which Serbia has committed.

The main objectives of marking the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the related campaign are to motivate people across Serbia to give their contribution to human rights and promote examples of good practice regarding the full respect of human rights.

About the Declaration

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights is an important document in the history of human rights. It was drafted by various legal and cultural representatives from all the regions of the world. The UN General Assembly proclaimed the Declaration as a shared standard of achievement for all peoples and nations, in Paris, on December 10, 1948.

The Universal Declaration – the most relevant document in the world, available in more than 500 languages - is as significant today as it was when it was adopted.