Along with human rights advocates around the world, this week we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Overseen by the UN, the UDHR was the first international document recognizing human rights as the foundation of peace, justice and freedom in the world. But at 60, how healthy are international human rights looking? And what are the next steps towards true human rights for all?
From even a cursory glance at the many blogs and reports marking the anniversary, it is clear that there is still a long way to go. On 10 December alone, New York-based Human Rights Watch released reports and updates on abuses in Zimbabwe, China, Angola, Zambia and the United States. Writing on the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) blog, Marta Foresti is “in no party mood”, and calls for practical action and a breaking down of barriers between disciplines in order to translate theoretical frameworks into concrete reality:
“The history of human rights shows that signing up to an international convention is easy enough, but it does not change reality. Turning fine words into the delivery of rights is another matter, and one that deserves more attention, including research and analysis to address the evidence gap. There are two factors that loom over attempts to turn rights into reality: economics and politics … After 60 years, the time for theoretical debates is long past. This is the moment for action. We should start by breaking down the barriers between the different disciplines – law, development, humanitarianism, economics, social development– and promote a dialogue to find solutions.”
Breaking down barriers and promoting dialogue is at the heart of our work, and this week we are featuring projects promoting transitional justice and women’s rights in a special focus on human rights:
From Afghanistan: Malalai works for the BBC World Service Trust’s Afghan Woman’s Hour programme in Afghanistan. On 12 November 2008, she was the only journalist allowed to speak to the schoolgirl victims of an acid attack by suspected militants in Kandahar. Read her report of her experiences that day
From Sierra Leone: Despite the end of the civil war, the UNHCR estimates there are over 3,000 Sierra Leonean refugees still living in Liberia. View a photo gallery from the VOA camp outside Monrovia documenting daily life there
From the ICC in The Hague: We are supporting Sierra Leonean journalists to cover the historic trial of Charles Taylor. Listen to an interview with chief prosecutor Mr Stephen Rapp, the latest report from trainee Mariama Khai Fornah
To find out more, visit the BBC World Service Trust website.
