Human Rights Days' 70th Commemoration Marked Amid Cinematography, Symposiums, Awareness Walks

Human Rights days' 70th commemoration marked amid cinematography, symposiums, awareness walks

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Dec, 2018 ) :In the prevailing epoch of human rights crisis around the globe, 70th International Human Rights Day and the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Monday has been marked in the country particularly the Federal capital amid cinematography, symposiums and awareness walks held by United Nations, international non-governmental organizations, journalist associations and various universities.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted by the representatives of various legal and cultural backgrounds from across the world whereas the declaration sets out universal values and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen M Mazari as Chief Guest at a seminar on "Human Rights Violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir", organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) here said, "Pakistan needs to reinforce the fact that India in her stance on Kashmir issue in the United Nations by no means mentioned Pakistan as a transgressor. On the contrary, there is need to renew the rhetoric we are addicted to. A number of Kashmiris resulting in mass extermination of generations have taken place".

Speaking at another occasion, she said, "The day is celebrated to improve the physical, social, cultural and spiritual well being of the vulnerable group of people globally." She added that another important reason to celebrate this day is to promote the awareness about human rights among people all around the world and to encourage the vulnerable group of people like women, minorities, youth, poor including disabled persons to take part in this event celebration and political decision making.

The UN Secretary General Ant�nio Guterres on Human Rights Day delivered his message as, "For 70 years, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been a global beacon � shining a light for dignity, equality and well-being ... and bringing hope to dark places. The rights proclaimed in the Declaration apply to everyone -- no matter our race, belief, location or other distinction of any kind. Human rights are universal and eternal.

They are also indivisible. One cannot pick and choose among civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Today we also honour the human rights defenders risking their lives to protect people in the face of rising hatred, racism, intolerance and repression.

Indeed, human rights are under siege around the world. Universal values are being eroded. The rule of law is being undermined.

Now more than ever, our shared duty is clear: Let us stand up for human rights -- for everyone, everywhere." The UN Higher Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in her message said, "Seventy years ago, upon the ashes of countries devastated by war, the Holocaust and economic depression, world leaders devised a plan. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was conceived as a detailed map to guide the world's people out of conflict and suffering, and ensure that relations within societies, and between states, could be sustainable and peaceful." Adding, "And it is precisely at times of turmoil and uncertainty that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights can guide us. Step by step, it lights the path. We need more respect. Greater justice. We need to uphold human equality and dignity. And we can achieve this. All of us, wherever we are, can make a difference, by standing up for everyone's human rights." The day was observed unlikely the one took place in the past as the UN initiated a 16 days awareness campaign prior to the day from Nov 25 to Dec 10, 2018 to apprise the masses about multidimensional aspects of human rights violations.

In order to commemorate the 16 days of activism for ending violence against women and girls, a launch event was held at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly, Peshawar with the support of UN Women.

The world Human Rights Day and closing ceremony of the 4th edition of the film festival on Human Rights Through Cinematography 2018, the festival brought 27 films and documentaries, screened in 9 cities of Pakistan on the issues related to human rights from all over the world. The festival also concluded marking the Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The International Human Rights Day was also celebrated in COMSATS University whereas the event was part of a 4-day International Students Convention and Expo 2018 being organised by Inter University Consortium in collaboration with more than 50 organisations and universities including COMSATS, Paigham - e-Pakistan, Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services, Punjab HEC, National Book Foundation and others.

The other events held included International Kashmir Lobby Group (Youth Forum For Kashmir)'s awareness walk where it set free 200 doves to deliver message of peace to the world on World Human Rights Day at Fatimah Jinnah Park. Another journalist watch dog 4th Pillar organized a peaceful walk outside the National Press Club with the theme of "Justice for Journalists."