News

Amman, 15 December 2008 – Under the global slogan “Dignity and Justice for all of us” Jordan commemorated today the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in an official ceremony that was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister, H.E. Nader Dahabi.
 
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December of 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the first universal instrument to proclaim equal dignity and rights of all. It reflects humanity’s aspirations for a future of prosperity, dignity and peaceful coexistence.
 
The United Nations identified the 10th of December to mark the Universal Declaration of Human Rights worldwide every year. As the date this year coincided with the Eid Aladha holidays, the United Nations in Jordan in partnership with the National Centre for Human Rights observed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights day on 15th December 2008. 
The ceremony was officially opened with the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon’s global message on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also included statements by the Minister of Justice, H.E. Mr. Ayman Odeh representing the Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Adnan Badran, NCHR Chairperson and Mr. Luc Stevens the UN Resident Coordinator.
The occasion was also an opportunity to honour the former NCHR Chairperson, H.E. Ahmad Obeidat, the former Commissioner-Generals H.E. Shaher Bak and H.E. Walid Sadi for their active contribution to promoting human rights. In addition, a CD on Jordan’s Human Rights Conventions and Treaties was officially launched and announced by the NCHR Commissioner-General, H.E. Mr. Muhyieddeen Touq.
 
A panel discussion was also organized focusing on two important themes “Dignity and Adequate Standards of Living” and “Gender Equality and Acquisition of Nationality”.
 
According to the United Nations and the NCHR Jordan has intensified its efforts in addressing issues critical to meeting the ambitions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights conventions and treaties. Both affirmed their commitment to support human rights principles in the country and as stated by the UN Resident Coordinator in Jordan the UN’s programme of assistance will pay special attention to the safeguarding of the rights of women, children, the food insecure, refugees, and people with disabilities, and advocating for policy and legislative reforms as well as the implementation of the World Programme for Human Rights Education.
 
The world is confronting daunting challenges including a food emergency, a global financial crisis, natural environment disasters and political repression in many countries. As ever, the most vulnerable continue to be on the frontlines to bear the consequences. The commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights calls for joint efforts to uphold the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to achieve dignity and justice for all.