December 10 is International Human Rights Day
Human rights belong to every one of us without exception. But unless we know them, unless we demand they be respected, and unless we defend our right — and the right of others — to exercise them, they will be just words in a decades-old document.
That is why, on Human Rights Day, we do more than celebrate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 – we acknowledge its enduring relevance for our own times.
The importance of human rights has been underlined over and over again this year. Across the globe, people mobilized to demand justice, dignity, equality, participation — the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration.
Many of these peaceful demonstrators persevered despite being met with violence and further repression. In some countries, the struggle continues; in others, important concessions were gained or dictators were toppled as the will of the people prevailed.
Many of the people seeking their legitimate aspirations were linked through social media. Gone are the days when repressive governments could totally control the flow of information. Today, within their existing obligation to respect the rights of freedom of assembly and expression, governments must not block access to the internet and various forms of social media as a way to prevent criticism and public debate.
Yet at the end of an extraordinary year for human rights, let us take strength from the achievements of 2011: new democratic transitions set in motion, new steps to ensure accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, new and ever-spreading awareness of rights themselves.
As we look to the challenges ahead, let us take inspiration from the example of human rights activists and the timeless power of the Universal Declaration, and do our utmost to uphold the ideals and aspirations that speak for every culture and every person.
Ban Ki-moon (Secretary General of United Nations)
457 IDPs families of Attabad,Sarat, Gulmit, Shishkat, Ayeenabad are still in shelter camps from january 2010 ??????
The year 2011 was a nightmare for the people of Hunza as they witnessed the worst human rights violation in Hunza’s history. The brutal killing of two innocent IDP’s of Gojal in the day light by police officer, who were just demanding to release thier compansation announced by PM Gillani.This state terrorism did not stopped and soon after fake cases were loaunched against dozens of youth and were arrested, intogated at govt owned torture cells and are still at jail. The people of Hunza are still in shock and even cannot imagine about this unbeliveable discremination by govt. What is the future of the youth who are at jail and dozens of other youth of Hunza, enlisted in FIR under Anti Torrorist Act (ATA). Who will defend the rights of our people as our elected representatives are enjoying thier status and waiting to end thier term. Why the govt is silient over the commission report on Aliabad incident and when it is opned. The defendors of three international boarders of pakistan are under siege, opperessed and looking for a Massiha that could defend thier rights. On the day of International human rights day we must come forward to enforce the govt to trail the culprits and bring justice to the people of Hunza.