On 10 December 2007 (Human Rights Day) Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, launched a year-long campaign of events to lead up to the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on Human Rights Day 2008. The events were designed to help people learn their Human Rights and raise awareness of issues that are still being faced.

The theme of the campaign is 'recognition and justice for all of us'.

The UDHR was the first international recognition that all human beings have equal rights and freedoms.

 

Highlighting Human Rights at the FCO

On Monday 1 December, the FCO is held an open day to highlight the importance of Human Rights in our work as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations. The event was co-hosted by the Department for International Development (DFID), the Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Association (UK).

Stalls from DfID, the Ministry of Justice and the FCO, and non-Governmental organisations such as Amnesty International and Save the Children showcased their organisations work and achievements in the field of Human Rights. The video below introduces some of these organisations and shows what the day is aiming to achieve.

Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, delivered a speech at the opening of the event and presented the prize to the winner of the United Nations Association competition on Human Rights heroes.

Three panel discussions took place on impunity, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) rights and human rights and conflict. Guest speakers during these discussions included Professor Philippe Sands QC and Professor Githu Muigai. The discussions highlighted that debate is a fundamental component of a healthy democracy.