OSCE-supported campaign marks Human Rights Day in Armenia

An OSCE-supported campaign entitled Raise Your Voice to Protect Your Human Rights! culminated on 10 December 2013 with the marking of International Human Rights Day.

The campaign, which included a photography competition and exhibition, a debate on human rights, and a theatre performance, gave an opportunity to people in Armenia to increase their knowledge on human rights and to share their personal experiences in promoting and protecting human rights. The campaign was organized by the United Nations, the EU Delegation to Armenia, OSCE and the Council of Europe’s Offices in Yerevan, as well as the Foreign Ministry of Armenia and the Human Right’s Defender’s Office

The photo contest aimed at encouraging young people to share their experiences in promoting human rights. The winning photographers were awarded prizes by representatives of international organizations at a special ceremony held on 10 December 2013. A debate took place after the ceremony, giving some 60 young participants an opportunity to discuss human rights challenges as well as the ways in which human rights could be promoted and defended.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration on Human Rights and Plan of Action, which created the position of High Commissioner for Human Rights to be an independent, authoritative voice advocating for human rights worldwide. Marking the anniversary, Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General said: “Let us intensify our efforts to fulfil our collective responsibility to promote and protect the rights and dignity of all people everywhere.”

A theatrical performance entitled Lawsuit over Stolen Rainbow highlighting gender equality and human rights issues also took place.

These events concluded the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence’ campaign, which was launched by UN Armenia, US Embassy in Yerevan, EU Delegation to Armenia, OSCE Office in Yerevan and Council of Europe Office in Yerevan in the UN House on 25 November.

The Human Rights Day campaign will continue with a series of debates to be led by international organizations operating in Armenia, to further promote the universal values of human rights, peace and tolerance.

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted on 10 December 1948. The date has since served to mark Human Rights Day worldwide. http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted in 1993: http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/2013/about.shtml