OSCE Yerevan Office marks Human Rights Day

YEREVAN, 10 December 2008 - The OSCE Office in Yerevan is marking today's 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Human Rights Day by organizing a discussion on the topic, an essay contest for schoolchildren and a public gathering. 

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the first document that recognized fundamental freedoms and human rights to which all people are entitled. Sixty years on, this paper is as important as at the time of adoption," said Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the OSCE Office.

In co-operation with the UNDP, the Council of Europe, the Delegation of the European Commission to Armenia and the Human Rights Defender's Office, the OSCE Office held an event today to mark International Human Rights Day, which gathered state officials and civil society representatives.

"Over the last six decades, the Declaration has become an integral part of the human rights protection system worldwide," said Consuelo Vidal, the UN Resident Co-ordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia. "The UN has created a global structure for protecting human rights, based largely on its Charter, legally binding treaties and on various activities aimed at advancing democracy and human rights throughout the world."

Tomorrow, the OSCE Office will host a roundtable discussion on human rights for state agencies, national institutions and members of civil society. Participants will assess the situation in Armenia and share plans for the coming year.

On 15 December, within the framework of the human rights education project, the OSCE Office will award certificates to the winners of an essay contest for schoolchildren organized on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.