MONROVIA – This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. To commemorate this milestone, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the entire United Nations (UN) family have embarked on the Human Rights 75 campaign, with activities planned through the year in Liberia and around the globe. The initiative aims to promote a 21st-century human rights vision that is transformative, solution-oriented, unifying, and speaks directly to the dignity and rights of every person.
On April 24, 2023, the UN will launch officially the campaign with the national authorities with a series of activities, including poetry for human rights, statements by Government authorities, the Resident Coordinator, diplomatic corps, press conferences, and cultural exhibitions.
The activities in Liberia will take place in two phases, with the first consultative phase spanning from April to November. This phase will involve dialogues at national, regional, and global levels, engaging all actors, including States, the UN, young people, businesses, civil society, experts, and others, to hear all voices and gather pledges and ideas on how to achieve concrete change and look to the future.
The outcome of the consultative phase will culminate in phase two: a high-level event in Geneva on 11-12 December 2023. Governments and other actors are expected to present their pledges for concrete change and ideas on the future of human rights. These outcomes will inspire the vision statement to be submitted to the 2024 Summit of the Future.
In addition to the consultative phases, each month will shine a spotlight on a critical theme spanning a range of economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights, highlighting different aspects of the Universal Declaration, and calling for concrete action by States and other stakeholders.
In Liberia, a set of tailored activities co-organised with the entire UN family under the Resident Coordinator is proposed. Many activities will be co organized with the government, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and Civil society organizations. These activities will be accompanied and supported by public outreach, including nationwide engagement by cities and individuals. In the spirit of the Call to Action for Human Rights, the UN system plans to deliver concrete progress on human rights. Honourable Frank Musah Dean Jr Minister of Justice and Attorney general of the Republic of Liberia has accepted to be Human Rights 75 Champion.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a groundbreaking commitment made 75 years ago, and it is as relevant today as ever,” said Christian Mukosa, UN Human Rights Representative in Liberia. “Human Rights 75 is an opportunity for us to come together as a global community and reaffirm our commitment to promoting human rights for all. We aim to gather pledges and ideas through the consultative phases and high-level event to shape a transformative vision for human rights in the 21st century across the globe and in Liberia,” said the UN Resident Coordinator, Christine N. Umutoni.
Human Rights 75 promotes universality and honors the diversity, strengths, and achievements of the many communities striving to address today’s global challenges. It reminds us that human rights are non-negotiable and provides a foundation to solve our common challenges.
It also aims to forge the future by harnessing the potential of the latest breakthroughs, including technology, and anticipating the challenges that will benefit from their application. Moreover, it supports engagement with Member States and all relevant actors to build a positive force for change, trusting in the human rights architecture, having faith in its promise, and applying the necessary tools to ensure rights are upheld. Press Release
