Universal Declaration

Before the 60th anniversary of the founding declaration of the international system of human rights, it is clear that the implementation of the related obligations has been far away from the commitments that have been purchased. Unfortunately, it can be said that the shortcomings in the implementation have become even greater in recent years. This has been due, in part, to that has emerged a global political environment more conditioned by security since the attacks against the United States in September 2001. Just as worrying is that the old divisions of the cold war may be making a comeback and that new forms of polarization between North and South in political matters such as trade, aid and the environment make effective national measures and international cooperation more difficult in those matters related to human rights. We must look back and reflect on our history and remember that the Universal Declaration maintains a careful balance between individual freedoms, the social protection, economic opportunities and obligations towards the community. We should also remember the extraordinary group of people of different origins, traditions and beliefs which, under the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt, were able to form a common front, recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of all peoples. It is a sad fact that African States, which were formed following the adoption of the Universal Declaration, did not participate in its creation. And, unfortunately, the voices of Africa continue to be marginalized too often.

But I spend great part of my time on the African continent and I still feel me hopeful to see how civil society (and the vast majority of Governments) welcomes the Universal Declaration as his own. Just have to remember the words of Nelson Mandela: the simple and noble words of the Universal Declaration () were a sudden ray of hope in one of our darkest moments. () This document has served as luminous Lighthouse inspiration.