"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights". These are the famous first words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established 61 years ago on December 10th 1948.
These words became the basic premise of international human rights law. Yet today, the fight against discrimination remains a daily struggle for millions around the globe. This Thursday December the 10th people all over the world, on the occasion of Human Rights Day 2009 , will reflect upon the ending of discrimination
"Discrimination lies at the root of many of the world’s most pressing human rights problems. No country is immune from this scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the highest order." says Navi Pillay the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. "Our main objective is to help promote discrimination-free societies and a world of equal treatment for all." She encourages people everywhere – including the UN family, governments, civil society, national human rights institutions, the media, educators, and individuals – to seize the opportunity of Human Rights Day 2009 to join hands to embrace diversity and end discrimination.
The realization of all human rights – social, economic and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights – is hampered by discrimination. All too often, when faced with prejudice and discrimination, political leaders, governments and ordinary citizens are silent or complacent.
Yet everyone of us can make a difference. The High Commissioner on Human Rights encourages to celebrate Human Rights Day by advocating non-discrimination, organizing activities, raising awareness and reaching out to our local communities on 10 December and throughout 2010.
Starting on Thursday December 10th the Human Rights Defenders Mrs. Oldine Bryson-Pantophlet and mr. Raymond Jessurun in cooperation with the Philipsburg Jubilee Library will host for one week an exhibition which is titled: "Help end discrimination! Let us create a discrimination-free society!" A special stand in our public library with books, articles, folders on non-discrimination and human rights will be exhibited to raise the awareness that we all can work towards a discrimination-free society.
On Thursday evening December 10, 2009 from 18.00-19.00 o’clock drs Raymond Jessurun will give a presentation titled: "Discrimination in the Kingdom of the Netherlands: what have we achieved so far?" This presentation will highlight examples of discrimination in the Kingdom of the Netherlands that were successfully addressed, and discrimination that also affects us here in Sint Maarten that we still must bring to an end.
Everyone is invited to see this exhibition and to attend the presentation of Mr Raymond Jessurun.
For more information you can call Mrs Oldine Bryson Pantophlet 5811866 or mr Raymond Jessurun on 09-5615035.