Culture and Human Rights

The United Nations, as is the case with so many organizations today, is preparing
itself for the challenges and promises of the twenty-first century. Its founders
recognized over 50 years ago that, in order for the United Nations to reach its goals
of peace and security, development and human rights for all people, each goal would
need to be pursued with equal vigour and understood as inextricably linked with the
others. The year of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights - now less than 12 months away - offers the ideal opportunity to further link
human rights to the overall work of the United Nations. It allows us to prove, through
the example of the current experience of the United Nations human rights
programme, that the understanding of the founders of the United Nations is more
important than ever: only by pursuing peace, development and human rights equally
will any ultimately be achieved.
The promise which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights symbolized at the time
of its adoption today seems more possible than ever. The international community
has made substantial progress over the past 50 years in the implementation of
human rights concepts through the passage of nearly 50 human rights treaties and
the establishment of an international human rights machinery. Yet, the Universal
Declaration still serves as the example by which we measure not only our successes
and shortcomings, but also the foundation upon which we continue our efforts to
make all human rights a reality. As this century quickly passes away, we should not
only be proud of the advances made in the protection of human rights in the past 50
years, but also be increasingly aware of what still must be done to ensure that the
rights many of us now take for granted are enjoyed by all people.
Human rights are an ever-present, ongoing challenge which must be met again and
again. No one can be absolutely sure of their protection from one generation to the
next. Even in those places where human rights may seem most secure, the message
must continue to be heard. It must not be forgotten, however, that the primary
responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights remains with
Governments. United Nations agencies or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs),
important as they are, could never replace Governments in the difficult task of
ensuring the enjoyment of human rights for all the people of a given State or
territory. Support should be offered to Governments to assist in efforts such as
developing national programmes related to ratification of treaties, adopting human
rights legislation and strengthening capacities for addressing the rights of vulnerable
groups.
I am convinced that the development of a culture of human rights throughout the
world is one of the most important contributions that can be made to future
generations. The foundation for this culture is enshrined in the principles of the
Universal Declaration. A culture of human rights would result in a profound change in
how individuals, communities, States and the international community view
relationships in all matters. Such a culture would make human rights as much a part
of the lives of individuals as are language, customs, the arts, faith and ties to place.
In this culture, human rights would not be seen as the job of "someone else", but the
obligation and duty of all.
For wherever one turns, there are opportunities to serve. Local elections require
assistance to insure fairness and accessibility, children and adults need teachers to
learn what human rights are all about, and those whose rights are not respected
count on the voices of others to speak on their behalf. This is the individual
commitment required of a human rights culture. Finally, a culture of human rights

would provide protection through the rule of law, holding those who have violated the
rights of others fully accountable for their actions.
But where do we actually begin the work of building such a culture? How can the
impact of the Universal Declaration be felt most personally? A culture of human
rights can only be achieved by educating people of all ages, in positions of influence
and positions of vulnerability, about what human rights are and what is required for
their continued protection. In the work of "spreading the word" about human rights,
we must also maintain a full respect for the distinct world cultures which exist today
and hold for their members meaningful values and beliefs which should never be lost.
For only through the protection of human rights can the dignity of all peoples and
cultures be guaranteed, and only through a complete respect for the rich diversity of
the world's cultures will we find acceptance for the principles of the Universal
Declaration.
The emerging importance of extended and strengthened partnerships allows us to
contribute positively to the sustained enjoyment of human rights in more places.
With the assistance and expertise of our partners, both from other United Nations
agencies and those outside the United Nations system, we are currently addressing
issues such as human rights education, training for government officials, transition to
democracy assistance involving constitutions and elections, and financial assistance
for the creation of businesses and infrastructure, to name just a few. This work is all
being done with the clear understanding that the objectives of human rights, peace
and security and development are indeed interconnected and, therefore, our
collective work is intertwined and vital to ultimate success. Though the process of
developing these working relationships can take time and may sometimes lead to the
feeling of reaching goals more slowly, the early signs have clearly been higher quality
results, more efficient use of limited resources, and better understanding between
various actors.
The United Nations human fights programme has undergone a profound adaptation
to the evolving needs and challenges ahead. Addressing human rights problems
where they occur has taken a particularly prominent place in our work. As Eleanor
Roosevelt, one of the drafters of the Universal Declaration asked, then answered so
correctly many years ago: "Where after all do universal human rights begin? In small
places, close to home ...". Through the ever increasing presence of United Nations
staff members in the field, working in partnership with Governments, national
institutions and NGOs, and with other committed individuals, the United Nations
human rights programme has gained a new and practical dimension which can also
be seen through increased cooperation with other United Nations agencies and
programmes on the ground.
Yet this greater emphasis on human rights activities in the field does not come
without a price. Many risks are involved in our commitment to ensure human rights
for those who seek our assistance. The protection and safety of committed
individuals working in sometimes dangerous conditions is the highest priority of the
United Nations, but, once again, recent tragedies have reminded us all of how fragile
the future we are striving to build can be. The recent loss of five of our human rights
colleagues in Rwanda and six of our ICRC colleagues in Chechnya, all of whom gave
their lives in the hope of better lives for others, should serve to strengthen our
resolve that their sacrifice will ultimately lead to the guarantee of human rights for all
people.