‘Protecting Human Rights is Vital for attaining MDGs’- IIMSAM Official Dr. Naseer Homoud

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 9, 2010 --

Observing Human Rights Day Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council said “it gives me great pleasure to commemorate the Human Rights Day. This day commemorates the proclamation in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations”. He said the Human Rights Day is not an occasion merely to celebrate, but also one of stocktaking to assess the progress made in protection of human rights of the human family in the global village, and in the promotion of the human rights culture. “Those who strive for the promotion and protection of human rights can never be satisfied with their endeavors. The struggle to ensure respect for the dignity and worth of the human person knows no end anywhere in the world. On International Human Rights Day, December 10, nations that claim to support freedom worldwide should pledge to strengthen international institutions dedicated to human rights, many of which are weak or currently under attack”, said Dr. Homoud.

The Goodwill Ambassador urged the international community to put human rights at the heart of policy making and to adopt self-determination as a key driver to resolve conflicts in a democratic and peaceful manner, in accordance with international law. "On this day, IIMSAM Middle East Office honors the brave men and women around the world who are working to expand freedom in their countries. However, international institutions, which have a critical role to play in amplifying their voices and protecting their work, are under threat and must be defended”, said Dr. Homoud. He further said “it is when times are hard that the commitment to protecting human rights is tested most severely. History tells us that an economic downturn usually lead to a rise in prejudice and discrimination. We must redouble our efforts to fight them, as well as the resulting intolerance. Governments and stakeholders must not allow the economic crisis to become a human rights catastrophe”.

Speaking on this occasion Dr. Homoud said that the evolution of human society has followed the path from agricultural society to industrial, information and the present day knowledge society. In agricultural and industrial society, humans and machines dominated the warfare. In the information and knowledge society, intellectual capacity would dominate. Intellectual domination is represented by ideologies, principles and faiths. Whenever they cross paths between individuals, societies and nations, the human rights are violated. He said “the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law should be inherent in any civilized society. Adherence to these principles constitutes the prerequisite for peace, development and security in any society”.

Dr. Homoud while addressing the gathering said “today, we are all witnesses to the international trend where the indivisibility and interdependency of human rights has become the norm. The notion of justifiability of economic, social and cultural rights which divided the world in the cold war years is beginning to be embraced by many countries. The concepts of the right to development and the right to peace, hitherto regarded as mere academic talk, have today been admitted as indispensable to the effective enjoyment of all human rights”. He further went on to say “respect for human rights therefore provides a foundation upon which rests the political structures of human freedoms. The achievement of human freedom generates the will as well as the capacity for economic and social progress. The attainment of economic and social progress provides the basis for sustainable peace. Today, as we commemorate Human Rights Day, we must bear in mind that there can be no peace without respect for human rights, and security and development can only survive where there is peace”. He requested the international community, especially the signatories of the 4th Geneva Convention, and human rights organizations to fulfill their responsibilities and urge all countries to respect articles of international law. Significantly, he urgently appealed to the international community to rescue and protect peoples who are deprived and victimized of gross violation of human rights.

Dr. Naseer Homoud     Human Rights Day     IIMSAM