By Gary Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC TIMES

 Today is International Human Rights Day as the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights turns 70. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a ground breaking historic document that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its third session on 10 December 1948 as Resolution 217 at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France.  It has been called one of the most important documents of the 20th Century. The UDHR is a milestone document in the history of human rights that was drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into more than 500 languages.

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. […] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world,”  Eleanor Roosevelt.

Human Rights Day is observed ever year on December 10 in memory of the historic UDHR. 

International Criminal Court President Calls For Re-Commitment To Core Values Enshrined In UDHR

 “Today, the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) joins people across the world in marking Human Rights Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948 and its 70th anniversary this year,” ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, said in a statement.

“As we commemorate Human Rights Day, let us recall the important role that the ICC plays in this universal system set up to protect human rights effectively,” 

ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji.

U.S. Secretary Of State Mike Pompeo Says UDHR Principles Remain Relevant Today 

“The Declaration’s fundamental principles remain as relevant today as they were seventy years ago,”  Secretary of State Pompeo said in a statement. “Still, governments impede the freedoms of religion or belief and expression. Citizens’ rights to participate in free, fair, and genuine elections remain precarious. Authorities continue to subject prisoners to torture and inhumane treatment. Global recognition of the inalienable rights belonging to all individuals must be continually encouraged and reaffirmed.”