Default title
06 March 1998
HR/98/13
6 March 1998
HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS FOR FIRM ACTION TO ENSURE WOMEN’S RIGHTS EVERYWHERE ARE FULLY HONOURED
Women's Day Message by Mary Robinson
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The following is the statement of Mrs. Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the occasion of International Women’s Day which is celebrated on 8 March 1998:
"Human rights are women's rights too and the United Nations must be the uncompromising guardian of women's human rights.
This year we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - the great constitutional document on the inherent dignity and value of every individual. The words of the Declaration coupled with those of the Vienna Declaration, 1993, and that of Beijing, 1995, stand in sharp contrast to the daily reality of life for so many. Women throughout the world have found that Declarations and Conventions are not enough to guarantee their human rights. It is past time to move from fine words to firm action by international organisations, national and local governments and civil society to ensure that the rights of women everywhere are fully honoured.
The best hope for realising the human rights of women lies in the efforts of women themselves. In recent visits to Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Cambodia, Japan and Iran I have met women committed to demonstrating that the human rights principles belong to all and are compatible with diverse cultures and traditions. The solidarity women have for their sisters in other countries is a powerful force and this year I would particularly call for a focus on the women in Afghanistan.
Of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty 70 per cent are women; the majority of the world's refugees are women; female illiteracy is invariably higher than male illiteracy; women and girl children are becoming commodities in cross-border prostitution rackets and the pornography industry. Millions of girls are still subject to genital mutilation, women in every country are regular victims of domestic violence and every day women are targeted in armed conflicts.
While addressing these realities we must avoid viewing women merely as victims of violations and conflict. Women are also the true peacemakers and the peacebuilders - at the negotiating table and in war-torn communities everywhere.
Fighting for women's human rights is a positive struggle which recognises the quality of a woman's contribution in every aspect of the community: in politics, industry, commerce, education, academe, agriculture and the home.
The United Nations' role as the guardian of women's rights must go beyond rhetorical support. Practical and creative measures to realise the human rights of women - civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development - are a priority for my Office and must be for every part
of the United Nations."
6 March 1998
HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS FOR FIRM ACTION TO ENSURE WOMEN’S RIGHTS EVERYWHERE ARE FULLY HONOURED
Women's Day Message by Mary Robinson
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The following is the statement of Mrs. Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the occasion of International Women’s Day which is celebrated on 8 March 1998:
"Human rights are women's rights too and the United Nations must be the uncompromising guardian of women's human rights.
This year we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - the great constitutional document on the inherent dignity and value of every individual. The words of the Declaration coupled with those of the Vienna Declaration, 1993, and that of Beijing, 1995, stand in sharp contrast to the daily reality of life for so many. Women throughout the world have found that Declarations and Conventions are not enough to guarantee their human rights. It is past time to move from fine words to firm action by international organisations, national and local governments and civil society to ensure that the rights of women everywhere are fully honoured.
The best hope for realising the human rights of women lies in the efforts of women themselves. In recent visits to Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Cambodia, Japan and Iran I have met women committed to demonstrating that the human rights principles belong to all and are compatible with diverse cultures and traditions. The solidarity women have for their sisters in other countries is a powerful force and this year I would particularly call for a focus on the women in Afghanistan.
Of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty 70 per cent are women; the majority of the world's refugees are women; female illiteracy is invariably higher than male illiteracy; women and girl children are becoming commodities in cross-border prostitution rackets and the pornography industry. Millions of girls are still subject to genital mutilation, women in every country are regular victims of domestic violence and every day women are targeted in armed conflicts.
While addressing these realities we must avoid viewing women merely as victims of violations and conflict. Women are also the true peacemakers and the peacebuilders - at the negotiating table and in war-torn communities everywhere.
Fighting for women's human rights is a positive struggle which recognises the quality of a woman's contribution in every aspect of the community: in politics, industry, commerce, education, academe, agriculture and the home.
The United Nations' role as the guardian of women's rights must go beyond rhetorical support. Practical and creative measures to realise the human rights of women - civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development - are a priority for my Office and must be for every part
of the United Nations."