Default title
31 January 1997
50th Anniversary
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
1998
Workshop on "The Universal Declaration at the Dawn of the 21st Century" contributes to the 50th Anniversary commemoration
An international workshop on "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Dawn of the 21st Century", held in Warsaw on 30th and 31st January 1997, launched discussion at international level on how to optimize the important contribution of the 50th Anniversary to the continuing task of ensuring human rights for all people. The workshop is the first of many meetings being planned on the commemorative theme of the 50th Anniversary and focused on the promotion and protection of human rights. More than 30 experts from countries worldwide, as well as from UN agencies and programmes, and non-governmental organizations, attended the workshop which was jointly organized by the Governments of Poland, Germany and South Africa.
On the threshold of a new century, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, José Ayala-Lasso, called for a new partnership within the human rights framework. In a statement presented by his envoy, Mr. John Pace of the High Commissioner/Centre for Human Rights, Mr. Ayala-Lasso said that the protection of human rights required closer cooperation and mutual support on the part of Governments, NGOs and IGOs, the academic community and civil society. In view of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1998, the High Commissioner pledged, as part of his contribution to this historic occasion, to promote and facilitate increased international cooperation. His remarks stressed what many participants at the workshop also emphasized: namely, that commemoration activities should concentrate on future challenges and objectives rather than merely restating the achievements of the past. In consequence, every contribution to the 50th Anniversary by both Governments and grass-roots initiatives, academic institutions and NGOs, as well as by international and regional organizations would be eminently worthwhile..
The significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, half a century after its adoption on 10 December 1948, was stressed in the message addressed to the workshop by the President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela, and read by his representative. The message is reproduced below.
Message from the President of the Republic of South Africa,
H.E. Mr. Nelson Mandela, to the Commemorative Workshop on the
Universal Declaration on Human Rights
Warsaw, 30-31 January 1997
You will all be only too aware that the Universal Declaration was adopted at a turning point in the history of mankind. The long horror of the Second World War was finally over. A opportunity had opened to make a start in building a freer and more fraternal world.
What is not so widely recognised is that this fundamental Declaration was adopted at a truly decisive moment in the political history of South Africa.
The Universal Declaration was adopted in San Francisco in the same year, and only a few months after, the first government which was determined to apply a policy of absolute apartheid, came to power in Pretoria. For all the opponents of this pernicious system, the simple and noble words of the Universal Declaration were a sudden ray of hope at one of our darkest moments. During the many years that followed, this document, solemnly adopted by the most representative international body in existence, served as a shining beacon and an inspiration to many millions of South Africans. It was proof that they were not alone, but rather part of a great global movement against racism and colonialism, for human rights, peace and justice.
As we all know, the ideals enshrined in the Declaration have recently been put into effect at the highest level in South Africa. Our new constitution is itself the product of a long political, legislative and judicial process. For the first time ever, South Africans have taken part in the election of their representatives at all levels of government. And citizens have the right to stand for political office, without regard to race, gender, religion or language.
The very first article of the Universal Declaration states that “All human beings are born free and equal and dignity and rights”. This is also a fundamental principle of the new dispensation in South Africa, running like a golden thread through the entire constitutional, judicial and political system. In fact, the spirit of our new Constitution is aimed at promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as eradicating racial prejudice and social inequities.
The Preamble to the Universal Declaration states in its third paragraph that “human rights should be protected by the rule of law”. It is for this reason that we have achieved a national consensus on the incorporation of a fully justifiable Bill of Rights into our Constitution. This document is of an indigenous design and is, I like to think, a very good one. It is no reflection on the long and patient work of our public representatives and jurists that our own Bill of Rights, like most contemporary instruments of this kind, clearly reflects its direct descent from the Universal Declaration.
We realise, of course, that rights which exist only on paper are of no value to the mass of our people. Special institutions have thus been set up to ensure that all our citizens benefit from the actual enjoyment of these rights. They also ensure that our chequered past is dealt with in a manner which is compatible with respect for human rights.
Our Human Rights Commission, which is an independent and non-political statutory body on which no parliamentarian or minister may serve, is now fully functional. Along with the Constitutional Court, an independent custodian of the letter and spirit of the constitution, it will form that apex of the system of human rights protection for our citizens.
The creation of the office of the Public Protector ensures that human rights do not merely remain impressive in theory, but that the protection of their rights is carried into the daily lives of all our people, even, or indeed especially, the least privileged.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is active in pursuing the two aims which are implicit in its title, without fear or favour. We do not believe that there is any incompatibility in this double mandate, as lasting and real reconciliation is dependent on the revelation of the truth, however, disturbing this may be.
A National Youth Commission has been established to help redress the imbalances of the past. Similarly, our new Commission on Gender Equality will ensure that men and women enjoy equal rights in all respects.
The adoption of a constitution - and the setting up of relevant institutions - does not mean that all our problems have been solved. Yet we are proud that the foundation has been laid, and that the concepts and values of human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration, have made a real contribution to our endeavours.
At the initiation of the negotiation process in South Africa there were many people, in our country and abroad, who believed that the antagonisms ran too deep, that the chasm of distrust was too wide, for there to be any hope of a relatively peaceful settlement. Most of the former rulers feared revenge, many of the formerly oppressed were tempted to seek it. At a crucial moment the two sides were able to agree on the concept of respect for basic human rights, as a guarantee of safety and freedom for all. In fact, it was a key clause of the Interim Constitution that the final and definitive Bill of Rights should contain all the generally recognised human rights.
We South Africans do recognise that we are still new pupils in the classroom of democracy and respect for human rights. We are happy to learn from the experience of others.
On behalf of the people of South Africa, I wish you every success in your deliberations. I do so knowing that, like other co-sponsors of this conference, my country did not vote for the Universal Declaration when it was adopted on 10 December 1948.
The past cannot be undone. We will never have another opportunity to vote for it. Nor is it a document which is susceptible to signature, ratification or accession. It would not, however, be possible to find a more appropriate body than this commemorative meeting, for me to make the following public declaration:
In my capacity as President of the Republic of South Africa I wish to formally and solemnly place on record that my country now and henceforth accepts and supports the Universal Declaration. We acknowledge its text and its spirit as a standard of achievement for our government and people, unequivocally and without reservation. This noble creed has inspired us inspired us during the darkness of despair. It will continue to be our guide in the years to come.
The fundamental truths set out in this Declaration have lost non of their relevance or vitality in the half century since their adoption. We as South Africans join with our fellow world citizens in striving for the realization of these rights for all people everywhere. It is time for everyone to re-dedicate themselves to these ideals.
The fundamental truths set out in this Declaration have lost none of their relevance or vitality in the half century since their adoption. We as South Africans join with our fellow world citizens in striving for the realization of these rights for all people everywhere. It is time for everyone to re-dedicate themselves to these ideals.
It is my hope and conviction that the 1997 Warsaw Workshop will be recorded in history as the starting point of such a global process of reassertion of those fundamental human rights contained in the Universal Declaration.
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
1998
Workshop on "The Universal Declaration at the Dawn of the 21st Century" contributes to the 50th Anniversary commemoration
An international workshop on "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the Dawn of the 21st Century", held in Warsaw on 30th and 31st January 1997, launched discussion at international level on how to optimize the important contribution of the 50th Anniversary to the continuing task of ensuring human rights for all people. The workshop is the first of many meetings being planned on the commemorative theme of the 50th Anniversary and focused on the promotion and protection of human rights. More than 30 experts from countries worldwide, as well as from UN agencies and programmes, and non-governmental organizations, attended the workshop which was jointly organized by the Governments of Poland, Germany and South Africa.
On the threshold of a new century, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, José Ayala-Lasso, called for a new partnership within the human rights framework. In a statement presented by his envoy, Mr. John Pace of the High Commissioner/Centre for Human Rights, Mr. Ayala-Lasso said that the protection of human rights required closer cooperation and mutual support on the part of Governments, NGOs and IGOs, the academic community and civil society. In view of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1998, the High Commissioner pledged, as part of his contribution to this historic occasion, to promote and facilitate increased international cooperation. His remarks stressed what many participants at the workshop also emphasized: namely, that commemoration activities should concentrate on future challenges and objectives rather than merely restating the achievements of the past. In consequence, every contribution to the 50th Anniversary by both Governments and grass-roots initiatives, academic institutions and NGOs, as well as by international and regional organizations would be eminently worthwhile..
The significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, half a century after its adoption on 10 December 1948, was stressed in the message addressed to the workshop by the President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela, and read by his representative. The message is reproduced below.
Message from the President of the Republic of South Africa,
H.E. Mr. Nelson Mandela, to the Commemorative Workshop on the
Universal Declaration on Human Rights
Warsaw, 30-31 January 1997
You will all be only too aware that the Universal Declaration was adopted at a turning point in the history of mankind. The long horror of the Second World War was finally over. A opportunity had opened to make a start in building a freer and more fraternal world.
What is not so widely recognised is that this fundamental Declaration was adopted at a truly decisive moment in the political history of South Africa.
The Universal Declaration was adopted in San Francisco in the same year, and only a few months after, the first government which was determined to apply a policy of absolute apartheid, came to power in Pretoria. For all the opponents of this pernicious system, the simple and noble words of the Universal Declaration were a sudden ray of hope at one of our darkest moments. During the many years that followed, this document, solemnly adopted by the most representative international body in existence, served as a shining beacon and an inspiration to many millions of South Africans. It was proof that they were not alone, but rather part of a great global movement against racism and colonialism, for human rights, peace and justice.
As we all know, the ideals enshrined in the Declaration have recently been put into effect at the highest level in South Africa. Our new constitution is itself the product of a long political, legislative and judicial process. For the first time ever, South Africans have taken part in the election of their representatives at all levels of government. And citizens have the right to stand for political office, without regard to race, gender, religion or language.
The very first article of the Universal Declaration states that “All human beings are born free and equal and dignity and rights”. This is also a fundamental principle of the new dispensation in South Africa, running like a golden thread through the entire constitutional, judicial and political system. In fact, the spirit of our new Constitution is aimed at promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as eradicating racial prejudice and social inequities.
The Preamble to the Universal Declaration states in its third paragraph that “human rights should be protected by the rule of law”. It is for this reason that we have achieved a national consensus on the incorporation of a fully justifiable Bill of Rights into our Constitution. This document is of an indigenous design and is, I like to think, a very good one. It is no reflection on the long and patient work of our public representatives and jurists that our own Bill of Rights, like most contemporary instruments of this kind, clearly reflects its direct descent from the Universal Declaration.
We realise, of course, that rights which exist only on paper are of no value to the mass of our people. Special institutions have thus been set up to ensure that all our citizens benefit from the actual enjoyment of these rights. They also ensure that our chequered past is dealt with in a manner which is compatible with respect for human rights.
Our Human Rights Commission, which is an independent and non-political statutory body on which no parliamentarian or minister may serve, is now fully functional. Along with the Constitutional Court, an independent custodian of the letter and spirit of the constitution, it will form that apex of the system of human rights protection for our citizens.
The creation of the office of the Public Protector ensures that human rights do not merely remain impressive in theory, but that the protection of their rights is carried into the daily lives of all our people, even, or indeed especially, the least privileged.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is active in pursuing the two aims which are implicit in its title, without fear or favour. We do not believe that there is any incompatibility in this double mandate, as lasting and real reconciliation is dependent on the revelation of the truth, however, disturbing this may be.
A National Youth Commission has been established to help redress the imbalances of the past. Similarly, our new Commission on Gender Equality will ensure that men and women enjoy equal rights in all respects.
The adoption of a constitution - and the setting up of relevant institutions - does not mean that all our problems have been solved. Yet we are proud that the foundation has been laid, and that the concepts and values of human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration, have made a real contribution to our endeavours.
At the initiation of the negotiation process in South Africa there were many people, in our country and abroad, who believed that the antagonisms ran too deep, that the chasm of distrust was too wide, for there to be any hope of a relatively peaceful settlement. Most of the former rulers feared revenge, many of the formerly oppressed were tempted to seek it. At a crucial moment the two sides were able to agree on the concept of respect for basic human rights, as a guarantee of safety and freedom for all. In fact, it was a key clause of the Interim Constitution that the final and definitive Bill of Rights should contain all the generally recognised human rights.
We South Africans do recognise that we are still new pupils in the classroom of democracy and respect for human rights. We are happy to learn from the experience of others.
On behalf of the people of South Africa, I wish you every success in your deliberations. I do so knowing that, like other co-sponsors of this conference, my country did not vote for the Universal Declaration when it was adopted on 10 December 1948.
The past cannot be undone. We will never have another opportunity to vote for it. Nor is it a document which is susceptible to signature, ratification or accession. It would not, however, be possible to find a more appropriate body than this commemorative meeting, for me to make the following public declaration:
In my capacity as President of the Republic of South Africa I wish to formally and solemnly place on record that my country now and henceforth accepts and supports the Universal Declaration. We acknowledge its text and its spirit as a standard of achievement for our government and people, unequivocally and without reservation. This noble creed has inspired us inspired us during the darkness of despair. It will continue to be our guide in the years to come.
The fundamental truths set out in this Declaration have lost non of their relevance or vitality in the half century since their adoption. We as South Africans join with our fellow world citizens in striving for the realization of these rights for all people everywhere. It is time for everyone to re-dedicate themselves to these ideals.
The fundamental truths set out in this Declaration have lost none of their relevance or vitality in the half century since their adoption. We as South Africans join with our fellow world citizens in striving for the realization of these rights for all people everywhere. It is time for everyone to re-dedicate themselves to these ideals.
It is my hope and conviction that the 1997 Warsaw Workshop will be recorded in history as the starting point of such a global process of reassertion of those fundamental human rights contained in the Universal Declaration.