All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom,… to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment…Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was first initiated in 1998 by UNESCO. It is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples. The date is of particular importance: In the night of 22 to 23 August 1791, an uprising began in today's Haiti that played a crucial role in the abolition of transatlantic slave trade. Every year, cultural activities are organized around the globe to remember this event. UNESCO's "Slave Route" project helps to understand the history of slave trade and therewith fills the silence of the past.
The right to education
was discussed on 1-2 June during the 14th Session of the Human Rights
Council.The Special Rapporteur,
Mr Vernor Muñoz
Villalobos, focused on the right to education particularly among marginalized
groups such as migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers.
During the Interactive Dialogue, States discussed the
situations in their countries and the efforts made in order to prevent
marginalization.Furthermore,
education was discussed as a fundamental right and states expressed that
education helps migrants pull themselves out of migration and social
exclusion.However some countries,
such as African states, expressed their difficulties when discussing the right
to education for vulnerable groups, thus requested the Special Rapporteur for
solutions to the problems encountered.
During the conclusion, Mr Muñoz reiterated his concern for migrants as they continue to
suffer 2 to 3 generations on, despite having access to education.Therefore the goal is to combat denial
for the migrant population.In
order to achieve this, cultural diversity should feed and nourish the education
system and incorporate migrant teachers into the system.
Rights of Migrants - Day 2: 14th Session of the Human Rights Council
A lively discussion took place on 1 June 2010 regarding the rights of migrants.
The Special Rapporteur, Mr Jorge Bustamante, presented his report on the human rights of migrants on 01 June 2010.His report focused on migrant's rights to health and adequate housing. Mr Bustamante expressed that migrants could play an active role in the social and economic development of host countries, particularly when their human rights such as health and housing are fulfilled in a manner that ensured equal opportunities and gender equality.
States and NGOs reflected on the need to take concrete steps to ensure the rights to health and adequate housing for migrants.Furthermore, States and NGOs considered the multiple forms of discrimination suffered by migrants.Thus, actions need to be taken against xenophobic tendencies.In addition there was a focus on female and children migrants, who experience more problematic health issues.
During the opening of the session the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Navanethem Pillay, gave an opening statement on the activities and results of the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, which was then followed by a general debate.
Ms. Pillay expressed the need to create a more efficient and effective Council in serving the interests of right-holders everywhere.During her presentation, forthcoming events of relevance to the Council's work and an update on specific situations, as well as issues for advocacy were addressed.
To follow the 2009 report on activities and results of the Office of the High Commissioner, click on this link!
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was first initiated in 1998 by UNESCO. It is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples. The date is of particular importance: In the night of 22 to 23 August 1791, an uprising began in today's Haiti that played a crucial role in the abolition of transatlantic slave trade. Every year, cultural activities are organized around the globe to remember this event. UNESCO's "Slave Route" project helps to understand the history of slave trade and therewith fills the silence of the past.
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