Why celebrate this day? It is important in the lives of each one of us.

Margaret Besheer

December 10, 2013

UNITED NATIONS — On this year’s International Human Rights Day, on December 10, the United Nations will mark the 20^th anniversary of the signing of the Vienna Declaration, committing states to the promotion and protection of human rights for all and creating the post of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Some things in life may be taken for granted, such as the ability to receive an education, but as the Taliban attack on teen activist Malala Yousafzai taught the world last year, school is a right that can't be taken for granted.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said 57 million children worldwide do not attend school. Many of them live in conflict zones, and most are girls.

“No child should have to die for going to school. Nowhere should teachers fear to teach or children fear to learn,” said Ban.

The right to an education, the rights of children, the elimination of violence against women, and the eradication of poverty were envisioned for all people by the Vienna Declaration. 

Click on this YouTube video for further information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrAMdONI1Kc

Nelson Mandela — May His Words Live In Our Memories

Here are more of his memorable quotes on education, global health and poverty.   
· “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 
· “No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.” 
· “Our human compassion binds us the one to the other - not in pity or patronizingly, 
   but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope 
   for the future.” 
· “I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in 
   their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, 
   of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.” 
· “Let us give publicity to HIV/AIDS and not hide it, because the only way to make it 
   appear like a normal illness like TB, like cancer, is always to come out and say 
   somebody has died because of HIV/AIDS, and people will stop regarding it as 
   something extraordinary.”
· “If you are poor, you are not likely to live long.”
· “There is nothing I fear more than waking up without a program that will help me 
   bring a little happiness to those with no resources, those who are poor, illiterate, 
   and ridden with terminal disease.”

Another Reason Why the United Nations is Needed

Analysis

Imogen Foulkes, BBC News, Geneva

The fact that serious violations have been committed in Syria is not in doubt - UN investigators have evidence of torture, mass killing, and rape. The investigators have always said the Syrian regime appears to be responsible for the majority of abuses.

But they have never publicly singled out specific figures; there is a list of names, but it is confidential pending a possible prosecution for war crimes. Today, Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, openly suggested President Bashar al-Assad may be directly responsible for violations. She took care to say she had not seen that confidential list, but she has been briefed by the UN investigators.
Based on those briefings, she has repeatedly called on the UN Security Council to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court, something it has not so far done. Her surprising candour today may be a sign of her impatience. 

• Timeline: Syria's bloodiest days

The UN's commission of inquiry into Syria has produced "massive evidence... [of] very serious crimes, war crimes, crimes against humanity," Ms. Pillay said.
"The scale of viciousness of the abuses being perpetrated by elements on both sides almost defies belief," she said. The evidence indicated responsibility "at the highest level of government, including the head of state", she added.