The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Journalist Mary Kaldor is writing in one of her article:

"The street lamps in South Ossetia and parts of Georgia will not be restored for a long time."

I don't know about street lamps, but maybe we could try to find some other hobbies rather then shooting guns in all directions. Are you proud of being object of this kind negative and hopeless comments about our future? I am not. I think it is necessary we make ourself busy in something else. anything is better then fighting. So I just thought to read together with you Human Rights declaration. I know, we all heard about it, but we seldom get chance to read. I will start with preamble. While reading I hope we will have questions, comments, associations, memories, comparisons etc.

"PREAMBLE

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction."

UN asks all countries and especially it's members to teach students in schools and other educational institutions about Human Rights Declaration. I hope where we live this declaration is also adopted in learning programs ... and not only shootting lamps on the streets.

Text in Russian Language is available here >>