As the world’s economic system contracts and slumps, as the resulting budgetary restrictions menace the action of all international organisations and NGOs working to help the disadvantaged, it seems essential to return, 60 years after its creation, to one of the founding texts of mankind’s commitment to mankind.
On December 10, 1948, in the aftermath of a war that saw every atrocity become real, and at the dawn of the Cold War, the International Community adopted by a vote of 48 in favor, with 8 abstentions (6 Soviet Bloc states, South Africa and Saudi Arabia), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, aimed at strengthening the rights of every individual at all times, in all places.
The first global expression of rights, and dignity and equality, to which all human beings are inherently entitled, the Declaration has but a declarative value, thus creates no legal obligations. However, it remains a reference text for oppressed populations and their defenders all over the world.
While many, in the name of individual culture, take issue with the Rights’ universality, and while freedom and defense of these rights are regularly used as pretexts to make war, the words quoted by Eleanor Roosevelt at the adoption of the Declaration remain especially meaningful: “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety” (Benjamin Franklin).

Patrick VERBRUGGEN - Co director