Human Rights Day 2015
Human Rights Day 2015
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December
It is a day which affirms the inherit dignities and freedoms that each individual is afforded as a basic right. However, it is also a day to draw attention to the millions of people around the world who live in constant fear and suffer a myriad of indignities simply because they are caught within the crossfire of sectarian, political or economic strife.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of two International Covenants on Human Rights. The themes for this year's Human Rights Day revolve around rights and freedoms -- freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
The LWF and Human Rights Day
In light of the themes hightlighted for this year, the LWF chooses to focus on how acts of terrorism, particular in Syria, strip individuals of their basic and inherent human rights.
In a joint statement by LWF President Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan and General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge, the Lutheran leaders express their "grave concern over the current actions to counter terrorism as they unfold today in Syria." They state that the world is trapped in a vicious circle of violence that engenders even more violence and call upon political and religious leaders to consider the roles of inter-cultural and inter-religious engagement as means for promoting conflict resolution. They emphasize the need to resort to internationally binding legal intruments to enhance peace building, and urge the protection of all victims of violence and persecution.
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Escorted by a Czech volunteer (in the high-visibility vest), refugees approach the border into Croatia near the Serbian village of Berkasovo. Photo: Paul Jeffrey
