A/RES/63/116. Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, 2008

• Year: 2008
• Resolution Number: A/RES/63/116
• Session: 63rd
• Issuer: General Assembly of the United Nation

United Nations A/RES/63/116

General Assembly Distr.: General

26 February 2009

Sixty-third session

Agenda item 64

08-47775

Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 10 December 2008

[without reference to a Main Committee (A/63/L.54)]

63/116. Sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration

of Human Rights

The General Assembly

Adopts

the following Declaration:

Declaration on the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights

We, the States Members of the United Nations, celebrate today the sixtieth

anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is

a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations in the field of

human rights. Since its adoption, it has inspired the world and empowered women

and men around the globe to assert their inherent dignity and rights without

discrimination on any grounds. It is and will remain a source of progressive

development of all human rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights calls upon us to recognize and

respect the dignity, freedom and equality of all human beings. We applaud the

efforts undertaken by States to promote and protect all human rights for all. We

must strive to enhance international cooperation and the dialogue among peoples

and nations on the basis of mutual respect and understanding towards this goal.

In an ever-changing world, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

remains a relevant ethical compass that guides us in addressing the challenges we

face today. The living, driving force of all human rights unites us in our common

goal to eradicate the manifold ills that plague our world. We remain committed to

development and to the internationally agreed development goals, and are convinced

that their fulfillment will be instrumental to the enjoyment of human rights.

We deplore that human rights and fundamental freedoms are not yet fully and

universally respected in all parts of the world. In no country or territory can it be

claimed that all human rights have been fully realized at all times for all. Human

beings continue to suffer from the neglect and violation of their human rights and

fundamental freedoms. We laud the courage and commitment of all women and men

around the world who have devoted their lives to promoting and protecting human

rights.