UN Resident Coordinator's Speech on Human Rights Day 2018

Government officials,

UN colleagues,

Members of the Media,

Invited guests,

Mabibi na Mabwana,

Habari za Mchana

Bwana Asifiwe na Asalaam Aleikhum!

Ningependa kwanza kuwatakia nyoteheri ya siku ya maadhimisho ya haki za binadamu duniani.

Ninafuraha sana kuwa sehemu ya maadhimisho ya siku hii muhimu ya kutambua, kuenzi na kukumbushana juu ya Haki za Binadamu.

As many of you are aware, the United Nations adopted December 10th as International Human Rights Day. This important day commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaims the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights which was passed in 1948.

As we pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), let us be reminded that Human rights are at the heart of these goals. We cannot drive the SDGs in the absence of human dignity.

A human right is clean water and food, it is health and the opportunity to lead a peaceful life; It is life on land and walking the Earth among its many beings. Human Rights are driven by progress on all SDGs, and the SDGs are driven by advancements on human rights.

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi,

Allow me to read the official statement from the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres on the commemoration of Human Rights Day.

The rights proclaimed in the Declaration apply to everyone -- no matter our race, belief, location or other distinction of any kind.

Human rights are universal and eternal.

They are also indivisible.  One cannot pick and choose among civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

Today we also honour the human rights defenders risking their lives to protect people in the face of rising hatred, racism, intolerance and repression.

Indeed, human rights are under siege around the world. 

Universal values are being eroded.  The rule of law is being undermined. 

Now more than ever, our shared duty is clear:

Let us stand up for human rights for everyone, everywhere.

 

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi,

Leo tunaadhimisha miaka sabini tangu kupitishwa kwa azimio la haki za binadamu mwaka elfu moja mia tisa arobaini na nane.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We all need equality, justice, freedom and should play our part in preventing violence and sustaining peace.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Declaration of Human Rights sets out universal values and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. It establishes the equal dignity and worth of every person. Thanks to the Declaration, and States' commitments to its principles, the dignity of millions has been uplifted and the foundation for a more just world has been laid.

Mheshimiwa Mgeni Rasmi, nimalizie kwa kusema:

Azimio la Haki za Binadamu ni hazina bora kwenye kuchangia maendeleo.

Niwatakie Majukumu mema,

Asanteni sana na kila la Heri!