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Statement of the MFA on the Occasion of the Human Rights Day

09.12.2016 / 09:29 | Aktualizováno: 17.05.2017 / 21:03

 

The Human Rights Day is annually observed on 10th December to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The main aim of the Declaration, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1948, was to ensure universal recognition and respect for human rights. The ideals and principles enshrined in the Declaration have gradually inspired more than 60 human rights instruments. They guarantee the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and thus have contributed to defining a broad range of internationally recognized human rights.

This year, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, complemented by respective mechanisms of protection of these rights and support to governments in their implementation. The Czech Republic is a State Party to both the Covenants. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs promotes the broadest possible implementation of international human rights commitments and an increase in the number of States Parties to the core UN human rights treaties. In this vein, the ratification process of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance would be finalized in the Czech Republic soon.

To be a credible voice for human rights in the world, the Czech Republic is not afraid to take a self-critical look at its own human rights situation. Next year, the Czech Republic will be preparing for its universal periodic review within the United Nations, which will be held in November 2017.

The Czech Republic is committed to playing an active role in international human rights organizations (UN, Council of Europe, EU, OSCE). During its Chairmanship of the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe (May – November 2017), the Czech Republic will focus on the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law.

In compliance with the priorities of the Human Rights and Transition Promotion Policy Concept, the Czech Republic in the long term supports civil society, promotes the freedom of expression and information, equal and full political and public participation, supports institution-building in the area of the rule of law and promotes equality and non-discrimination. In practical terms, these priorities are also supported financially through the Transition Promotion Programme with the annual amount of 53 million CZK.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to thank all those who continue working to protect human rights worldwide and thus contribute to their universal realization.

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