President Sergio Mattarella on
Tuesday lamented the fact that democratic freedoms are denied in
many parts of the world in his message for International Human
Rights Day.
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in the
aftermath of World War II represents a fundamental milestone in
the life of the international community, by recognizing the
irrepressible dignity of all persons; a principle that inspires
our Constitution," the president said.
"Even though the Declaration was signed by all the member States
of the United Nations, human rights continue to be threatened
and violated in different parts of the world.
"Acts of violence and abuse against women, children and the most
vulnerable subjects occur on a daily basis, especially in areas
of ongoing armed conflict.
"In some countries, even the most basic democratic freedoms are
brutally ignored and even the exercise of the right to vote -
the cornerstone of every democracy - is nullified.
"In a crisis-torn international scenario, we must reaffirm the
need to protect the rights of all persons, in any circumstance.
"To mark the Day in which human rights take centre stage, the
Republic reaffirms the value of international law and
international humanitarian law, without which any prospect of
lasting peace and human development is an illusion".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
