Bangkok--6 Dec--UN
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Regional Office for South-East Asia in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific will commemorate International Human Rights Day on Monday 11 December at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok.
The theme "Fighting Poverty: a Matter of Obligation, Not Charity" highlights the core link between poverty and human rights.
"Poverty is a cause and a product of human rights violations. If poverty is about power, then solutions must focus on the empowerment of people themselves, especially those suffering the greatest discrimination and social exclusion," says the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise
Arbour.
The Bangkok programme includes special messages from the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Thai Government and the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand.
From 10am there is a panel discussion on the theme, featuring speakers from the Thai government, local NGOs, academia and the UN. From 13:30-15:30 there will be a film festival in the Press Theatre featuring recent short films on human rights. Simultaneous interpretation (from English to Thai) will be provided during the event.
An exhibition will feature contributions on human rights. Media, schools and the public are warmly welcome to attend the observance.
ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its formal inception dates from 1950, after the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V) inviting all States and interested organizations to adopt 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the main UN rights official, and her Office play a major role in coordinating efforts for the yearly observation of Human Rights Day.
NOTE TO EDITORS: You or your representatives are cordially invited to attend the commemorate International Human Rights Day 2006 on Monday, 11 December 2006 at 9:00am at the United Nations Conference Centre, Conference Room 3, Level 1, Rajadamnern Nok Ave, Bangkok.
In order to facilitate the entrance and limited parking space, we would appreciate it if you could please confirm your attendance together with your transportation details (plate number, make, model & colour) to [email protected] or fax: 02 288 1052.