United Nations Radio

The United Nations is today holding a number of activities to mark International Human Rights Day.

In his message on the occasion of the day, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan says  human rights education is a vital part of efforts to equip new generations with the knowledge of their rights and means to exercise and defend them.  This message was reiterated by the Deputy Secretary-General Louise Frechette at a meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the day.

"On this Human Rights Day, I join the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in paying tribute to the many human rights educators and human rights defenders around the world, who contribute day to day to building a universal culture of human rights."

Ms. Frechette said Human Rights Day is also an occasion to remember persisting human rights abuses around the world and to point to enormous efforts that are still needed to make human rights a reality for everyone.