The 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference :
The 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
It was the first time I attended this conference and
as a coincidence, it was the first time that the
DPI/NGO Conference was held at Unesco Headquarters, in Paris. My country.
Initially, my expectactions of the conference were not great. However, at the conclusion, my only regret was that it didn’t last longer.
During three days, 537 NGO’s from 74 countries celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The conference featured debates with imminent speakers such as Stéphane Hessel (one of the participants in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60 years ago), Ingrid Betancourt (a Colombian-French politician captured during six years in Colombia), Rama Yade (French Deputy Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and Human Rights), Simone Veil (President of the Steering Committee of the Trust Fund for Victims of crimes) and many others.
Looking back 60 years, there have been many accomplishments -- but many children and human beings still suffer. They are not aware of their rights. Even as NGO members, human rights defenders, and humanitarians, we are confronted with challenges defending human rights for all. We remember Burma. NGO’s were not allowed to deliver aid inside the country. As a result, so many people starved and suffered.
The major topics discussed at the conference were:
Upholding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Overcoming Discrimination to Realize Human Rights and Dignity for All
Human Rights and Human Security
Human Rights Education and Learning as a Way of Life
Addressing Gross Human Rights Violations: Prevention and Accountability
As NGO members and delegates, we have responsibilities.
We have to think in a collective way, we have to connect people,
be proactive and let everyone know their fundamental rights.
How can vulnerable groups defend themselves if they are not aware of their rights?
Now, one of the global challenges for NGOs is education and engaging people, youth, as Human Rights Defenders.
Let’s get involved with Airline Ambassadors and be this change !!
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