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OAS Permanent Council to Commemorate Human Rights Day

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) will hold a special meeting to commemorate “Human Rights Day,” under the theme: “Upholding Human Rights for Future Generations: 75 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man”, on Tuesday, December 5 at 11:00 EST (16:00 GMT), in the Hall of the Americas at the OAS headquarters in Washington, DC.

The purpose of the event is to commemorate how the development of both Declarations was influenced by the aftermath of World War II and a global recognition of the need to establish a framework for safeguarding fundamental human rights and preventing future atrocities. Both texts have since served as cornerstones of human rights frameworks globally and in the Americas. Also, the event seeks to assess the ongoing relevance of the Declarations, as well as explore ways to continue ensuring their implementation across the Americas and their enduring relevance for new generations.

This year's commemorations for Human Rights Day focus on the theme "Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All." The United Nations “Human Rights 75 Initiative”, spanning the entire year, seeks to reinforce understanding and commitment to the universality of human rights, with a special focus on youth participation following three tracks: “Promoting Universality,” “Forging the Future,” and “Supporting Engagement.”

The meeting of the Permanent Council, convened at the request of the Permanent Missions of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Peru, United States, and Uruguay, will include a message from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and with the consideration of the draft declaration: “Upholding Human Rights for Future Generations: 75 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man.”

Then, 3 panels will be held along the lines set by the United Nations for the 75th anniversary celebrations: “Promoting universality and supporting engagement,” “Forging the future” and “Youth voices in the promotion of democratic governance and fundamental freedoms in the Americas.”

The event will end with a musical performance featuring: Camilo Montoya (Nicaraguan-American), Jorge Anaya (El Salvador), Elena La Fulana (Nicaraguan-American), Chris Urquiaga aka JChris (Brazil-Peru), Rompe Cajón (Afro-Peruvian) and Judge T. Michael Peay (member of the OAS Administrative Tribunal). Full music program available here.

Please consult the agenda of the meeting here. Note that changes to the agenda may yet be made before the meeting.

The meeting will be broadcast live - with interpretation in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese- on the OAS Website and the OAS Facebook page

Press Contact: Mónica Reyes ([email protected])

WHAT: OAS Permanent Council to Commemorate Human Rights Day

WHEN: Tuesday, December 5 at 11:00 EST (16:00 GMT)

WHERE: Hall of the Americas, Organization of American States. 17th Street & Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20006.

Reference: AVI-249/23