(Thursday, December 10, 2009) YLDA statement on Human Rights Day 2009
Today, 10 December 2009 is Human Rights Day. Around the world, many organizations--including our partners--and individuals commemorate this day to constantly remind ourselves of our continuing further the cause of Human rights for ourselves, the future generations, and for those that until now is oppressed. We reaffirm our support for and adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other convention declarations that promotes other rights. ’The Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia’ joins the international community as it further promotes "the inherent dignity of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family" as "the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world".
YLDA also firmly believes that there must be an end to discrimination. This is advocated by this year’s theme: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
Human rights remains a core theme in YLDA’s programs and a consistent goal that it hopes to achieve through the principles of liberalism and democracy. YLDA is cognizant that many countries in Asia,be it Burma, Iran, Singapore, China, or in democratic countries like the Philippines, Thailand and India, are still plagued by human rights violations. And so, there is an urgent need to put an end to all forms of human rights violations like extra judicial killings, unfair trials, political intimidation, restrictions on freedom of expression and discrimination.
YLDA continues to reaffirm our support for international human rights frameworks and the increased efforts of international organizations and advocacy oriented groups to uphold human rights. YLDA asks our member and partner organizations to continue advocating and defending human rights in their respective countries and constituencies, as it will also continue to do the same until we realize our dream of a fully liberal and democratic Asia.
Happy Human Rights Day to all!
