75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Today we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The anniversary comes at a time when the protection of human rights and international law is more important than ever. Human rights are being challenged, just like the role of international institutions.

Looking back at the year 1948, the year the UDHR was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, the world faced similar challenges as today. Armed conflict was a part of everyday life, with the Second World War just ending – a unique moment. With the end of that war and the creation of the United Nations, the international community vowed to never again allow atrocities like those of that conflict to happen and agreed: there is a necessity for an international binding document, guaranteeing the same rights to everyone on this planet. In response to the mentioned atrocities witnessed during the war, the UDHR thus aimed to establish a common understanding of the inalienable rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or religion.

The UDHR consists of 30 articles covering a broad spectrum of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, setting a standard for human rights protection that nations around the world could aspire to uphold.

To the present day, no country is immune to human rights challenges. With its so-called Genève internationale or the International Geneva, Switzerland is not only the home of more than 30 international institutions including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), but also the birthplace of the Geneva Conventions, the core of international humanitarian law. Switzerland remains committed to continuous improvement, and recognizes that progress requires constant self-reflection, collaboration and a willingness to learn from others.

Switzerland’s approach is rooted in the belief that promoting human rights is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative that demands the sustained efforts of the international community. This approach can also be found in Switzerland’s priorities for serving on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC): the four thematic priorities for Switzerland’s seat in the UNSC 2023-24 include building sustainable peace, protecting civilians in armed conflict, addressing climate security and enhancing the effectiveness of the Security Council.

On this special day, it is worth pointing out two of them: Protecting civilians and climate security.

While the protection of civilians is not only necessary in times of armed conflict, a vibrant civil society plays a vital role in enforcing and promoting democracy. This, by engaging in different activities that foster transparency, accountability and citizen participation. Civil society also takes on the crucial role of monitoring government actions and elections, and preventing abuses of power. In line with this, Switzerland welcomes the release of former senator Leila de Lima from detention after more than six years.

The topic of climate security wasn’t that prevailing yet when the UDHR was drafted. 75 years later, climate change affects and threatens all of us, especially in the Philippines. Rising temperatures or droughts cause food price fluctuations and fiercer competition for natural resources, and natural disasters like typhoons and floods become part of everyday life. People are displaced and livelihoods become more insecure. Changing weather is messing with crops and food security, a big challenge we face. We need to work together globally, taking adaptive steps to lessen the harm to the environment and people’s lives. International institutions play a key role in coordinating research and spreading knowledge to tackle the connected problems of climate change. Switzerland acknowledges that active partnership with and participation in international institutions is indispensable.

Looking ahead, Switzerland understands that the pursuit of human rights is a multifaceted endeavor that requires engagement with civil society, non-governmental organizations and individuals. The UDHR remains a living document, guiding the global community in its ongoing pursuit of a world where the rights and freedoms of every individual are respected, protected and fulfilled. Its values continue to shape international law, policies and advocacy efforts aimed at creating a more just and humane global society.

To conclude, by celebrating the 75th anniversary of the UDHR we underscore the imperative of collaborative international efforts to uphold its principles, recognizing that the journey towards a world of universal dignity, rights and environmental stability requires sustained commitment and active engagement by all for all – now more than ever.

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Dr. Nicolas Brühl is the Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines since August 2023.