GENEVA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- To conclude the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, organized two days of high-level discussions here on Dec. 11 and 12.
According to Turk, this initiative aimed to reaffirm the values of the declaration, encourage people to embrace the document and renew the global commitment to human rights to overcome current and future challenges.
In his opening speech, Turk emphasized equality regardless of social status. He also highlighted progress, while addressing failures in respecting human rights, such as during wars, acts of discrimination and environmental threats.
Testimonials on the impact of the declaration and roundtable discussions on crucial issues such as peace, technology, climate and development took place.
An engagement session was organized for states, international organizations and NGOs to announce concrete measures to strengthen human rights protection.
Turk urged global leaders to focus more on peace, center economies on humanity and environmental sustainability. He also encouraged them to unite for significant change, echoing the spirit of the universal declaration made 75 years ago. ■