December 10, 2018, marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status – that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
The Declaration sets out universal values and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. It establishes the equal dignity and worth of every person. Thanks to the Declaration, and States’ commitments to its principles, the dignity of millions has been uplifted and the foundation for a more just world has been laid.
The Declaration lists 30 articles each outlining and addressing specific areas in upholding fundamental human rights. Personally, there are three articles that really speak to me and I would like to share them with you.
“Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
“Article 2: Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
“Article 7: All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.”
As a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Government of St. Maarten strives to uphold all International Declarations, Treaties and Laws. In conclusion, I wish everyone a wonderful Human Rights Day 2018.
Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin
