United Nations
General Assembly
A/RES/63/116
Distr.: General
26 February 2009
Sixty-third session
Agenda item 64
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 10 December 2008
[without reference to a Main Committee (A/63/L.54)]
63/116. Sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights
The General Assembly
Adopts the following Declaration:
Declaration on the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights
We, the States Members of the United Nations, celebrate today the sixtieth
anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is
a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations in the field of
human rights. Since its adoption, it has inspired the world and empowered women
and men around the globe to assert their inherent dignity and rights without
discrimination on any grounds. It is and will remain a source of progressive
development of all human rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights calls upon us to recognize and
respect the dignity, freedom and equality of all human beings. We applaud the
efforts undertaken by States to promote and protect all human rights for all. We
must strive to enhance international cooperation and the dialogue among peoples
and nations on the basis of mutual respect and understanding towards this goal.
In an ever-changing world, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
remains a relevant ethical compass that guides us in addressing the challenges we
face today. The living, driving force of all human rights unites us in our common
goal to eradicate the manifold ills that plague our world. We remain committed to
development and to the internationally agreed development goals, and are convinced
that their fulfillment will be instrumental to the enjoyment of human rights.
We deplore that human rights and fundamental freedoms are not yet fully and
universally respected in all parts of the world. In no country or territory can it be
claimed that all human rights have been fully realized at all times for all. Human
beings continue to suffer from the neglect and violation of their human rights and
fundamental freedoms. We laud the courage and commitment of all women and men
around the world who have devoted their lives to promoting and protecting human
rights.
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