High level representatives from the UNFPA and other UN agencies, diplomatic representatives and human rights advocates groups and media attend gathered in Yangon on 14 December 2014 to commemorate Human Rights Day 2014.
Participants were invited to discuss why human rights matter “365 days a year,” and to write messages of what rights they would like to see implemented.
Ms. Janet Jackson, UNFPA Myanmar Representative read a message from the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the event in which he urged everyone to denounce those “who deny the rights of any person or group.” Ms. Jackson said “rights are for all us all the time.” Echoing the Secretary General’s message she said: “This is a matter of individual justice, social stability and global progress.”
At the event participants also enjoyed a performance by famous Myanmar pop band “Side Effect” and watched a screening of the award winning documentary “This Land is Our Land”. The film won two domestic prizes at the Human Rights Human Dignity International Film Festival held in Myanmar in 2014.
Human Right Day also marked the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV). These 16 days of activism are dedicated to raising awareness of the scourge of violence against women. “It's crucial for each of us to do our part, in our workplaces, homes, schools and communities, to ensure that girls and women are not subject to violence in any of its forms. In too many places in the world, it's dangerous to be a woman or a girl. It's especially dangerous to defy the social norms that dictate women's roles. Perceived as overthrowing the basic norms of society, women are singled out for specific and severe forms of ill-treatment including gender based violence,” said Ms. Jackson.
In Yangon and across Myanmar many organizations commemorated and supported the campaign. Ms. Jackson stressed the importance to continue efforts to combat violence against women. “Together we should work to ensure the victims of gender-based violence receive the justice and support they are entitled to, and the perpetrators are held to account. Together we can work to eradicate violence against women,” she said.
The event was held at U Thant House in Yangon. U Thant, a Burmese diplomat served as United Nations Secretary General from 1961 to 1971.
The World Human Rights day is celebrated annually on 10 December.
