Human Rights Day Statement

Today, we not only celebrate Human Rights Day, but the 20th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which marked the beginning of a renewed international effort to protect and promote human rights. This year, we also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the entry into force of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birthright of all human beings. But unless we demand they be respected, and unless we defend our rights and freedoms, they will be just words.

Along with Georgia, we share a common desire to protect, promote and uphold human rights. It is the responsibility of every State to develop and encourage respect for human rights without discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status. States that respect human rights are more stable, secure and prosperous as a result.

Georgia has ratified a number of key United Nations and Council of Europe conventions. We continue to encourage the implementation of such conventions. In this connection, we welcome in particular the plans for a human rights strategy and anti-discrimination law, implementation of which will increase the protection of persons belonging to minority groups and look forward to further efforts to promote and protect the principles of equal rights for all, tolerance, democracy, justice and the rule of law.