The NHRCK Held "2023 Human Rights Day Ceremony" to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea ( Chairperson Doo-hwan Song, hereinafter referred to as "NHRCK") held the "2023 Human Rights Day Ceremony" on December 8 at 10:00 a.m. at Ya Jugae Hall, Seoul History Museum to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR).
Human Rights Day is a day to reflect on the meaning and spirit of the UDHR, which was adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. Based on the recognition that all human beings have dignity and are born with equal and inalienable rights, the UDHR sets forth a common set of human rights standards to be attained by all peoples and all nations. The United Nations chose the theme of this year's Human Rights Day, "Freedom, Equality and Justice for All," and invited us to explore together how the UDHR can meet the needs of our time and advance its promise of freedom, equality and justice for all.
This year's ceremony began with opening remarks by Doohwan Song, Chairman of the NHRCK, followed by congratulatory speeches by △ Jongseok Lee, President of the Constitutional Court of Korea, △ Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, △Chang-su Lee, Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee, People's Power Party △Cheol-hyeon Ju, Member of the 21st National Assembly, Democratic Party of Korea, △Jin-gyo Bae, Member of the National Assembly, Justice Party, △Ra Yeon-woo, activist of Naomi Center, △Jin Kyung Bae, representative of Korean Women Workers Association. The ceremony continued with a tribute performance by the workers of the 1970s Peace Market (including Suk-hee Lee) who were featured in the movie "Sewing Sisters," a reading of the UDHR by the participants of the Ceremony, the presentation of the Human Rights Award of the Republic of Korea, and a memorial performance.
In his opening remarks, Song Doo-hwan, Chairperson of the NHRCK, said, "The development of human rights is like 'passing the torch', so we are where we are today thanks to the dedication of the older generations, and the next generation can enjoy higher levels of human rights through our efforts." He emphasized that "various international human rights instruments, which were established in the spirit of the UDHR, guide the direction in which we should go".
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the NHRCK expresses its deepest respect and gratitude to all those who work to protect and promote human rights in all corners of our society, and hopes that this event will serve as a reminder of the importance of the UDHR and an opportunity to share that human rights are non-negotiable and inalienable.
