Statement issued by the Presidency of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Statement issued by the Presidency of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and amid the disregard and violation of human rights by some States, in particular within the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the Gaza Strip, by the Israeli occupying forces, the occupying Power, which have practiced and is still practicing the most barbaric and brutal acts against civilians children, women and the elderly, not to mention targeting civilian infrastructure without the slightest moral or human sense, the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union reiterating its hope and call for greater coordination and cooperation among the various members of the international community, all over the world, with a view to achieve a world of rule of law, mutual respect, moral, religious and human values, regardless of identity, religion and political orientation, commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 2023.

The Arab Parliamentary Union, calling upon all States and Governments of the world to implement the language of dialogue and reason, respect for the regulations and laws of sovereign States, and non-use of the human rights record as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs and legislative systems of some States, in particular some Arab States, affirms that the process of development, advancement and liberalization of nations can continue only by building just democratic societies in which all individuals enjoy their rights and duties in conformity with the objectives and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing, at the same time, the central and fruitful role of regional and international parliaments and parliamentary unions in reflecting and spreading a culture of love, tolerance, peace and solidarity among humans, especially in times of distress, crisis, wars and disasters.

In the light of the world-wide commemoration of this great anniversary and the urgent human need to implement the principles and objectives of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union expresses its support for any humanitarian initiative at the local, regional and international levels, aiming at harnessing the potential and achievements of the various countries of the world, and by all means, including traditional and technological, in order to build a positive force for change, provide all necessary to promote and guarantee human rights and address the challenges.

What is happening in occupied Palestine in general and in the Gaza Strip in particular proves, far and wide, the concept of power which is prevailing and that would undermine man's conviction because there was one standard of respect for human rights. It further calls the international community to stand firmly and forcefully, along with the application of the principles of respect for human rights all over the world; otherwise, humanity will be convinced that this principle is just a mere slogan and not applied.

 

Mohsen Al-Mandalawi

President of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union

Acting Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Iraq

Beirut, December 09, 2023

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