Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr.?Dennis Francis,
at the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Human Rights Prize award ceremony
Friday 15 December
[As Delivered]
As we gather here today to celebrate the 75th?anniversary of the?Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we stand on the shoulders of those who predated us in tirelessly championing this noble cause.
?
The enduring spirit of the Declaration thrives through the invaluable contributions and steadfast commitment of human rights defenders, whose determination and unwavering integrity translates its principles into a living and relevant reality.
?
Today, we come together to applaud and pay much deserved tribute to the exceptional individuals and organizations awarded the 2023 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Human Rights Prize.
?
This prestigious award ¨C established by the General Assembly in 1966 ¨C is a testament to the continued and outstanding achievements in the field of human rights.
?
On behalf of the membership of the United Nations, and indeed on my own behalf, I congratulate this year’s recipients selected by a Special Committee under the guidance of my predecessor, H. E. Csaba K?r?si, and esteemed members, including H.E. Ms. Lachezara Stoeva, H.E. Mr. V¨¢clav B¨¢lek, H.E. Mr. Antonio Manuel Revilla Lagdameo, and Ms. Milena Costas, with the invaluable support of the OHCHR as its Secretariat.
?
?
To these laureates, I extend my heartfelt?congratulations.
?
Your steadfast commitment to the promotion of human rights, justice, and equality has earned you a place among the distinguished recipients of this esteemed award.
?
Your dedication to human rights ¨C even in the face of formidable challenges, reprisals, and sometimes life-threatening dangers inherent to your line of work ¨C is truly commendable.
?
It is, therefore, with deep respect and gratitude that we honour you today.
?
Human rights defenders are the voice ¨C?I repeat, the voice?¨C of the voiceless, advocating against injustice for the powerless.
?
This award not only celebrates your accomplishments but sends a resounding message of support to all human rights defenders globally ¨C particularly, at a time when multifaceted crises and tragedies are proliferating around the world, and many of you are putting your lives on the line to fight for what is right, for all.
?
You are, therefore, the true heroes ¨C and your actions demonstrate that positive and impactful change is always possible where there is selfless perseverance.
?
In this regard, I call on States to desist from any inhibitions to your work ¨C and to ensure adequate protection against any act of intimidation or reprisals against those who cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights.
?
A safe and respectful environment is essential to maintain good collaboration between civil society actors and the United Nations, its procedures and mechanisms.
?
In closing, I would like to reiterate the words of?Eleanor Roosevelt, who eloquently stated:
?
¡°If we observe these rights, for ourselves and for others, we will find it is easier to build peace because war destroys all human rights and freedoms, so in fighting for those, we fight for peace.¡±
?
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
?
As President of the General Assembly, I call on each recipient to remain steadfast in your convictions ¨C and to never waver in your important advocacy for human rights.
?
Let your actions inspire others ¨C and may the legacy of your work to usher in a world where the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are not only upheld but cherished, to infinity.
?
Congratulations?once again.
?
And, once again, thank you for your invaluable contributions to the advancement of human rights.