A culture of human rights.

The United Nations, as is the case with so many organizations today, is preparing itself for the challenges and promises of the twenty-first century. Its founders recognized over 50 years ago that, in order for the United Nations to reach its goals of peace and security, development and human rights for all people, each goal would need to be pursued with equal vigour and understood as inextricably linked with the others. The year of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - now less than 12 months away - offers the ideal opportunity to further link human rights to the overall work of the United Nations. It allows us to prove, through the example of the current experience of the United Nations human rights programme, that the understanding of the founders of the United Nations is more important than ever: only by pursuing peace, development and human rights equally will any ultimately be achieved.

The promise which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights symbolized at the time of its adoption today seems more possible than ever. The international community has made substantial progress over the past 50 years in the implementation of human rights concepts through the passage of nearly 50 human rights treaties and the establishment of an international human rights machinery. Yet, the Universal Declaration still serves as the example by which we measure not only our successes and shortcomings, but also the foundation upon which we continue our efforts to make all human rights a reality. As this century quickly passes away, we should not only be proud of the advances made in the protection of human rights in the past 50 years, but also be increasingly aware of what still must be done to ensure that the rights many of us now take for granted are enjoyed by all people.

Human rights are an ever-present, ongoing challenge which must be met again and again. No one can be absolutely sure of their protection from one generation to the next. Even in those places where human rights may seem most secure, the message must continue to be heard. It must not be forgotten, however, that the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights remains with Governments. United Nations agencies or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), important as they are, could never replace Governments in the difficult task of ensuring the enjoyment of human rights for all the people of a given State or territory. Support should be offered to Governments to assist in efforts such as developing national programmes related to ratification of treaties, adopting human rights legislation and strengthening capacities for addressing the rights of vulnerable groups.

I am convinced that the development of a culture of human rights throughout the world is one of the most important contributions that can be made to future generations. The foundation for this culture is enshrined in the principles of the Universal Declaration. A culture of human rights would result in a profound change in how individuals, communities, States and the international community view relationships in all matters. Such a culture would make human rights as much a part of the lives of individuals as are language, customs, the arts, faith and ties to place. In this culture, human rights would not be seen as the job of "someone else", but the obligation and duty of all.

For wherever one turns, there are opportunities to serve. Local elections require assistance to insure fairness and accessibility, children and adults need teachers to learn what human rights are all about, and those whose rights are not respected count on the voices of others to speak on their behalf. This is the individual commitment required of a human rights culture. Finally, a culture of human rights would provide protection through the rule of law, holding those who have violated the rights of others fully accountable for their actions.

But where do we actually begin the work of building such a culture? How can the impact of the Universal Declaration be felt most personally? A culture of human rights can only be achieved by educating people of all ages, in positions of influence and positions of vulnerability, about what human rights are and what is required for their continued protection. In the work of "spreading the word" about human rights, we must also maintain a full respect for the distinct world cultures which exist today and hold for their members meaningful values and beliefs which should never be lost. For only through the protection of human rights can the dignity of all peoples and cultures be guaranteed, and only through a complete respect for the rich diversity of the world's cultures will we find acceptance for the principles of the Universal Declaration.

The emerging importance of extended and strengthened partnerships allows us to contribute positively to the sustained enjoyment of human rights in more places. With the assistance and expertise of our partners, both from other United Nations agencies and those outside the United Nations system, we are currently addressing issues such as human rights education, training for government officials, transition to democracy assistance involving constitutions and elections, and financial assistance for the creation of businesses and infrastructure, to name just a few. This work is all being done with the clear understanding that the objectives of human rights, peace and security and development are indeed interconnected and, therefore, our collective work is intertwined and vital to ultimate success. Though the process of developing these working relationships can take time and may sometimes lead to the feeling of reaching goals more slowly, the early signs have clearly been higher quality results, more efficient use of limited resources, and better understanding between various actors.

The United Nations human fights programme has undergone a profound adaptation to the evolving needs and challenges ahead. Addressing human rights problems where they occur has taken a particularly prominent place in our work. As Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the drafters of the Universal Declaration asked, then answered so correctly many years ago: "Where after all do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home ...". Through the ever increasing presence of United Nations staff members in the field, working in partnership with Governments, national institutions and NGOs, and with other committed individuals, the United Nations human rights programme has gained a new and practical dimension which can also be seen through increased cooperation with other United Nations agencies and programmes on the ground.

Yet this greater emphasis on human rights activities in the field does not come without a price. Many risks are involved in our commitment to ensure human rights for those who seek our assistance. The protection and safety of committed individuals working in sometimes dangerous conditions is the highest priority of the United Nations, but, once again, recent tragedies have reminded us all of how fragile the future we are striving to build can be. The recent loss of five of our human rights colleagues in Rwanda and six of our ICRC colleagues in Chechnya, all of whom gave their lives in the hope of better lives for others, should serve to strengthen our resolve that their sacrifice will ultimately lead to the guarantee of human rights for all people.

The new United Nations Human Rights Website (www.unhchr.com) is one practical way in which we can communicate with people around the world who may have never thought about human rights or who may want to learn more about our work. Yet, there are millions of others who we must still reach out to, living in places where words of the rights of humanity have never been spoken. These are the people whom we must continually strive to contact through our increasing presence in villages, towns and cities around the world. The full realization of human rights will require their protection, understanding and support as well.

We are on the verge of a time when a common language of human rights will express a culture of human rights, which will be an integral part of all of our lives. Tragically, we witness each day the continuing problems of xenophobia, the exploitation of children, internally displaced persons, terrorism and poverty, to name only a few. Yet, there is no doubt that we live in a time never before seen in history. This moment has brought together the wonders of global communication and information, and the promise of new alliances built on peace and democracy, development and human rights. My hope for the years to come is that each of us will make personal commitments in word and deed to the realization of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for our generation and all those to come. These commitments, from both individuals and institutions, will provide the foundation for a worldwide Coalition for Human Rights at the dawn of the twenty-first century.

Jose Ayala Lasso, Former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and current Foreign Minister of Ecuador