The government recognises and remains committed to the promotion and
protection of human rights nationally and across the international
community.
This is according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, as
he addressed a Public Commemorative Lecture to honour the 70th
anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR).
The public lecture was held at the Education Lecture Theatre of the
University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.
Minister Greenidge noted that human rights remain a critical pillar
because social and economic development cannot take place without a
solid foundation based on respect for human rights and the rule of
law.
“This is evident in the fact that Guyana is a signatory to virtually
all of the Human Rights instruments adopted by the international
community since the 1948 declaration.”
The UDHR was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on
December 10, 1948. It was the first time that countries agreed on a
comprehensive statement of absolute human rights.
The minister said while it is the government’s intention to fulfil its
obligations of monitoring and reporting on human rights issues in a
timely manner, limited technical capacity poses a challenge. “Guyana,
therefore, welcomes all assistance extended to us in helping us
overcome this particular challenge” Minister Greenidge adds.
On the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights,
developing countries are being urged to examine their own promotion of
Human Rights issues, both nationally and internationally.
