(Hong Kong, December 10, 2008)
The message of the Asian Human Rights Commission on the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is now available at YouTube.
The director of the AHRC, Mr. Basil Fernando, in delivery the AHRC message sets out the major obstacles faced in the Asian region for the realizations of the UDHR. Mr. Fernando states that most Asian countries could be termed as non-rule of law countries. Arbitrary deprivation of life, torture, illegal arrest and detention, denial of fair trial, denial of freedom of expression and association are common. In the economic, social and cultural rights there are severe violations by unemployment, discrimination, denial of right to health, education, leisure and particular violations relating to women and children.
The AHRC called for the adoption of policies, locally as well as internationally to focus on the improvement of institutions of public life and the administration of justice to be the focus of future work to promote the UDHR.
The AHRC particularly states that in most countries of Asia as well as Africa the predominant position achieved by the police is a major reason for violence and the breakdown of the rule of law. The AHRC calls for greater budgetary allocations for the administration of justice.
You may see the message by entering YouTube and typing Asian Human Rights Commission on the 60th anniversary of the UDHR. You may also follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkWWWulqanQ. For other messages relating to the AHRC please see http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2008statements/1796/
