Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Statement 13/2023

1. The United Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. This declaration establishes universal standards for the rights of all individuals, grounded in principles of freedom, justice, peace, and human dignity. In acknowledgement of the importance of this historic event, 10 December has been designated International Human Rights Day, and in 2023, this day marked its 75th Diamond Jubilee.
2. Myanmar became a member of the United Nations in 1948 when it gained independence and sovereignty. Myanmar participated in and supported the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the United Nations General Assembly held in Paris on 10 December of the same year. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the world, with versions available in over 500 languages, including Myanmar. The declaration is frequently cited as a benchmark in implementing foreign policy, drafting constitutions, signing various international conventions, and regulating relations between countries. Myanmar has included the fundamental rights of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (2008).
3. The United Nations typically designates a theme to commemorate International Human Rights Day each year. The 75th International Human Rights Day theme in 2023 is “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All”.
4. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations member states, National Human Rights Institutions, and Civil Society Organizations around the world have been taking actions throughout the entire year to make the Universal Declaration of Human Rights more widely recognized and implemented. Similarly, the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission has conducted awareness-raising workshops and talks focusing on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, organized internal presentation sessions on the rights outlined in the declaration in English, delivered training courses on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and composed a special song to mark the 75th International Human Rights Day. Furthermore, international human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW), and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), have been translated from English to Myanmar and printed. Additionally, efforts have been made to translate and print the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into Naga and Lhaovo ethnic languages to promote wider understanding and appreciation.
5. On the occasion of the 75th Diamond Jubilee International Human Rights Day, we encourage everyone to work towards cultivating a society that upholds and practices human rights. This involves safeguarding the inherent rights stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights established by law as well as acknowledging and respecting the dignity and rights of others.
Myanmar National Human Rights Commission