Mogadishu – In observance of this year’s Human Rights Day, the United Nations in Somalia has called on Somalis to stand up for human rights to ensure that everyone, including members of vulnerable and marginalized communities, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and others who experience exclusion, may fully enjoy their rights and freedoms.

“We are approaching the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the world’s foundation stone for the promotion and protection of human rights. Its rights and freedoms are just as important today as they were when UN Member States adopted it. We should continue to work to fulfil its promise of human rights for all,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Anita Kiki Gbeho.

“Somalia has, and continues to make, significant achievements to promote and protect human rights, including those rights enshrined in the Provisional Constitution which guarantees rights and freedoms for all Somalis. Somalia’s commitment is also evident in the wide range of international human rights treaties to which it is a signatory. The United Nations in Somalia remains committed to supporting Somalia’s efforts to promote and protect human rights for the benefit of the Somali people,” added Ms. Gbeho, who also serves currently as the Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

The theme of this year’s observance is ‘Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.’ Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day the UN General Assembly adopted the UDHR in 1948. The UDHR proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.