“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights […] Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”, states the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948.
In a world where the rule of law appears increasingly fragile, human rights should not be taken for granted. International Human Rights Day, marked each year on 10 December, serves as an important annual reminder.
On Wednesday evening, Amnesty International Luxembourg organised a march through Luxembourg City to call for the protection of human rights and to draw attention to injustices both at home and abroad.
Human rights are universal and apply without exception to every person. That was the intention in 1948, when the United Nations General Convention on Human Rights was proclaimed as a foundation for freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Yet this is no longer a given everywhere, warns David Pereira, Director of Amnesty International Luxembourg.
“When you undermine international law and undermine human rights, the result is what we are witnessing today. That means more wars, poverty rising sharply, women’s rights being called into question, migrants’ rights being called into question, and in the end everyone suffers because the final outcome is that only a very small number of people profit.”
Amnesty International has placed particular emphasis this year on freedom of expression, press freedom, and the right to protest. During their march, participants highlighted all 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, underscoring the values of humanity and solidarity.
Around 100 people took part in the torch-lit demonstration, singing songs, and delivering speeches about peace and human rights. Several participants shared why they chose to attend:
“To show my solidarity with all those around the world who are oppressed and whose human rights are in serious danger.”
“It is a tradition for me and my family, because human rights and the declaration of human rights are our core values and because it is important to go out and show that in the streets.”
“There are so many places in the world where human rights are being trampled on. And right now there are discussions about watering down human rights, that they should no longer be the same as after the Second World War.”
While most attendees said they were satisfied with the human rights situation in Luxembourg, they also acknowledged ongoing challenges.
“One topic that is still very relevant in Luxembourg is people who have to beg, and we have a ban on begging here.”
“I think most things work well in Luxembourg. Press freedom is something one can debate. The press itself has said they need barrier-free access to information, which unfortunately is still not the case.”
“I feel that things are fairer here than in several other European countries, not to mention elsewhere. But even here I think that certain basic rights, human rights, are starting to be scratched. Being able to express one’s opinion freely without fear.”
To obtain a clearer picture of potential shortcomings in the country, Amnesty International Luxembourg on Wednesday launched its first notification form. Through the organisation’s website, people can anonymously or with their name report suspected human rights violations.
