In these times of conflict and strong international tensions, it is more than appropriate to celebrate the anniversary (74e) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This major legal text adopted on December 10, 1948, barely three years after the end of the Second World War, is part of the Ius cogens of general international law, that is to say that it constitutes a peremptory norm from which no derogation is permitted. This rule of law is universal, to apply to all States. It also implies a common conception of these rights and freedoms. Needless to say, this universalism and this common conception are being challenged by several countries today. However, it should not be concluded that these two fundamental attributes should be renounced.
The first paragraph of the Declaration sums it all up: “Considering that the recognition of the inherent dignity of all members of the human family and of their equal and inalienable rights constitutes the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world . »
This dignity is, alas, these days too often flouted in our disunited family. But we must not give up. The Declaration remains “the common ideal to be achieved”. But the road will be long and arduous to reach it! Otherwise, it is war, destruction, barbarism; which is the lot of our present world.
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