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OSCE Mission Head addresses future guardians of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO 10 December 2002
SARAJEVO, 10 December 2002 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina focussed on youth by visiting over twenty schools to promote and discuss human rights today, International Human Rights Day. 10 December is the day when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by UN Member States in 1948. In Sarajevo, Ambassador Robert M. Beecroft, Head of the OSCE mission, visited law students, whom he addressed as future guardians and promoters of human rights.
"The fate and future of this country as a tolerant, multi-community European state is in your hands. It is important to emphasize that the absence of tolerance and respect for human rights is at the root of suffering and hatred. It brings violence and hampers economic development," said Ambassador Beecroft. "Today, we celebrate equality, tolerance and diversity. I urge each of you to think about how you can make a real difference and contribute to building a peaceful, prosperous and just society in BiH. Taking action to promote and protect human rights would be a perfect start."
The Universal Declaration recognizes that the inherent dignity of each person is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. It recognizes fundamental human rights that are common to all - including the right to life, liberty and security of the person, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to education, the right to freedom of opinion and expression, thought, conscience and religion and the right to freedom from torture and degrading treatment.
In his address, Ambassador Beecroft focussed on education, and in particular the need to ensure that all children, adolescents and young adults of BiH are able to fully realize their right to education. In order to achieve this, he said, politics must be taken out of the classroom, where it has no place. "The key is to develop and enhance the quality of education in BiH, and make it accessible to all children, equally and without discrimination. The education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina must enable students from various communities to go to school together, so they can learn to respect and cherish the precious cultural diversity that makes this country so unique."
"The fate and future of this country as a tolerant, multi-community European state is in your hands. It is important to emphasize that the absence of tolerance and respect for human rights is at the root of suffering and hatred. It brings violence and hampers economic development," said Ambassador Beecroft. "Today, we celebrate equality, tolerance and diversity. I urge each of you to think about how you can make a real difference and contribute to building a peaceful, prosperous and just society in BiH. Taking action to promote and protect human rights would be a perfect start."
The Universal Declaration recognizes that the inherent dignity of each person is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. It recognizes fundamental human rights that are common to all - including the right to life, liberty and security of the person, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right to education, the right to freedom of opinion and expression, thought, conscience and religion and the right to freedom from torture and degrading treatment.
In his address, Ambassador Beecroft focussed on education, and in particular the need to ensure that all children, adolescents and young adults of BiH are able to fully realize their right to education. In order to achieve this, he said, politics must be taken out of the classroom, where it has no place. "The key is to develop and enhance the quality of education in BiH, and make it accessible to all children, equally and without discrimination. The education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina must enable students from various communities to go to school together, so they can learn to respect and cherish the precious cultural diversity that makes this country so unique."