Statement of UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, on Human Rights Day

Vienna, 10 December 2017 - The 10th December sees the beginning of yearlong celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

A declaration that has done much to shape our world since 10 December 1948 through its vision of indivisible and fundamental human rights for everyone.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) welcomes these global celebrations, and through the conventions on drugs, crime, corruption and international standards on terrorism, strives to uphold these rights in every situation.

Human trafficking, as just one example, is a hideous breach of human rights. In recent weeks, we have witnessed dramatic evidence of these breaches in the form of so-called slave markets in Libya.

This is a disturbing example of what can happen in the absence of such essential rights. UNODC, under the Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, and its protocol on human trafficking, helps protect trafficking victims by upholding their internationally recognized rights.

By doing so, we are striking back at those who exploit people's vulnerability fleeing armed conflicts or economic crises, and underlining our determination to protect human rights, and help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

On Human Rights Day, UNODC joins with its many other partners to celebrate 70 years of the UDHR, and affirms it will continue to uphold these rights.

For further information, please contact:

David Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org

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