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On 10 December, the world society marks the 60th anniversary of adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration is unique because of its universality: human rights enshrined in the Declaration are cherished by all cultures and traditions. Today the importance of this document is also confirmed by all 192 member states of the United Nations, which have committed themselves to the principles of this Declaration.

This Declaration was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December, 1948. It was a time when the world was devastated by the Second World War. Then it was understood where it might lead, when people forget that a human being is the greatest value itself and not merely a tool used for some purposes. Over 60 years, a tremendous progress has been made in the protection of human rights. However, even in the beginning of the 21st century, basic human rights are being violated in various parts of the world.

While celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Lithuanian Foreign Ministry encourages everyone to remember the common values that are reflected in this unique document.

On 16 December at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an exhibition will be opened. It will be dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lithuania is the sponsor of the exhibition. The exhibition will be open from 15 December to 5 January at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is planned there are plans to display the exhibition at Lithuanian schools throughout 2009.

During the opening of the exhibition, a UN publication dedicated to the anniversary of the Declaration will also be presented. This book includes basic UN Human Rights documents.

You can find the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights here