UN Women Regional Programme Director conferred Human Rights Award
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New Delhi - On the International Human Rights Day, Anne F. Stenhammer, Regional Programme Director, UN Women South Asia was conferred the 2011 Universal Human Rights Promotion Award at the 12th World Human Rights Congress organized by The Indian Institute of Human Rights.
A galaxy of Ambassadors, human rights activists and human rights students attended the Congress. Dr. Rahul Rai, Director, Indian Institute of Human Rights presented the award to Sushma Kapoor, in the absence of Ms. Stenhammer.
In her message, Ms Stenhammer said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been selected to receive this prestigious award. It will motivate and inspire me to work even harder on human rights not only in India but globally as well. The credit goes to UN Women staff and experts across the region, who make a difference through their work.”
December 10 each year marks the UN International Day of Human Rights, a symbol and recognition of the importance the international community gives to this most fundamental principal – that human rights belong to every one of us without exception – independent of race, religion, gender or class, independent of citizenship or national identity.
“Today is a landmark day for human rights. The role of women in peace and security is being heralded in Oslo as three women receive the Nobel Peace Prize: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, her compatriot Leymah Gbowee, and Tawakkul Karman of Yemen. These women join others around the world who, despite, tremendous obstacles and great personal risks, pursue peace, democracy and equal rights,” said Sushma Kapoor at the event.
Sushma Kapoor also stressed the role of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “As we look to the challenges ahead, let us take inspiration from the example of human rights activists and the timeless power of the Universal Declaration, and do our utmost to uphold the ideals and aspirations that speak for every culture and every person,” she said.
UN Women works to advance women’s human rights by supporting governments and civil society to implement the Convention for the All Forms of Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.