Statement / CLA Statement commemorating Human Rights Day 2022

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) joins the world to commemorate Human Rights Day which is celebrated every year on the 10th of December the day upon which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted in 1948.

The theme this year is “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All” and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The UDHR is the foundation stone for the universal respect for, and guarantee of, human rights as inalienable rights for all of humanity.

This year’s theme is apt as the world grapples with challenges such as the global pandemic, climate change, exploding in-equalities, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, socio- economic injustice, and rising unfettered nationalism, all of which undermine the promise of dignity and equality in the enjoyment of these fundamental human rights.

The CLA as a premier rule of law institution joins the world in commemorating the International Human Rights Day and reiterates its commitment, through its membership across the commonwealth of nations, to passionately promote the human rights ideals contained in the UDHR.

The world, more than ever, needs to collectively address the bane of inequality, injustice and indignity to which far too many are subjected across the globe, in particular the vulnerable members of our societies.

Today, we lend our voice to others calling for more -action to preserve the legacy of the human rights culture nurtured over the past 75 years and to develop these rights towards the recognition of socio-economic rights for sustainable Development.

The CLA take this appropriate opportunity to remind ourselves that human rights matter, that we all have a significant role to play in advocating for human rights and that collectively we can make a difference in ensuring “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All”.

Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA)

10th December 2022

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association is an international non-profit organisation which exists to promote and maintain the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring that an independent and efficient legal profession, with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, serves the people of the Commonwealth. commonwealthlawyers.com

View the Full Statement here