The PM has given the keynote speech at an Equality and Human Rights Commission event in London today on the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The PM described the principles of the Declaration as being as resonant and relevant today as they have ever been, and spoke of the need to continue to support those whose rights are threatened or denied.
Drawing attention to the cholera epidemic and humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe, the Prime Minster emphasised the role the International Community still has to play in safeguarding human freedom and rights. He revealed that an agreement has been secured to hold a special meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday to discuss what further measures can be taken to help the people of Zimbabwe.
The PM said:
“In Zimbabwe we are witnessing a humanitarian emergency of colossal proportions. They need help urgently and our disagreement with Mugabe will not stand in our way.
“We must stand together to meet our moral obligations to the people of Zimbabwe who have shown such forbearance and such fortitude while saying firmly to the Mugabe regime that ‘enough is enough’.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights consists of an introduction and 30 articles that set out a range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all men and women are entitled. It was adopted on 10 December 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations in Paris.
A video and transcript of the Prime Minister’s speech will be made available on this site.
More information is available on the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s website (opens new browser wndow).
seen at 01:50, 11 December in Number 10 ยป News Stories.