Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 10 December (BelTA) - In the modern context the theme of human rights should be considered together with the issues of security and sustainable development as they are interlinked, Belarus Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas said at the event to present the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Belarusian. The event was dedicated to Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the declaration, BelTA has learned.

Andrei Dapkiunas expressed confidence that many in Belarus are familiar with the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “However, incorporating ideas of new generations into it is the responsibility of every country, each of us, both diplomats and scientists, teachers and media professionals, and all those who care," he said. The deputy minister welcomed a roundtable on human rights education in Belarus with the participation of friends and partners from the United Nations.

“I want to sincerely thank the United Nations Office in Belarus for the initiative to publish such a publication and the National Academy of Sciences. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other crucial documents in the native language carry deep symbolism for every nation,” Andrei Dapkiunas said. According to him, the awareness of your rights and sincere veneration of the native language are in tune with what comes from the heart. Every state that understands it is capable of utilizing, both through effective protection and promotion of human rights and also through the support of the native language, an inexhaustible source of public support for the efforts of the state towards sustainable development, peace and security.

For her part, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Joanna Kazana-Wisniowiecki stressed that every country, every organization and person should strive to respect human rights and observe the universal declaration. “Equal rights are the basis for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said. She also read out the statement of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Belarusian was given to the National Library in a symbolic transfer ceremony.