Geneva - Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Human Rights Day, December 10, is an important reminder of the importance of equality, justice and dignity for all people around the world. This year, the day is celebrated under the slogan: “Our Rights, Our Future, Now” to highlight the importance of rights in addressing international challenges.

In a press conference on the eve of Human Rights Day, December 10, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on all countries to do everything they can to end suffering and senseless conflicts.

“The cost of war is high and the humanitarian impact is incalculable,” Türk said at his press conference in Geneva. He noted that 2024 witnessed a horrific number of deaths and injuries in conflicts on and off the battlefield.

He added: “Disregard for international law and the apparent disregard for civilian lives and infrastructure were in stark focus in the conflicts in Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and Lebanon, as well as in Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar, to name a few.”
He stressed the need to end the flow of arms to Haiti, Sudan and Myanmar, and to send a message to those providing arms, including to Israel and non-state armed actors in Lebanon, Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory, that international law requires States to exercise caution so that the weapons they provide are not used to commit violations.

In Brussels, a European statement said that on Human Rights Day, the European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the universal respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights for everyone, everywhere. This year’s theme, Our Rights, Our Future, Now, underscores the need to protect rights and freedoms for a just, resilient and sustainable future – leaving no one behind.

Human rights are universal legal, moral and enforceable guarantees for humanity. They are essential for human dignity, equality, democracy, peace and sustainable development. Peace and prosperity, as well as the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, go hand in hand with respect for the rule of law and all human rights.
Now, more than ever, we face armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate disasters, impunity, growing inequalities and, in too many places, persistent gender inequalities. The rules-based international order, with human rights at its core, remains indispensable. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan and elsewhere, have had horrific consequences for the enjoyment of human rights by civilian populations, particularly affecting women and children. Peace is not merely the absence of war; it requires daily action, sustained commitment and advocacy for human rights, equality, non-discrimination, justice and democracy. Human rights are applicable everywhere and at all times, including during conflict or crisis. Meaningful and lasting change can only be achieved through a relentless commitment to human rights, cooperation between global actors, the empowerment of young people as agents of change, and practical support to enable everyone to realise their rights. The European Union steadfastly supports human rights defenders, civil society, journalists and media workers, as well as all those who advocate for peace, truth, justice and accountability. The European Union, firmly committed to the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and with the new impetus of the Charter for the Future, stands alongside the UN, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and our partners around the world in urging all States to uphold and implement their human rights obligations. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, the EU remains committed to acceding to the European Convention on Human Rights. The EU will continue to promote and protect human rights for everyone, everywhere – your rights, your future, now and always.