Celebrating 75 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

COLOMBO, 5TH DECEMBER 2023: The United Nations in Sri Lanka recently commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by honoring the indispensable contributions of women human rights defenders. The recognition coincided with the International Day for Women Human Rights Defenders (29 November), underlining the dual significance of the occasion.

The Universal Declaration, a landmark document in the history of human rights, enshrines a set of rights that are universal, indivisible, and inalienable, acknowledging the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals. In this context, the UN event not only celebrated this historic declaration but also brought to light the specific challenges and achievements of women human rights defenders in Sri Lanka. These defenders have been instrumental in shaping governance, peace, and advocating for marginalized groups, despite facing targeted threats and limitations.

For decades, women human rights defenders in Sri Lanka have had a strong legacy of shaping governance, peace and in advocating for the rights of the most marginalized. Yet, they have been among the first to be targeted, particularly by gendered slurs, sexual threats and shrinking access to resources and space.

Mr. Marc-André Franche, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, emphasized the need for support and protection for women human rights defenders: “Women around the world have led unprecedented movements for greater justice, equity, and democracy. They must be afforded the freedoms and protection that allow them to continue to advance and advocate for the rights of all”.

The event featured a panel discussion with prominent figures like Ms. Dimithri Wijesinghe, Attorney, Women’s Solidarity Network; Ms. Ermiza Tegal, Attorney at Law and Human Rights Advocate; Ms.Maithreyi Rajasingam, Executive Director, Viluthu; Dr. Sepali Kottegoda, Director Programmes, Women and Media Collective, and moderated by Ms. Esther Hoole, Gender Coordination Officer, UN Women Sri Lanka. The panelists highlighted the impact of women human rights defenders and their recommendations for action.

Highlighting the Universal Declaration as a collective ambition to ensure equality, Professor Fathima Farzana Haniffa, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka cited recent global crises to emphasize the urgent need to safeguard human rights, and welcomed strengthened integration and support of Sri Lankan women in this effort.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Savitri Goonesekere, Emeritus Professor of Law stated: “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights makes clear that you cannot achieve gender equality without a discourse on feminism and human rights”.

Recognizing that the skills and leadership of women human rights defenders are essential for peace and development, Ms. Ramaaya Salgado, Head of Office at UN Women Sri Lanka added: “The course of Sri Lanka’s history will forever be marked by the work of women human rights defenders. We are surrounded today by many, who – despite tremendous cost to themselves, and often far from formal recognition – shape and lead the work for human rights in Sri Lanka”.

The event brought together stakeholders including senior members of the development community, civil society, and representatives from the Government of Sri Lanka.