Photographic Exhibition

On the Occasion of the 60^th Anniversary

Of the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights

Opening Address by H.E. Ms. Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir,

Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade

Mr. Ambassador, thank you for your warm words of welcome.

Madam Rector, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to be here with you today at the opening of this ambitious photo exhibition.  As you have pointed out Ambassador, it is particularly appropriate that France should support this celebration, as the values of the Universal Declaration of Human rights were to a large extent hammered out in the heat of the French Revolution. 

The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a historic milestone in the evolution of our common understanding – a vision and affirmation, of values we deem inviolable:  that all human beings are born free, with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms.

In the last 60 years much has been achieved.  Unfortunately, however, people continue to be subjected to violations of their human rights in all parts of the world.  The struggle must therefore continue for the realization of the rights contained in the Declaration.

This was acknowledged by world leaders at the 2000 Millennium Summit, when they adopted the eight Millennium Development Goals which can all be linked to the objectives of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Later, at the 2005 World Summit world leaders again reiterated their pledge to promote universal respect for and the observance and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.  

This year, commemorative events have taken place throughout the world, under the overarching message: “Dignity and Justice for All of Us”.  The commemorative event of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has been prepared in cooperation with the Icelandic Human Rights Centre.  We will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration at Iðnó on 10 December 2008 and would welcome you all to attend.

As you said, Mr. Ambassador, promotion and protection of human rights are at the core of Iceland´s Foreign Policy.

Under the human rights umbrella, women’s rights and Gender equality are a particular priority. It is obvious that discrimination on the basis of gender is contrary to the Declaration of Human Rights, the Charter of the United Nations, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and other international human rights instruments. Nevertheless, UN statistics and reports confirm that discrimination and violence against women constitute a massive global problem. We will continue to work with other countries to counter this problem and make discrimination and violence against women illegal and unacceptable world wide.   

But we must not limit ourselves to seeing women as victims.  Women can be powerful agents for positive change and peace. This is why I have repeatedly urged wider participation of women in peace processes, on the basis of Security Council resolution 1325.  Indeed, women are fundamental for achieving, maintaining and promoting sustainable peace and security. We must therefore ensure that women are included.

Iceland has for years emphasized the importance of protecting human rights in the fight against terrorism. Counter-terrorism measures must take place with full respect for international law, human rights and the rule of law.  It is vital that all governments, not least those which present themselves as leaders in the field of human rights, establish and apply anti-terrorism legislation carefully and precisely. Anti-terrorism legislation is by nature Draconian – justified by the seriousness of the threat. By the same token, governments which misapply anti-terror legislation risk the credibility of their anti-terrorism measures as a whole – both with their public and their international partners.

Human rights experts have continually warned of the dangers to human rights of untrammelled anti-terrorist measures. We have, sadly, become used to certain regimes citing anti-terrorism as a defence for using convenient but otherwise unjustifiable measures – it is alarming to see this happening closer to home, and indeed, affecting Icelandic interests directly.    

We, Icelanders, are going through difficult times at the moment and I feel it is necessary to say a few words about that in the context of human rights.  We all know that no country has a perfect human rights record but I think we can all agree that the human rights situation in Iceland has been very good for quite some time.  This is not something that came about without the common efforts of many.  We will have to show extra vigilance, when addressing the challenges ahead, to prevent any backlashes and not the least to safeguard our welfare system. 

I want to mention specifically the freedom of expression which a large number of Icelanders have chosen to exercise through demonstrations in the past few weeks.  I sincerely respect the right to free speech and peacful demonstrations as an integral part of democratic society.   I understand people´s frustration with the situation and have been listening to what is being said.  While not always agreeing with the views expressed, I take note of the demands for good governance and accountability.  In light of the developments last Saturday I would like to emphasise the importance of calm and respect for the rule of law.

Mr. Ambassador, Rector, distinguished guests,

We live in an era of rapid change, characterized both by opportunities and challenges. With globalization and new issues on today’s international agenda, there is a need for strong multilateral cooperation.

We all need to work constantly, without complacency and self-critically to address our shortcomings and do better for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and to uphold our responsibility to protect.

I look forward to our joint efforts in taking meaningful steps to turn the aspiration of the Universal Declaration into reality.

I declare the exhibition open.