"I am always struck by the truly revolutionary nature of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which courageously stated in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War" the dignity of all human beings and "their equal and inalienable rights." José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights highlights its significance and some of its key-points. "Sixty years on and against the background of the continuing critical human rights situation in many countries, the Declaration remains as pertinent as ever." Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner says: "Sixty years after the proclamation of the Universal Declaration it is widely accepted as part of customary international law testimony to the genuinely universal nature of the rights it enshrines." "But much more still needs to be done to make every citizen women and men aware of the impact of this declaration," she adds. Ms Ferrero-Waldner is dedicating the celebrations on 10 December to all men and women who dedicate their lives to defending and upholding human rights worldwide.” ” ” ” ” “
