Ministry of Foreign Affairs Observes 75th Anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
– The Ministry joins local, national and regional partners in celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the UDHR under the theme: “Together, let’s rejuvenate the UDHR, demonstrate how it can meet the needs of our time AND advance its promise of freedom, equality and justice for all.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator will be observing the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 15 December 2023 with an interactive town hall aimed at raising public awareness about human rights.
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948, the UDHR represents a global commitment to safeguarding fundamental human rights. This foundational document underscores the inherent rights of all individuals, irrespective of distinctions such as race, religion, gender, language, political beliefs, national origin, socioeconomic status, or birth circumstances. The Bahamas joined the United Nations on 18 September 1973, aligning itself with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the core values outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Bahamas remains steadfast in its dedication to protecting and promoting human rights, both domestically and internationally, achieving significant milestones in this endeavour. Notably, The Bahamas has become a party to numerous United Nations Human Rights Instruments, including the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The Bahamas has achieved international recognition, serving as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the 2019-2021 term. This historic appointment marked The Bahamas as the first member state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to hold this position and one of the pioneering Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to do so. The country’s membership on the HRC provided a unique perspective, which served as an opportunity for The Bahamas to consistently co–sponsor and support resolutions of the HRC relating to human rights and climate change, women and girls, the right to development, the right to food, the right to work. The country also supported efforts to establish a Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change. The Bahamas also served as Vice President on the Bureau in 2021 representing the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean States (GRULAC) and served as Chair of the Human Rights Council Task Force on accessibility for Persons with Disabilities.
Most recently, in November 2023, the Ministry launched the Bureau of Human Rights and Human Security. This specialized Bureau empowers the Ministry to act as a focal point in addressing human rights concerns with various public and private sector stakeholders on critical thematic areas that align with the human rights objectives of the Government of The Bahamas.
Read more about the UDHR at 75 Campaign here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/human-rights-75