But we need to do a lot more. We must look with renewed urgency to means that will truly promote and protect human rights in areas ravaged by conflict. Let us pursue a comprehensive strategy focusing most importantly on ensuring that conflict is in the first place prevented, while seeking also to protect civilians caught in the cross-fire, helping to achieve peace, and assisting in rebuilding war-torn societies on solid foundations of respect for human rights.
The best chance for preventing, limiting, solving and recovering from conflict and violence lies in the restoration and defence of the rule of law. Armed conflict stands as a bloody monument to the failure of the rule of law. We must break the cycle of violence. Where armed repression strips people of their rights and dignity, let those responsible answer under the rule of law. Where terrorism inflicts misery, let those responsible answer under the rule of law. Let the fundamental rules of human rights and human dignity apply to every state and every armed group, every individual and every collective, every public entity and every private corporation.
Sergio Vieira de Mello
High Commissioner for Human Rights
The best chance for preventing, limiting, solving and recovering from conflict and violence lies in the restoration and defence of the rule of law. Armed conflict stands as a bloody monument to the failure of the rule of law. We must break the cycle of violence. Where armed repression strips people of their rights and dignity, let those responsible answer under the rule of law. Where terrorism inflicts misery, let those responsible answer under the rule of law. Let the fundamental rules of human rights and human dignity apply to every state and every armed group, every individual and every collective, every public entity and every private corporation.
Sergio Vieira de Mello
High Commissioner for Human Rights