All too often, these laws are not honoured; all too often, domestic laws are subverted to provide a cloak of legitimacy for breaches of fundamental human rights, or infringements on civil liberties.
Yet the strength of the rule of law lies in its universal relevance and application - in its grounding in the fundamental human rights of all people. It applies equally to the strong and the weak. Its application is the duty of States large and small. It is the most effective tool to fight criminality and terrorism, and the best guarantee of safety, security and freedom for us all.
On this Human Rights Day, I appeal to all governments, communities and individuals to recommit themselves to the universal application of the rule of law. Let us ensure that we never take this precious legacy for granted. Let us nurture, develop, strengthen and defend it. On this Day, let us rededicate ourselves to that mission.
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
UNHCR Photo: On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the High Commissioner gave a press briefing on 4 December 2002 to the Geneva-based correspondents on this year's theme: "The protection of civilians in conflict situations".
Please read http://www.unhchr.ch/news/day.htm
Please also visit - often - the official website of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr
Yet the strength of the rule of law lies in its universal relevance and application - in its grounding in the fundamental human rights of all people. It applies equally to the strong and the weak. Its application is the duty of States large and small. It is the most effective tool to fight criminality and terrorism, and the best guarantee of safety, security and freedom for us all.
On this Human Rights Day, I appeal to all governments, communities and individuals to recommit themselves to the universal application of the rule of law. Let us ensure that we never take this precious legacy for granted. Let us nurture, develop, strengthen and defend it. On this Day, let us rededicate ourselves to that mission.
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
UNHCR Photo: On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the High Commissioner gave a press briefing on 4 December 2002 to the Geneva-based correspondents on this year's theme: "The protection of civilians in conflict situations".
Please read http://www.unhchr.ch/news/day.htm
Please also visit - often - the official website of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr