• 2024-12-10

Human Rights Are Interconnected and Indivisible, and All Must Be Respected!

Statement issued by the Centre for Democracy Foundation on the occasion of International Human Rights Day

The Centre for Democracy Foundation extends its congratulations to all citizens of Serbia on the occasion of International Human Rights Day. We believe that our society must dedicate much greater attention to fundamental, basic rights.

“We must foster an awareness of the interconnectedness and interdependence of human rights. They are not merely political or civil rights; they are also social, economic, and cultural rights, and all must be respected in their interdependence,” said Nataša Vučković, Secretary General of the Centre for Democracy Foundation.

She explained, “When someone’s political rights are violated, such as being forced to attend a political rally they do not support, with the threat of losing their job, receiving reduced pay, or being reassigned to another position, this is not only a violation of their political rights but also their social rights.”

“We also advocate for adherence to and implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, which upholds a crucial principle ‘leave no one behind.’ This principle reminds us to make greater efforts to, as I often say, step into someone else’s shoes, to imagine the life of someone who is marginalised, belongs to a vulnerable group, or struggles to exercise their rights. This may be due to lack of education, limited access to education, poor health, insufficient access to healthcare services, or being part of a vulnerable group, whose rights are not adequately respected in our society.”

“We must pay attention to everyone and protect everyone,” concluded the Secretary General of the Centre for Democracy Foundation in her statement marking International Human Rights Day.

Center for Democracy Foundation

Photo: UN