PRESS RELEASE
International conference opens in Nuremberg
Safeguarding human rights: Marking the 60th anniversary of the UN Human Rights Declaration, experts discuss the historic achievements and current challenges
Nuremberg, 20 November 2008 – The historic achievements and current challenges in international human rights policy are in the spotlight at a three-day conference, which opened today in Nuremberg.
“For the Foundation “Remembrance, Responsibility and Future”, which was established in recognition of the crimes against humanity perpetrated under National Socialism, it is right and fitting that we are actively committed in the area of human rights. Taking care not to become bound up in empty rites of remembrance, we must take an active stand against current forms of inhumanity and discrimination,” says Dr Martin Salm, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation, which is organising the conference in conjunction with the Nuremberg Human Rights Center.
This year, people all over the world will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights. In adopting the Declaration, the United Nations was responding to the crimes of the National Socialists. The events that have unfolded over the last 60 years show that international recognition of human rights alone cannot prevent suffering and injustice.
Great efforts are called for in order that these rights are repeatedly enforced. Today, refugee protection throws up new challenges, and the absolute ban on torture, the tensions inherent in safeguarding freedom of opinion and freedom of religion, and the fight against modern forced labour are themes that demand new answers.
At the same time as the United Nations was conferring on international human rights standards 60 years ago, the perpetrators of National Socialist crimes against humanity were being tried in Nuremberg. “The last 60 years have taught us that human rights are never secure, but that they must be repeatedly and constantly reinforced.” This is why human rights is a priority area of work for our organisation, explains Dr Salm. “Human rights education is not a subject that can be learned by rote, it demands active participation and communication – which is also what we are hoping for at the conference.”
With numerous lectures, discussions, panel events and an accompanying programme, we can look forward to a varied and in-depth examination of this theme. Taking part are experts from many countries throughout the world, including Argentina, Austria, Chile, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the USA.
For more information and the complete conference programme go to www.konferenz-nuernberg08.de
Press Release as a PDF file for download.
Contact:
Foundation "Remembrance, Responsibility and Future"
Press and Public Relations
Franka Kuehn
Phone +49 (0)30 259297-76
Mobile +49-(0)174-980 14 24
Email kuehn@stiftung-evz.de
