Hope is still alive

The tears of Jesse Jackson and the joy of Martin Luther King's daughter on the night of 4 November reminded us of the long fight of millions of people to see their rights finally recognized. The election of a young president, with a multicultural background, who incarnated the desire for hope in millions of people for a better world, happened a month before the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The historical coincidence simply could not have been better timed. As the High Commissioner for Human Rights said, the adoption of the Universal Declaration stems in large part from the strong desire for peace in the aftermath of the Second World War. It represented a common statement of goals and aspirations — a vision of the world as the international community wanted it to become. The election of Barak Obama represents the same strong desire for peace and respect for human rights in the aftermath of a decade of wars, violence, terrorism and human rights violations.

Adopted on 10 December 1948, the Declaration recognizes that the dignity of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world and is linked to the recognition of fundamental rights towards which every human being aspires: the right to life, liberty and security of person; the right to an adequate standard of living; the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution; the right to own property; the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the right to education, freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and the right to freedom from torture and degrading treatment, among other things.

On 4 November 2008, everywhere in the world, people expressed their hope that these rights would be enjoyed by all human beings — men, women and children, from all cultures, religions and races. One man in one country cannot change the world, but he can help foster more respect for human rights everywhere. It is a matter of political will, the will of parliaments and legislators all over the world to bring change. And yes, hope is still very much alive.

L.B.

New IPU President Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab

“The IPU must protect its unique identity”

At the 119th IPU Assembly held in October in Geneva, Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab was elected President of the IPU. Current Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia, he is also a former Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Information Minister of his country. In addition, he served as President of the fifty-fourth session of the United Nations General Assembly. In his first interview to The World of Parliaments, he describes his priorities, views and hope.