International Universal Declaration of Human Rights focus of UNESCO meeting in Paris
Joy and Leanne
(l-r) Leanne Baumung and Joy Yakubu - World YWCA Advocacy and Communications Interns 2008
World YWCA interns Joy Yakubu and Leanne Baumung will join other representatives of NGOs, grassroots organisations, UN system, private sector, academia, media and youth in Paris to attend the 61st DPI/NGO meeting to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Hosted by UNESCO, the meeting will take place from September 3-5 with the theme 'Reaffirming Human Rights: The Universal Declaration at 60.' The meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the values set in the UDHR, their relevance today and to question why these values are not upheld universally as well as explore ways to move forward.

 

The conference will examine the application of the UDHR in the context of current realities, challenges and emerging issues worldwide, provide outlooks on how to make better use of existing mechanisms for the protection of Human Rights at national and international levels as well as ways to empower civil society at the local level.

 

Through roundtables, midday meetings and caucuses, the conference will provide space for NGOs to colloborate with UN agencies, member states and other stakeholders, network and share best practices as well as present their approach to issues and formulate recommendations.

 

" The meeting is a good opportunity to reflect on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Even though the Declaration exists, we know for women and young women, their fundamental rights are not always upheld and this needs to be discussed," says Yakubu.