8.E.4

“Nikola Vaptsarov” Foreign Language High School, Shumen, Bulgaria

 

10 DECEMBER – INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

 

 

Human Rights Day is celebrated annually across the world on 10th December. The Day marks the anniversary of the Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The Declaration embodies the aspirations and hopes of peoples and each person to live in dignity, equality and safety.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was given form in two covenants — the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as a number of international law instruments.

The celebration of the anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights traditionally takes place under a particular theme. The theme for 2009 is “Embrace Diversity, End Discrimination”.  Discrimination based on ethnic or national origin, colour, race, religion, sex, and age, physical or mental disabilities is incompatible with the basic principles of the European Union.

To celebrate the international human rights day “Nikola Vaptsarov” Foreign Language High School organized a debate on the resolution: “The individual right is above the social interest or could we display our religious affiliation in public places?” The debaters followed the Karl Popper debate format. The team affirming the resolution presented their position that “Religion is an original human right. Showing our religious affiliation we can save our uniqueness, culture and identity. Displaying religion is not enforcement. There should be tolerance towards the diversity among people. We have to overcome prejudices.” The opposing team offered the following arguments rejecting the resolution: “The development of the society is more valuable than the individual himself. Religious affiliation mustn’t be displayed in public places because it leads to conflict. Thus is a restriction not a prohibition. The main goal is to save the community.” The affirming team won the debate. A special guest at the debate was Mrs Rositsa Vasileva, the manager of the European information centre “Europe Direct”, Shumen. She gave presents to the participants of the debate.

As a full-member of the EU, Bulgaria contributes to the development and implementation of the common European policy in the human rights field. Celebrating the international human rights day together with the other EU members of the international community, Bulgaria proves its determination to pursue a policy of guaranteeing all human rights and basic freedoms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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