9th / 10 December 2009 Migrants unite to fight against human rights violations
To mark the occasion of the International Human Rights Day on 10 December, Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD), in partnership with (UNPO) Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation and the European Network (FLARE) Freedom Legality and Rights in Europe, and the De Brug Platform (Migranten voor Mensenrechten) together with more than 50 civil society organisations will together compile a Manifesto on Human Rights. Although the Declaration of Human Rights has existed for half a century, every minute there are human rights violations taking place throughout the world. There is still a need to draw the attention to the inalienable rights of individuals and appeal for action from political institutions and civil society. The Human Rights Day on 10 December offers an excellent opportunity for human rights organizations to come forward, address politicians and the general public to raise awareness to these issues. The Manifesto on Human Rights will be prepared and compiled on 9 December during a one day workshop, in which the coalition will address the urgent human rights issues affecting the Netherlands and third world countries. A silent march against human rights violations will be held on 10 December commencing from the Dutch Peace Palace to the Dutch Parliament, where a special meeting will be held with Mr. Harry Van Bommel, Member of Parliament for the Socialist Party in the House of representatives, together with the coalition to discuss and hand over the Manifesto.
The highlights of the Manifesto will be presented to the public during a debate and social evening on 10 December, together with politicians and international experts at the Hogeschool INHolland, in The Hague. The initiative also aims at requesting politicians to have a more active role in fighting human rights violations taking place across the world.