Human Rights Day!

While at the field today, i saw a man on the street. He seemed a little odd. When he turned left, i was surprised to see he doesn't have left arm. I asked him what happened. He said the doctor amputated his left arm. The man was a victim of massacre back in 2002 in Matanao, Davao del Sur. He was the only survivor among his family. They were advocates of land for the landless back in 2002 and they alleged the military as the mind behind the masscre. Scary but sad truth.

In davao del su alone, seventeen persons were considered victims of extra judicial killings, three hundred others survived.

When i reached the restaurant where i am attending a presscon, i saw the man on the street. He was at the center table, with other panel of speakers. He would like to be heard. Up to now, his family are among those victims of human rights violation. They search for justice until now.

Today, we celebrate the 60th year of Human Rights Day!

"It is our duty to ensure that these rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

The theme for 2008, “Dignity and justice for all of us,” reinforces the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a commitment to universal dignity and justice. It is not a luxury or a wish-list. The UDHR and its core values, inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The Declaration is universal, enduring and vibrant, and it concerns us all.

Since its adoption in 1948, the Declaration has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.