ISLAMABAD: International Human Rights Day was observed in the capital city on Sunday with a number of events.

The day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 and is celebrated annually on Dec 10 across the globe.

During an event hosted by the European Union, United Nations and the Swiss Embassy, the UN Information Centre launched the Urdu and Pashto versions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Charter and Statute of the International Court of Justice in Urdu.

A film festival was also a part of the event for which the embassies and high commissions of various countries had partnered including that of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, EU, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and others.

Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Jean-Francois Cautain urged for collective efforts against violations of human rights around the world.

Swiss Ambassador Thomas Kolly said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has set a common standard of achievement for all people and all nations and is as relevant as it was in 1948.

Swiss political model and the core values embedded in its historical tradition and legal orders defend and promote the universality, the interdependence and indivisibility of human rights, he said.

UN Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne said the declaration asks us to stand up for our own rights and those of others.

He hoped that these screenings of films and translated versions of the UDHR and UN Charter in local languages will help Pakistani people, particularly youth to deepen their understanding of their rights.

The Ministry of Human Rights hosted an event at Lok Virsa where member National Task Force on Human Rights Senator Dr Ghous Mohammad Niazi said human rights issued should be promoted so people know what their rights are and how they can get them.

“People should be given their rights without any discrimination. A number of new laws have been made to protect the rights of women, children and marginalised segments of society,” he said.

Secretary Human Rights Ministry Rabiya Javeri said a toll-free helpline, 1099, has been established in order to give legal aid to those whose rights are being violated.

She said a Human Rights Action Plan has also been made with an investment of Rs750 million in order to improve the human rights situation in the country.

Various government departments and civil society organisations set up stalls in the festival to inform people about the services they provided and guided them about the procedure on how to pursue a case of human rights violation.

Besides, a number of events were held in which children and artists participated.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2017