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The United Nations yesterday launched Shona and Ndebele versions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document in the history of human rights, drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world.
The declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948 General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) (French) (Spanish) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations.
Speaking during the launch, United Nations Resident Co-ordinator Mr Bishow Parajuli said the documents in vernacular will help promote human rights.
“I am happy to note that the Constitution of Zimbabwe protects human rights,” he said. “We, however, are also partnering with various stakeholders and organisations to support Government in protecting human rights.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs principal administration officer Mr Francis Munhundiripo acknowledged the co-operation between Zimbabwe and the UN. He said information dissemination was important for the people to understand the evolution of human rights.
“Everyone has a right. Even a dead person has a right to a decent burial,” said Mr Munhundiripo. “We are all born equal and we will remain equal.”
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission chairperson Mr Elasto Mugwadi said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was important.
“In its preamble, the UDHR underlines the reaffirmation by the people of the United Nations in the Charter of their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women as well as their determination to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,” he said.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe recognises 16 languages – Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa.
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