The promotion of human rights and John Paul II

This work collects the proceedings of the event held on 20 June 2011 at the Palais des Nations in Geneve on the theme The Promotion of Human Rights and John Paul II to  recognize the contributions of John Paul II in the area of human rights.
"Pope John Paul II  was a consistent promoter of peace and human rights who belonged to the whole of mankind regardless of religious affiliations. He frequently acknowledged that solid and lasting foundations for building peace could only be established through the promotion of the dignity of the individual person – a centrepiece of his teaching. He highlighted that when human rights are ignored, the seeds of instability and violence are inevitably sown.

Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible.

The respect for human rights forms one of the core principles of the work of the United Nations. It is enshrined in international law through the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Additionally, a host of international treaties and other universal instruments protect these rights. Without safeguarding human rights, the important work of the United Nations in international peace and security and development would not be possible. Here in Geneva, which is the world’s human rights capital, and across the globe, the United Nations family works together with Governments to help them promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms. "
(from the opening remarks by Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, General Director of the United Nations Office at Geneva).