Elimination of terrorism in all its forms, too - President on 60 years of UDHR

"We in Sri Lanka renovate and repeat our dedicated to upholding the principles and goals proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which also requires the removal of terrorism in all its forms, position high among the threats to all cultured society", states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message to blot the 60thn anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal declaration of Human Rights.
"As we mark this 60th anniversary of the UDHR there is the urgent need for all nations to join in concerted action to eliminate the menace of terrorism from our midst, having seen for ourselves in no small measure how it can undermine the very values upheld by this Declaration. It is the time for all nations to see the realism of this ordinary enemy that threatens the continued existence of society based on admiration for the liberty and self-respect of humans", the President adds.
Here is the text of the Message
On this day sixty years before the General meeting of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which documented the equal and inalienable self-respect and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family members, being the base of freedom, fairness and calm in the world.
Through the past six decades as membership in the United Nations long-drawn-out with the end of the colonial and era, this statement has been the criterion by which the development of humans in moving away from disdain for human rights and barbarous acts which indignation the sense of right and wrong of mankind has been judged.
Today, as human people progresses towards the full understanding of the goals of the UDHR, the world is faced with a threat of major proportions, barely noticed as such at the time the Declaration was proclaimed to make sure that people shall take enjoyment in freedom of speech and faith and freedom from fear and want. Most nations are now threatened with attacks on the very basics of their societies, the democratic traditions nurtured through the years, grave challenges to the freedoms esteemed by all people, and the breach of the very principles on which ruler states have been established.
As seen from the many incidents of the past decade and more, civilization today faces the confront of terrorism that has struck with barbaric power at countries both big and small, creating fear and suspicion among people, from the killing it has caused in the major cities of the world, in country communities, on highways, in the air and at sea, in seats of adoration and leisure, and the significant resources of mankind.
As we mark this 60th anniversary of the UDHR there is the pressing need for all nations to join in concerted action to eradicate the menace of terrorism from our midst, having seen for ourselves in no small measure how it can undermine the very values upheld by this Declaration. It is the time for all nations to see the reality of this common enemy that threatens the survival of society based on respect for the freedom and dignity of humans.
We in Sri Lanka renew and reaffirm our committed to upholding the values and goals proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which also requires the elimination of terrorism in all its forms, ranking high among the threats to all civilized society.
Courtesy: Policy Research & Information Unit of the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka