H.E Habibulah Ghalib, Minister for Justice, delivering his statement at the national ceremony to mark the International Human Rights Day in Kabul.

Kabul, 10 December 2011–The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan celebrated International Human Rights Day at the Ministry of Justice, here today. The lead Ministry hosted a special event to mark the anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reaffirming the Government of Afghanistan's commitment to promote, protect and fulfill human rights across the country.

"The future of Afghanistan and the next generations living here depends on our ability to ensure the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration and the Afghan Constitution: equality, justice, security and the ability of each person to contribute to society" said Minister of Justice Habibullah Ghalib in his opening speech at the event.

The Government of Afghanistan has worked with UNDP since 2009 to advance human rights in its executive branch. In September 2010, the Ministry of Justice and UNDP established the Human Rights Support Unit as an internal human rights oversight mechanism. This Unit is being established withsupport from the Governments of Canada, Germany, Denmark, Norway, the UK, and Switzerland.

Representatives of the Ministries of Afghan Government, international community, civil society and media at the national ceremony.

"In the coming year, UNDP will not only continue to be a key supporter of the Government, but will increase the technical support we provide for the advancement and mainstreaming of human rights in Afghanistan through both central and provincial governance structures," UNDP Country Director Manoj Basnyat stated.

Officials from Ministries of Justice, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Labor and Social Affairs and Public Health, Energy and Water, Rural Rehabilitation and Development, representatives of Parliament and Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission gathered at this event to discuss urgent human rights priorities for the Government of Afghanistan: right to security, right to education, right to health and protection from violence against women and children as guaranteed by the Afghan Constitution.

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