On 75th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, GCC Secretary General Reaffirms Council's Commitment to Human Rights

Riyadh, December 12, 2023, SPA -- On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi has reiterated the strong commitment of GCC member states to human rights and the agenda of sustainable development.
Speaking via video conference at a high-level event titled "The Perspective of the GCC on Human Rights and Development", organized by the GCC mission yesterday at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Albudaiwi praised the progress achieved by GCC countries in the field of human rights, which, he said, is deeply rooted in their unique cultural, social and religious values.
He highlighted the significant steps taken by GCC member states to promote human rights, like empowering women and youths, ensuring access to healthcare, protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as promoting digital rights and sustainable development on various fronts. He emphasized that all these steps are in agreement with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the GCC Human Rights Declaration, adopted in 2014.
He also tackled the challenges faced in the promotion and protection of human rights, including escalating conflicts and the rise of hate speech and Islamophobia, and reaffirmed the GCC's commitment to promoting tolerance, respecting religious diversity, and encouraging dialogue.
Albudaiwi called for renewed commitment to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, specifically addressing the suffering of the Palestinian people. He stressed the need to guarantee them their rights, including the right to self-determination and to live free from the Israeli occupation that has been going on for 75 years.
He also urged the international community to fulfill its ethical and legal responsibilities to ensure the respect and protection of the rights of the Palestinian people, and said that GCC will continue to endeavor to build a more just and peaceful future for all, based on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
--SPA