More over 200 students, teachers, representatives of Human Rights associations, NGOs, permanent missions and UN staff participated in the observance of the Human Rights Day on 10 December at the United Nations in Vienna, organized by UNIS Vienna in cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR Austria.
Under this year's slogan "Speak up ... stop discrimination" the day was dedicated to Human Rights defenders who work to end discrimination. With UNHCR's cooperation, the main theme of the event was the promotion of the human rights of migrants, refugees and young asylum seekers.
The Austrian refugee activist Ute Bock, who founded a famous refugee support project in Vienna, visited the UN for the first time and took part in the discussion on "Human Rights, Migration and Refugees". Another 'premiere' was the introduction of special guided tours on Human Rights in the Vienna International Centre (VIC) for school classes and young visitors, which includes the display of a real UNHCR tent from a refugee camp.
The first to participate in the special tours on Human Rights were more than hundred students from four Viennese Schools - Berufschule Amalienstrasse, Gymnasium Feldgasee, Gymnasium der Dominikanerinnen and Gymnasium St. Ursula. The students also attended workshops on stereotypes and drums sessions organized by the Austrian NGO Kama.
In his welcome remarks UNIS Director Maher Nasser addressed the importance of the theme: "Human Rights are the foundation of freedom, peace, development and justice. To raise awareness about Human Rights and Children's Rights is of great importance for the United Nations Information Service," Nasser said.
In the discussion that followed on "Human Rights, Migration and Refugees" Ute Bock, Christoph Pinter from UNHCR's Office in Austria and Johannes Aigner from the Permanent Mission of Austria to the UN talked about children rights, immigration law and the situation of asylum seekers in Austria. Students, guests and UN staff engaged in the debate.
The Deputy to the UNIS Director, Sonja Wintersberger, read parts of the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's message for the day, stressing the fact that everyone can make a difference: "On this Human Rights Day, let us be inspired by those seeking to make our world more just. And let us remember that everyone - no matter their background, training or education - can be a human rights champion."
Another highlight of the well attended event was the screening of the film "The crazy world of Ute Bock" (Die verrückte Welt der Ute Bock) by Houchang Allahyari, enjoyed by both students, guests and UN staff. The film features Ute Bock's work with asylum seekers and is now showing in Austrian cinemas.
An award-winning short film was also shown at the event - "Nine months" by Sebastian Kraner, which he shot during his nine months alternative civil service at a home for young asylum seekers in Vienna. The Austrian student had won the PLURAL+ International Jury Award, organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the International Organization for Migration in November 2010 for his work.
The event was rounded off with entertainment by an African percussionists and international finger food prepared by the NGO Kama.
Human Rights Day, 10 December, marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 by the UN General Assembly.
