Celebrating 75 Years of Human Rights and Freedom of Expression
10 December: PEN International joins the global community in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We reflect on the role played by the PEN movement in shaping the meaning and messages of what, on 10 December 1948, would become a global road map for freedom, equality, and human rights for all.
Amidst the echoes of history, let us celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a testament to the enduring collaboration between PEN and the UN. In shaping this global charter, PEN's literary spirit has not only penned words but woven a narrative of freedom, human rights, and international solidarity, said Burhan Sonmez, PEN International President.
PEN’s role, since its foundation in 1921, has centered on using literary works to iterate its pacifist, internationalist, and human rights agenda. PEN International – which precedes the birth of the UN by twenty-four years – and its literary writers, played a formative role in the creation of the principles which continue to underpin the UDHR. In recognition of its role, PEN became a trusted advisor to the UN, on human rights concerns impacting the right to freedom of expression, and in doing so, upholds the values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The core priorities that shaped PEN's initial negotiations with the UN 75 years ago— peace and freedom of expression, as well as the rights of imprisoned and exiled writers, and of minoritised languages and literature rights—continue to guide the collaborative efforts of these two organisations today.
While the UDHR is today a universally adopted text, there remains widespread deprivation of basic rights worldwide, with wars and conflicts raging across regions, and writers increasingly at risk of imprisonment, persecution, or even death. Amidst this tumultuous landscape, the rise of hate speech compounds these challenges by further undermining the foundations of peace, equality, and justice. Combating hate speech today is crucial, aligning with the ongoing missions of PEN and the UN to uphold fundamental human rights.
Hate speech - including xenophobia, racism, antisemitism, islamophobia, anti-LGBTQI+ sentiments, misogyny, and other forms of intolerance - is on the rise, spreading rapidly via social media on a global scale. This is an insidious force that dehumanizes individuals and communities based on their identity, often manipulated by those with political motives. We must all stand firmly against hate speech, and be vigilant and proactive in countering it, protecting the principles of equality, dignity, and social harmony, which are necessary to ensure a more just and inclusive world. This is now more important than ever, as we are witnessing raging conflicts and the killing of innocent civilians trapped in senseless wars, not only in Gaza and Israel, but globally, said Romana Cacchioli, PEN International Executive Director.
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For further information, please contact Sabrina Tucci, PEN International Communications and Campaigns Manager, [email protected]