60 years of universal rights declaration but so much still to do

5.00.00pm GMT Tue 9th Dec 2008

December 10th marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) signed in 1948. Motivated by the experiences of the Second World War, the declaration was the first expression of the rights to which all humans are entitled.

London MEP and Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman Sarah Ludford said:

"Celebrations will be tempered by the recognition of how many challenges remain, from developed countries which still practice execution to failed states where life is cheap and full of fear."

"We have a Labour government which rides roughshod over liberties at home while colluding with US kidnap and torture abroad, and a Tory party which mocks human rights. But these cavalier attitudes undermine any British leading contribution to the forceful EU human rights policy which is needed."

"From widespread oppression in China to the brutalities of Zimbabwe, the fight for women's rights in Afghanistan and against death and rape in the Congo; in all these situations and many more, the international community must redouble efforts to secure for every person on the planet the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the declaration."