25 January 2012 - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created 63 years ago. We commemorate this very important juncture in history through the celebration of Human Rights Day on the 10 of December every year. In Yemen this was marked on 25 January 2012 by the Ministry of Human Rights in Yemen with an event organised under the auspices of the Prime Minister, Mohammed Salem Basoundwa. The event attracted a diverse audience consisting of members of the international community, donor agencies, ministries and non-governmental stakeholders involved in human rights issues.
The Country Director of Save the Children in Yemen, Mr. Muhammad Adeel Khan, represented the humanitarian community in Yemen through his address at this meeting. His speech reflected Save the Children's firm position in regard to human and children's rights, both in Yemen and globally. He also highlighted various important aspects to be prioritised in the National Agenda by the new government. These included challenges faced in terms of child rights as a result of the conflict, for example, the use of schools by IDPs and combatants, and the hindrance of school children from completing their education in a fear-free environment, which has led to an increased number of street children, and various other issues.
Other priorities mentioned by Mr. Khan were the important cooperation with Civil Society Organisations in promoting a cuture of human and child rights, and the need to develop strategic plans to support and advocate for human and child rights in Yemen.
He reaffirmed the ongoing commitment of Save the Children and other members of the humanitarian community in supporting the fulfilment of human and child rights in Yemen.
The Democracy School, Save the Children's strategic partner in Yemen, also presented their position and that of civil society organisations during the event. They emphasised the importance of cooperation between governmental and non-governmental stakeholders involved in the promotion of human and child rights in Yemen.
The Prime Minister, in his address, announced that the realisation of human and child rights will be one of the main priorities of the government during the transition period. He voiced his strong support for the cooperation and coordination between all stakeholders involved in promoting human and child rights.
In her concluding remarks, the Minister for Human Rights, Ms Horia Mashoor, expressed her appreciation for the cooperation and efforts of Save the Children in Yemen.
Country Director of Save the Children in Yemen addresses the meeting