Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day

Today, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day is being observed throughout the world, as on 10th December1948 United Nations General Assembly had adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Last year, the event was marred by the outrageous act of US President Donald Trump who had recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and announced to move the US embassy there. This is violation of United Nations charter as well as resolutions committed by the founder-member of the United Nations. Trump said that Jerusalem Embassy Act of October 1995 was passed to recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Earlier, the U.S. had never endorsed the Jewish state’s claim of sovereignty over any part of Jerusalem, and its future was linked to a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace agreement. It was in this backdrop that all US presidents since then had been issuing waivers after every six months.
Referring to a broad international consensus, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had said Jerusalem’s status was an issue to be decided through negotiations. “In this moment of great anxiety, I want to make it clear there is no alternative to the two-state solution.” At the Vatican, Pope Francis had prayed that “Jerusalem’s status quo would be preserved to avoid adding new tension to a world, already shaken and scarred by many cruel conflicts.” Leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Italy were critical of Trump’s decision. The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II to replace the League of Nations, which had failed to stop wars between countries, and could not provide protection to the weaker nations. If the United Nations Organization also fails in implementing its resolutions that give right of self determination to smaller countries, it may meet the same fate of the League of Nations.
The fact remains that big and mighty have over the years showed utter disregard to the UN resolutions and also to aims and objects of the UN. India and Israel top the list of human rights violators and they continue committing atrocities on Kashmiris and Palestinians respectively. Kashmiris took up the arms in 1989, when people of Kashmir realized that international community would neither pressurize India into implementing the UNSC resolutions nor it would persuade India to put an end to its barbarities. Since then, more than 90000 Kashimiris have laid down their lives and many more were injured. However, Indian forces have failed to break their will and determination during the last seven decades. There is no denying that Kashmir and Palestine are the flashpoints, and real threat to world peace. And if international community fails to implement UNSC resolutions, the desire for a peaceful world will remain an illusion.
Palestinian question is of equal importance, and there is a perception that its resolution will have positive effect on tackling terrorism in its long-term perspective. For lasting peace and stability in the world, both Kashmir and Palestine issues have to be resolved. The UN and the big powers should ask Israel and India to put an end to its naked, contemptible and brazen aggression on Kashmiris and Palestinians. If the US and the West continue pampering Israel, the billowing flames could engulf the entire region. Then Egyptian President Anwar Sadat while addressing a joint meeting of the US House and Senate as long ago as 1975 had said: “I urge you, in the most emphatic term, to lend the Palestinian people your understanding and support. Help them to overcome despair and frustration. The continuation of neglect and defiance is but an open invitation to violence, negativism and extremism”.