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Bringing
Communities
Together
ISLAM
OUR
PUBLICATIONS
AUDIO/VIDEO
ZAKAH
IN THE UK
CONFERENCE
2007
CHARITY
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On
Human Rights Day (Monday 10th December 2007)
an Interfaith Celebration of Human Rights was held with the
co-operation of JIMAS
at the Community Centre at the Ipswich Bangladeshi Community
Centre and Mosque,
32-36 Bond Street, Ipswich
| The
theme was the 1st Article of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights 'All human beings are born free and equal
in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and
conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit
of brotherhood'. Contributions were from different faith
traditions in order to look at this theme from diverse
perspectives. |
| Almost
60 years have elapsed since the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations on 10
December 1948. The Declaration was one of the first major
achievements of the United Nations, and after nearly 60
years remains a powerful instrument which continues to
exert an enormous effect on people's lives all over the
world. This was the first time in history that a document
considered to have universal value was adopted by an international
organisation. It was also the first time that human rights
and fundamental freedoms were set forth in such detail.
There was broad-based international support for the Declaration
when it was adopted. It represented 'a world milestone
in the long struggle for human rights', in the words of
a UN General Assembly representative from France. |
| The
adoption of the Universal Declaration stems in large part
from the strong desire for peace in the aftermath of the
Second World War. Although the 58 Member States which
formed the United Nations at that time varied in their
ideologies, political systems and religious and cultural
backgrounds and had different patterns of socio-economic
development, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
represented a common statement of goals and aspirations
-- a vision of the world as the international community
would want it to become. |
| Since
1948, the Universal Declaration has been translated into
more than 200 languages and remains one of the best known
and most often cited human rights documents in the world.
Over the years, the Declaration has been used in the defence
and advancement of people's rights. Its principles have
been enshrined in and continue to inspire national legislation
and the constitutions of many newly independent states.
References to the Declaration have been made in charters
and resolutions of regional intergovernmental organizations
as well as in treaties and resolutions adopted by the
United Nations system. |
| Our
host for the evening was Nurul Islam Chowdhury, who both
introduced and concluded the evening. The evening commenced
with the recitation of a verse from the Holy Quran by
Hafiz Zuber Ahmed. Charles Croydon, Chairman of the Ipswich
& District United Nations Association explained that the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a Magna Carta
for all humanity. Mohammed Mahbub Alam Shamim (Chairman
of the Ipswich Bangladeshi Community Centre and Mosque)
welcomed people to the celebration. This was followed
by Hafiz Moulana Yousuf Saleh (Imam of the Ipswich Bangladeshi
Community Centre and Mosque) who explained that from the
Islamic perspective Human Right had started with the foundation
of Islam. Richard Togher on behalf of the Ipswich Baha'i
community gave a short talk entitled 'World Order: The
Administrative Aspect of Brotherhood' Richard Stewart
of the Society of Friends read 3 poems reflecting on Human
Rights. Shoomi Chowdhury (of the Ipswich Bangladeshi Community
Centre and Mosque) explained the importance of the equality
of women in Islam. Gurdas Singh (of the Sikhs) illustrated
the Sikh perspective of Human Rights with reference to
Sikh scriptures. Bishop Paulo Pereira (Bishop of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) explained some of
the choices which we as individuals have to make. The
Revd David McLeod (Chaplaincy Team Co-ordinator Suffolk
New College University Campus Suffolk) looked at some
of the current Human Rights issues in Zimbabwe and Darfur.
Sue Fox of the Ipswich Pagan Council provided a historic
reflection and what this can teach us today, commenting
that we are judged by 'our deeds and the contents of our
hearts'. M. Manwar Ali (Chief Executive of JIMAS) looked
at Human Rights in the current geo political context.
The evening ended with an introduction to the forthcoming
launch of the appeal for the victims of the recent cyclone
in Bangladesh. |
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