60 anni della Dichiarazione universale dei diritti umani

60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Gianni Magazzeni

Starting from the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 60 years ago, the speech offered during the ceremony for the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Interdepartmental Centre on Human Rights and the Rights of Peoples of the University of Padua retraces the human rights standard setting process, as well as the development of the mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights (Treaty bodies and Special Rapporteurs). Particular attention is drawn to the current phase when the United Nations is giving priority to the national implementation of international standards resulting from the creation or strengthening of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). In this respect, a strategic role isplayed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,which works in the field, in cooperation with independent national actors (institutions and civil society), through technical cooperation programmes and public awareness and educational campaigns, aiming at spreading a universal human rights culture.