75 years ago the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was approved by the United Nations General Assembly: «Today, as then, the importance of that document consists in placing the inalienable dignity inherent in the person before the exercise of power. This has made it possible to build an international architecture based on respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of every human being." These are the words of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, who in a note underlined: «Italy adheres with heartfelt participation to the celebration campaign promoted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in the awareness that this important anniversary is part of in a situation characterized by serious and systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law which offend the consciences of the women and men of the planet".

For the Republic, he added, recognition and «protection of the supreme values of human dignity, inscribed in the Constitution» are «an indispensable need, everywhere and in all circumstances. Without human rights - universal and interdependent - there is neither freedom nor justice, nor lasting peace nor sustainable development."

Given the "challenges" of "our time, we have the duty to reiterate with renewed determination principles which - regardless of the political, economic or cultural contexts - represent a moral obligation and a safeguard of civilization for everyone".

(Unioneonline/ss)