THE WORDS OF H.I.M. EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE THE FIRST ADDRESSING THE UN ON THE 23RD ANNIVERSARY:
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A Nation-Wide Message on U.N. 23rd Anniversary.
On this day, the 23rd anniversary of the founding of the United Nations Organization is being observed throughout the world, and, as in the past, Ethiopia joins in the observance of this auspicious occasion.
The United Nations Day, which we commemorate today, has a twofold significance, for 1968 has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Year for human rights.
Not only have We opportunities in the past to explain the objectives and activities of the United Nations Organization, but We have also championed the cause for the strengthening of this same organization towards the maintenance of world peace and the raising of the standard of living of mankind at large.
Nonetheless, on the particular occasion which We have described as having a twofold significance, We would like to express our views specifically on the subject and content of the rights of man.
In the recorded history of man, there have always been periods at which man has risen to the challenge of the times.
At yet other periods man has taken time from the most pressing tasks of the day and paused to reconsider and reassess the extent to which the more fundamental rules of conduct which he has devised and laid for himself are actually being implemented.
Such is the year 1968 which has been designated by the General Assembly of the United Nations as the International Year For Human Rights.
If one were to visualize the history of mankind in its wider universal context, one may well find it to be essentially a chronicle of man’s struggles to assert and consolidate certain fundamental human rights. The concept and interpretation as to what these rights comprise have varied throughout history according to the prevalence of the day. But it is not inaccurate to say that the most all comprising concept of human rights ever enunciated by man is the one contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made 20 years ago.
Yet, 20 years after the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed and adopted the declaration just referred to, how far can we say today that the human rights enumerated therein have been unexceptionally respected or invariably protected the world over?
Repressive Apartheid
The persistently repressive policy of apartheid in South Africa, the recent criminal acts by the illegal regime in Rhodesia and the silencing by means of brutal violence of the voice of reason in the person of Mr. Martin Luther King and Senator Robert Kennedy can only emphasize necessity for all of us, wherever we may be, to redouble our efforts in our championship of the noble cause of the rights of man.
The fundamental ideas forming the basis of the Declaration of Human Rights stem from the recognition of the self-evident truth that the human person, created in the image of God, is invested with Human dignity, inalienable, inviolable.
The growing recognition of the fact that all men are members of one single human family, at the same time, impose on us the realization that this fundamental unity of mankind can grow and prosper only if it is based on freedom, liberty, universal justice, and world peace.
Human rights, as we know, are closely intertwined with the fundamental freedoms. The indivisible unity of these rights and liberties, under the protection of the rule of law, is the best expression of the highest aspirations of the individual and of mankind at large.
The member states of the United Nations Organization have reaffirmed their belief in human rights and fundamental freedoms and taken solemn pledges to protect and support these same rights and freedoms in every way and every manner possible. This faith clearly manifests itself in the charter of the world organization.
The first necessary step for the achievement of the above mentioned objectives, however is the fostering of understanding amongst peoples of the true meaning and significance of these cherished rights and liberties.
To that end, in Ethiopia, We have seen to it that during 1968 all appropriate measures were taken to realize the observance of the international year for human rights. We, therefore, instructed the relevant departments of Our government, as well other organizations, to implement the necessary program during 1968.
In this crucial period when the cause of human rights is handicapped by a variety of circumstances, we believe that paramount consideration must be given to honoring those organizations which have made outstanding contributions in fostering the rights of man, and such eminent individuals as the late Martin Luther King who have sacrificed life itself as a result of their advocacy of the cause of equal rights, that their own lasting interests are best assured in an overall respect for fundamental freedoms and liberties.
Since all men are born free and equal, invested by Almighty God with inalienable human dignity, it is only right and proper that the spirit of human brotherhood should reign supreme among all peoples who inhabit this planet, that differences of race, tribe, language, pigmentation, religion, or sect should not be made instruments of discrimination between man and man- for all men are equal before the law of creation.
The human rights and fundamental freedoms we have mentioned constitute the cornerstones of the constitution of the Ethiopian Empire. The original constitution We voluntarily gave to Our people was clearly based on these same rights and freedoms. But the revised constitution, while not departing from the permanent foundations, amplifies the greater relief and strengthens the human rights and fundamental liberties of the Ethiopian people.
Fundamental Rights
In the revised constitution of Ethiopia, the guardianship of fundamental rights and freedoms does not devolve on the courts of law alone, but forms an integral part of Our duties and responsibilities as Sovereign.
This fact alone testifies, bears witness to Our personal devotion and the high place We personally accord to the fundamental freedoms and liberties whose cause is being underscored throughout the world during the present International Year for Human Rights.
Nor is the cause of human rights something novel to the Ethiopian people as a whole. Throughout history this nation has jealously safeguarded its age-old freedom and independence, which are the essential ingredients of human rights.
We therefore trust that, following Our own example, Our beloved people will continue to comprehend and care for these cherished rights and freedoms, to have programs which have been organized in connection with the International Year for Human Rights.
We pray the Almighty to guide in his wisdom the world’s statesmen in their endeavor to strengthen the United Nations Organization, to foster good-neighborly relations and co-operation among states, to eliminate the cause of misunderstandings and ways from this planet, and to establish an enduring peace, to safeguard human rights, and to attain true equality by raising the standard of living of all mankind.
October 25, 1968
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