Kinshasa, 10 December 2013: Today marks the celebration of Human Rights Day around world, Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC and Head of MONUSCO declared: “Today we celebrate for the 65^th time the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”.

“It is a great opportunity for people in the DRC to celebrate together equality, freedom and dignity, which are inalienable rights for everyone. MONUSCO is committed to contribute to this fight for the welfare of all Congolese. With our engagement in eastern DRC I have seen firsthand how much people in the region value freedom, dignity and equality”.

“The Universal Declaration is not just another text, it is a wakeup call to all human beings to respect, and cherish these common values. I always carry its first article with me: ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights...’ Mr. Kobler added.

Martin Kobler continues: “Let’s celebrate this message today, and look with hopeful hearts and confidence into a new year of more peace. Peace which may only be built on the firm foundation of respect of human rights for all.”