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The Diplomatic Dispatch

The British Ambassador to Sweden blogs on The Local

Happy Human Rights Day

Have you read a piece of sharply-worded criticism directed at a politician in the paper lately? Did you worry that the journalist writing it was risking his/her life or freedom? If you live in Sweden, in the UK or in another democratic country I would guess that your answer to my first question is “Yes” and your answer to my second question is “No”.

Did you think that a specific article had gone too far? Or was your answer that it’s the role of the media to scrutinise society and those in power and speak up against any case of injustice or discrimination?  Where we live any paper on any day will contain vitriolic diatribe and thoughtful analysis.  Frankly, we get used to this and think of it as a right rather than a privilege.

10 December is International Human Rights Day.  This day commemorates the adoption by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The theme for this year’s Day is “human rights defenders who act to end discrimination”.  This includes journalists, but also organisations and individuals standing up for the right not to be discriminated against on grounds such as race, gender, sexual orientation and religion.

Sixty-two years later, the list of countries where standing up to these rights and other human rights still mean you risk your life or freedom is depressingly long. So while 10 December is a day to remind ourselves about the importance of these rights that we often take for granted, it is also a day to think about what we do help those people who are denied these rights. Happy Human Rights Day.

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5 responses to “Happy Human Rights Day”

  1. poker online says:

    i think Sister Grace should not blame Muslims. and most importantly it is not about Muslim and Christians but terrorism. you should not define it under any religion community
    poker online

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  2. Eager Beaver says:

    Iran has one of the world’s lowest rape rates. Why?

    Because women aren’t raped or abused there? Because Iran is such a wonderful and respectful place for women where they can go on and live there life free, independent and on an equal basis as Iranian men?

    Sister Grace get your facts right: Sweden has the world’s toughest laws on sex related crimes. And is also a culture and society where women are more liberated, free, independent and stronger than any where else. They will not, nor have any financial or cultural reason to not report abuses. For example, prostitution is illegal in most parts of the world. Would expect a female prostitute to go to the police if abused? No, she wouldn’t as she would be a criminal and not protected by the law. In Sweden the prostitute is not committing a crime, but the John. The “sex buyer”, not “seller”, is the commuting the crime in Sweden. So if abused she has all the legal protection and rights and have no reason not to report the abuser.

    Next time you form, and express, an opinion get your facts right and speak/write more insight.

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  3. sister grace says:

    Sweden has the highest rape rate in EU now. Why?

    Report abuse »

  4. sister grace says:

    Muslims Terrorizing Christian Girls in Iraq Frontpage Mag

    Frank Kitman edited and translated a most heartbreaking testimony by Sister Hatune of the Syrian-Orthodox monastery in Warburg, Germany. She makes an amazing effort to help and protect the ruthlessly persecuted Christians in Iraq.

    In recent years a horrifying number of kidnappings, rapes and mutilations of Iraqi Christian girls has been perpetrated by Muslim gangs. Some 700,000 Christians are fleeing this terror, but often find themselves exposed to similar dangers when they arrive in neighboring Muslim countries. With no rights and no help from authorities, they are surely in the most desperate of situations.

    Please take the time to contemplate why this is not being reported more often.

    And visit Sister Hatune’s foundation for more information about her great work.

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  5. I honestly feel that if the people of Sweeden feel that they are safe when it comes to freedom of expression than they need to think again. Take a long hard look at the laws currently enacted in your country & if you do that, you should feel very, very afraid. Take a look at the laws regarding how you can parent. These laws belong in China. As a matter of fact, I think that the Sweedish laws long ago overtook the Chinese laws. The Sweedish people have no rights. Havent you realised that yet.? The rest of the world has. Wake up Sweeden. Your time is running out when you can call yourselfves a modern, democratic, free country. You really have given away your human rights. The Sweedish people long ago sold their souls.

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Blog Update: Boston Blatte

20 May 15:25

Hockey. Hockey. Hockey. »

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