The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) joins the international community in commemorating the 74th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We gather to celebrate the fundamental freedoms that every human being is entitled to. On this day, AFAD renews its pledge to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and stands in solidarity with the countless families of the disappeared across the globe in their fight for truth and justice.
Over seven decades since the adoption of the Declaration in 1948, institutions, organizations, and individuals have worked relentlessly to ensure that human rights are protected and individuals are able to live a life of dignity. Yet, the international human rights community has observed a severe disregard for human rights in recent years as oppressive and populist regimes are coming to power. The inalienable rights mentioned in the UDHR have been under assault.