The Universal Declaration of Human Rights on its 70th Anniversary

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 18:00 in Discussion Forums

Date: 13th Dec 2018
Time: 18:00
Venue: 5 Birch Road, Sheffield S9 3XL

Speakers

  • Robin Story

Abstract

10th December is celebrated as Human Rights Day every year. The UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) turns 70 this year. In order to have a deeper understanding of the UDHR and celebrate its 70th Anniversary, we are holding a seminar with the participation of Mr Robin Story on Thursday, 13th December 2018 at our community building in Attercliffe, Sheffield. We will have a special opportunity to listen to his insights and experiences on human rights. The event will start at 6pm and will consist of 3 sessions and a refreshment break. We kindly invite anyone who is interested. We also see events of this kind as a get-together and acquainted opportunities. Therefore, everyone is welcome. The event is free of charge.

Questions

  • Why was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) passed by the United Nations in 1948 such a remarkable and unique event?
  • Why was the UDHR needed? How was it approved?
  • What influence has the UDHR had over the last 70 years?

Speaker Biography

Robin Story, West & Central Africa Campaign Coordinator for Amnesty Sheffield, is going to conduct the seminar. He is a unique person who has devoted his life to human rights and spent decades in Africa to fight for human rights. For a total of over 18 years Robin and his wife, Joan, lived and worked in Nigeria. In July 1957 he was posted as a National Service second lieutenant to the Queen's Own Nigeria Regiment in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria. After completing his service and marrying Joan, he was appointed a Research Fellow at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. In May 1971 they returned to Sheffield. For the next 14 years, Robin was the University of Sheffield's Printing Manager. In 1986 VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) appointed Robin its Field Director in Nigeria. After 5 months in the post he lost much of his sight, but with support was able to continue his work. On completion of this contract, Robin returned to Sheffield. For several years he undertook consultancy work in Nigeria for British charities. In the 1990 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Robin was awarded an MBE for "services to the community in Nigeria". For more years than he cares to remember he has been a member of Amnesty International UK.

About The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages.

Subscription