Foreword by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights In 1998, as we commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration, the international community is challenged to renew its commitment to make the message of the Declaration a part of every person's daily life. I welcome these initiatives in the belief that full knowledge of human rights empowers people and indeed is the prerequisite for the enjoyment and effective defence of their basic human rights. The international community, unfortunately, cannot take pride in its global human rights record. No country's human rights record is perfect.
Improvements are both possible and necessary in every part of the globe.
Yet, there is a sound basis for hope. Governments and non-governmental organizations, regional and international organizations are joining their efforts in advocacy of human rights. Within the United Nations, following the call by the World Conference on Human Rights and under the leadership of the Secretary-General Kofi Annan, human rights are being mainstreamed in all the programmes and activities of the Organization. I am pleased that during this anniversary year, considerable emphasis is being placed on the work of the United Nations in promoting and protecting human rights. I believe we will be able to make this work more effective with the support of all those who care.