Unequal partners sit around the table in the game of diplomatic poker. The European Union wants to avoid provoking Russia and China, so it refuses to condemn them. Against Israel it uses quite a different standard. So, instead of consistently voting against the anti-Israel resolution put forward by the Arab states, the EU offers a much milder one of its own. And yet, all countries should be measured against the same standard, that of the Human Rights Convention which they have obligated themselves to uphold.
Human rights are indivisible.
Cuba and Congo, Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan should be treated with the same severity as Turkey, Syria and Saudi Arabia. The fact that the diplomats do not ensure the correct application of the human rights conventions because, out of misguided economic consideration for undemocratic regimes, their governments do not wish it, is no proof that the UN Commission is of no value. On the contrary, this outward lack of success should prompt the more mature civil societies to demand that their governments pursue the further development of international law. The universal applicability of the law proclaimed within the framework of the United Nations calls for joint efforts by all aspects of society. In the final analysis, all citizens as well as their official representatives must assume responsibility for inviolable rights and fundamental freedoms in our global society.