December 10, 2013
Statement on Behalf of Liberal Leaders Commemorating the International Human Rights Day 2013

The International Human Rights Day, which we celebrate today, marks the important progress we have achieved in the struggle for universal human rights worldwide. It is also a day for reflection, as we pause to consider the many difficulties that still remain on the path to achieving social justice and equality for all.

Russian Federation, Yabloko: “These days when the world is celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 20 years since the World Conference on Human Rights adopted the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, we in Russia are celebrating one more anniversary: 20 years since the adoption of Russia’s Constitution. Our Constitution proclaims that Russia is a law-governed state and that a man and his rights and liberties are the top value, and that protection of human rights and freedoms is the obligation of the state. And our goal, the goal of Russian liberals is turning Russia into such a country: a country where human life and dignity in everyday living will be recognized as the prime value by both the citizens and the state. We know that a way towards this goal is long and difficult. But we will pursue it.” – Dr. Grigory Yavlinsky, Founder of the YABLOKO Party (Russia), Leader of the YABLOKO faction in St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly and LI Prize for Freedom Laureate.

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