In a powerful statement released on Human Rights Day, Dimitris Biagkis, Member of Parliament for Corfu and Secretary of the PASOK-KINAL Parliamentary Group, underscored the fundamental importance of human rights, asserting that their respect, consolidation, and protection are not a luxury but a necessity. His address comes at a time when global and national challenges continue to test the very foundations of human dignity and equality.
The Universal Foundation of Human Dignity
Biagkis began by referencing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948, as the global cornerstone of human dignity, equality, and well-being. This date, celebrated worldwide as Human Rights Day, serves as a poignant reminder of the principles that bind humanity. He reiterated that human rights are universal, indivisible, and inalienable, forming an integral component of every democratic legal order. “Solidarity, equal standards, respect, consolidation, and the safeguarding of everyone’s rights are not a luxury and are not an option,” Biagkis stated, setting a clear tone for his message.
An Ongoing Struggle in Evolving Societies
The MP emphasized that the fight for the preservation of human rights is perpetual, continuing as societies evolve and as long as humanity exists. Even today, he noted, human rights face relentless attacks. Millions worldwide are plunged into poverty and hunger, lacking essential access to health and education. The rhetoric of hatred continues to fuel discrimination, division, and violence, while inequalities and conflicts exacerbate exclusion, racism, intolerance, and oppression. This paints a stark picture of the global landscape, where the ideals of 1948 are still far from fully realized.
Greece’s Human Rights Challenges: A Critical Look
Biagkis’s statement took a more critical turn when addressing the situation within Greece. He cited the 2024 World Report by Human Rights Watch, which highlights persistent challenges concerning the rule of law in the country. The report points to state actions that undermine democratic institutions and harm human rights, including interference with media freedom and the creation of a hostile environment for human rights defenders. This is a significant concern, as a robust and independent media, alongside protected human rights advocates, are vital for a healthy democracy.
Furthermore, the report, as highlighted by Biagkis, underscored the continued violations of the rights of asylum seekers and migrants in 2024. These violations include reports of pushbacks, poor detention conditions, and inadequate reception facilities for asylum seekers. These issues not only contravene international human rights standards but also raise serious questions about the humanitarian approach of the state.
The Imperative to Defend Human Rights
In conclusion, Biagkis issued a rallying call: “Now more than ever, our duty remains clear: to defend human rights – for everyone, everywhere.” This statement is not merely a reflection on a historical declaration but a pressing demand for action and accountability in the face of contemporary challenges. It serves as a reminder that human rights are not static concepts but require continuous vigilance and active defense from all segments of society, from policymakers to everyday citizens.
The MP’s message resonates particularly strongly in Corfu, a region that, like the rest of Greece, grapples with issues of social justice, economic disparity, and the integration of diverse populations. His emphasis on the universal, indivisible, and inalienable nature of human rights serves as a guiding principle for local and national governance, urging a commitment to these values that transcends political expediency.
Biagkis’s statement is a call to introspection for Greece and a reminder to the international community that the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are as relevant and urgent today as they were 76 years ago. The path forward, he suggests, lies in unwavering dedication to these principles, ensuring that respect for human rights is truly a non-negotiable aspect of societal progress.
Source: https://www.startmediacorfu.gr/d-mpiagkis-o-sevasmos-i-empedosi-kai-i-katochyrosi-ton-dikaiomaton-olon-den-apoteloun-polyteleia-kai-den-einai-epilogi/
