“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” – goes the famous first line in the Declaration, establishing the basic premise of international human rights law. 61 years later, the fight against discrimination remains a daily struggle for millions. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay who this year will mark Human Rights Day in South Africa said: “Discrimination lies at the root of many of the world’s most pressing human rights problems. No country is immune from this scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the highest order.”

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” – goes the famous first line in the Declaration, establishing the basic premise of international human rights law. 61 years later, the fight against discrimination remains a daily struggle for millions. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay who this year will mark Human Rights Day in South Africa said: “Discrimination lies at the root of many of the world’s most pressing human rights problems. No country is immune from this scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the highest order.”

The realization of all human rights – social, economic and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights – is hampered by discrimination. Political leaders, government officials and ordinary citizens, when faced with prejudices and discrimination, all too often remain silent or complacent.

Students from around the world will celebrate Human Rights Day 2009 by taking part in the first World Human Rights Moot Competition, organized by the University of Pretoria with the support of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Participants will argue a fictional human rights case on the principle of non-discrimination before a mock court of high level judges in South Africa.