THE general consensus of a UWI-hosted panel on human rights on Monday was that while the UN remains relevant in today's society, it is in dire need of revamping.
The panel discussion, titled 75th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights: Reaching Substantive Equality and Reframing Narratives, was held at the Noor Hassanali auditorium at UWI, St Augustine.
Dean of the campus's Faculty of Law Dr Alicia Elias-Roberts said the topic was an important one for both organisations, calling the declaration a "groundbreaking document that advocates for the universal protection of fundamental human rights."
She spoke on behalf of campus principal Prof Rose-Marie Belle Antoine.
She said the declaration acknowledges that every individual is born equal and free, regardless of nationality, gender or ethnicity.
"This declaration has been translated into law numerous times, whether domestic, regional or international (and) paved the way for many treaties.
But she added that the world has a "unique set of challenges," and as much as there has been progress with respect to the declaration, "There continues to be rampant discrimination, inequality, conflict, xenophobia..."
Still, she commended the UN for its commitment in spite of the challenges it now faces.
UN resident co-ordinator Joanna Kazana said the declaration is one of the UN's "highest accomplishments," as it has been a roadmap to equality.
She admitted it has not always been followed and upheld, but praised TT for sticking to it.
"The time for human rights is now. I believe it's a great opportunity for all of us to, yet again, recommit ourselves to the principles articulated in the declaration.
"Let's build on the legacy of the people who crafted this (declaration)."
Executive director of the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights Denise Pitcher believes the world is observing a "steady erosion" of the declaration, which she added, "gave birth to several conventions, treaties and interventions.
"It seems the human rights systems is facing an existential crisis today," she said.
She added that while it does a lot of good, social media can also cause harm, as it can be used as a vehicle against freedom of speech and enabler of propaganda.
Eden Charles, former ambassador for TT to the UN in New York, said some countries have incorporated the declaration into their domestic laws, but others consider it "just a statement of ideals with no binding provisions."
He believes it has achieved formal equality, but warned that this does not guarantee equal outcomes.
When it comes to people with disabilities, he recalled when Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) chairman Ian Roach, who used a wheelchair, was appointed a senator. Roach was also present.
Charles said "last-minute arrangements" were made to accommodate Roach in the Chamber.
"That pained me because I sat at the UN, led the TT delegation to adopt the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and sadly or woefully, TT has not adopted the political will to implement
