Dr. Pajazit Nushi
Chairman

THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN FOCUS THE HUMAN RIGHTS PATTERNS IN KOSOVA

The speech delivered to mark the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the 9th Anniversary of the establishment of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms in Prishtina

Prishtina, 10 December 1998

Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I hereby open this meeting to mark the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights - the most important document of the humanist development of the mankind and the 9th Anniversary of the establishment of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms based in Prishtina. 50 years ago, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was unanimously adopted after a long path of agreements. Over 1400 voting preceded prior its adoption. Once it was adopted, it pointed out the common necessity for respecting the dignity, equality, the right to the development of all, etc., and promoted the universal process of the humanist development of the humankind, a process supported by all peoples of all races, nationalities and sexes, regardless of the degree of their economical, social and cultural development.

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights itself promoted the universal values of all, among which the human dignity, wisdom, courage, reason and justice. These were qualified as fundamental values of the mankind. On the establishment of the human dignity, wisdom, courage and justice, the social communities and the nationalities deprived of this right would start the human development, whereas the others that surpassed different phases of development, would integrate in the common circles offering help to those in a lower degree of development. Ever since, the consciousness became aware that the need of the human, community and nationality for freedom, the need for a free individual and collective development is a common human category. Such needs were integrated in a category of truths, such as justice and its full accomplishment in the realization of these rights and freedoms, which comprise another category of values and instruments. I would like to remind you herewith that among some peoples, some of the rights and freedoms enshrined by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights had their roots in the custom right of their country.

Among the Albanians, the commitment against slavery, their word of honour and faithfulness were treated as ancient rights and obligations. The par.996 of Lekë Dukagjini Code says: " quote"The elderly people have as an obligation to avoid every path that leads to threaten,damages and killings,acting wisely and forcefully....bring those outlaws in order"unquote. If we would compare it with the art.4 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, which says: "nobody is entitled to be held under slavery and subjudiction." we would find similarities between the claims written in the Leke Dukagjini Code, to spread from generation to generation for thousands of years until 50 years ago, when the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted.

This and many other similarities between the custom right of the Albanians and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights are accompanied by many differences between them. The experts of comparison studies could speak very much about all these similarities. But, this is not the topic for the time being. In spite of it, I want to point out that during the history, Albanians were punished by their society for the violation of the above mentioned paragraph. Whereas, for non complying with the articles enshrined by the Declaration on Human Rights it was enough to say so,the common negative attitude mainly on the level of moral and ethic norms. Neither the Resolution of December 1994 nor the Resolution of December 1997 of the UN General Assembly on the violation of the rights and freedoms of the Kosovar Albanians were not sufficient for the undertaking of concrete actions for the prevention of the violation of these rights and further deterioration of the political situation in Kosova, which is an aggregate of the gross violation of human rights and freedoms.
Human rights and freedoms are qualified as rights and freedoms of the international category and all these rights have an international status. The organs and institutions of Serbia and Yugoslavia still claim that the Kosova issue is their internal issue. The difficulties and the impeding of the judges of the Hague Tribunal from accomplishing their duties are a concrete expression of the non-compliance with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the adopted acts on the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights treating the issues of this land, inner issues of the Serb and Yugoslav organs and institutions. Regardless of the fact that the Declaration states that no one is to be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman and other degrading treatment or punishment, "violence and terror against the Albanians have become a widespread phenomenon". The International Community undertook the first steps for the prevention of the armed conflict, only after it had started.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights brought humanity a system of attitudes and values, which are and will be irreplaceable. But, the very same system was not accompanied by effective instruments for their establishment. During the last 50 years, the process of making people aware of the defence of human rights and fundamental freedom through education did not prove to be effective and sufficient. There occurred certain discrepancies that need to be treated seriously. In Kosova, 6 people - human rights activists died so far. So, those committed with human rights and freedoms were subjected to the gravest patterns of torture and went with their stories untold.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year the enshrined values of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights are being tested under the armed conflict in Kosova. The non-combatant population is the one who suffered mostly. Since 14 January 1998 up to 7 December 1998, 1831 Albanians ranging from 0-102 were killed and mutilated. Not even pregnant women were spared. We have no information on the whereabouts of 781 persons who were kidnapped or reported missing. 1200 detainee will be facing criminal charges. Most of them are in pre-trial detention or ex-communicado detention, whereas the rest are being tried in absentia. 432 villages and other settlements were burned and destroyed. More than 40.000 houses and other premises were burned, looted and destroyed. 40% of the Kosovar population was forced to seek for shelter in other European and Overseas. Today, Kosova has already changed its demographic, economical, social and cultural identity. This is happening in the 50th Anniversary of the adoption the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. This year, Kosova has become the most damaged and destroyed country in South-eastern Europe and wider.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In Kosova, the violated human rights and freedoms were promoted based on the principles of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The activity of political disputes in a low degree of intolerance is being prevailing in our political life. In fact, the above described situation in Kosova, which has taken a dimension of the systematic and persistent violence, has brought discontent, less controlled situation, frustration among the individuals, groups, political parties and their institutions. The concentration of values in some groups or institutions, the systematic negative psychological effects, educational, cultural and scientific limits, non-critical approaches to our awareness of possible dangers. Kosovar Albanian policy makers did not trigger the very grave situation of human rights and freedoms in Kosova, but they are responsible for that. By claiming this neither me nor the CDHRF do not have the right to be distributors of the rights. We are not an institution of the distributive right , but we bare responsibility for the fact that we have no minimal possibility to offer our people effective help on the field of the defence of their rights and freedoms. The mechanisms of the CDHRF are supported by the fact of making people aware in their commitment in their defence and their rights and the rights of the others. Notwithstanding, I think that the internationalization of the Kosovar Albanians issue was made in the field of human rights and freedoms. This is the CDHRF attribution and all humanitarian and non-governmental institutions, as well as political parties.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to conclude by saying that nowadays, we perform our duty in Kosova, where there is a policeman or a soldier on every 70 Albanian Kosovar. The ratio between the civilian population of all ages and sexes and soldiers and policemen is among the highest level in Europe. We act in an environment, where families, even some Serbian religious institutions are armed and where the KLA is protecting its people and the goods of this country. We think that international efforts are still not directly dealing with the Kosova substantial issue. Unfortunately, under these given circumstances, CDHRF will have more complicated tasks to perform. I believe that in cooperation with such institutions in the districts of Kosova, in Prishtina and out of Kosova, we will be able to promote further the quality of our work.

I Thank You Ladies and Gentlemen!
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Ph.D. Zejnulah Gruda

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

The marking of important anniversaries is not only an opportunity to pay tribute to the past, but it also is a good opportunity to look at the path covered and to contribute to the affirmation of certain values.

On this occasion, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, which was one of the most important documents to be adopted in the history of the mankind. The promotion and the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms is one of the main preoccupations of the mankind. The issue is very important especially to newly created states which haven't got a very long democratic tradition, to states in transition, to people who have not gained independence, and to those oppressed. Bearing on mind the above mentioned facts, it was not a coincidence that in 1991, the states of the EU adopted special criteria for the recognition of the newly created states in Eastern Europe and the USSR. The criteria envisaged the need for the defence of human rights and the rights of minorities. The very same criteria was applied to the states, which succeeded former Yugoslavia. In most of them, some of the gravest violations of human rights have occurred and are still in happening.

1. THE ATTEMPTS TO EXTRACT HUMAN RIGHTS FROM THE DOMAIN OF DOMESTIC JURISDICTION

The issue of the defence of human rights was raised long ago. The international judicial doctrine raised the issue of the subjectivity of the individual in international law 1). At that time the international judicial order started defining certain rights, as is the defence of personal freedom.

After the World War I, the protection of minorities and of indigenous population became a priority. The ILO was established and this contributed greatly to the promotion of certain economic and social rights.

The leaders of the anti Hitlerian coalition considered the provision of human rights as one of the main objectives of the war. The Atlantic Charter proclaimed that "all people should live freed of fear and misery" 2). The UN Declaration proclaimed "the defence of life, freedom, independence and that of religious freedoms as well as the defence of human rights and justice" as one of the objectives of war 3).

The project for the establishment of an International Organization, which was raised in the Conference in Damberton Oaks considered "the promotion of human rights" as a condition for stability and welfare, necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations 4).

The Inter-American Conference for the Problems of War and Peace held in Chapultepec proclaimed that the "objective of the state is happiness of man inside society"; that the Americans do not accept to live without justice and freedom; that equality to use all material and spiritual goods offered by our civilization is one of the human rights; that the misery of any nation affects each of them and all together, etc. The Conference decided to proclaim the support of the American states to the principle of the International Law on the Fundamental Human Rights and was expressed in favour of a system for their international defence. In the end, the Conference confirmed the principle of equality in rights without distinction as to race or religion, and recommended to the American Government to do everything what in on their power they can to prevent everything which may cause discrimination among persons due to their race or religion 5).

Human rights which were traditionally regarded as an issue of internal (national) competence, after the Second World War became an issue of international interest under the influence of a new conception, according to which only the recognition and the international defence of human rights may prevent the repetition of the crimes and of the violence which was perpetrated in many countries and which took unprecedented dimensions during WWII. According to the new conception the full respect of human rights is essential for maintaining the peace and international order. Due to this, the UN Charter expressed the deep concern of the international community for the promotion and defence of human rights, but also offered a new universal concept for the recognition and defence of those rights. International co-operation is necessary to achieve the above mentioned.

2. THE UNITED NATIONS CHARTER AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The UN Charter has many provisions referring to the international recognition and defence of human rights. In the very beginning it reaffirms faith "in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and value of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women", whereas, Article 1, para 3 put the respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion among the main purposes of the UN. Art 55 (c), underlines the obligation of the UN to get engaged for the full and effective respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms as a means for the creation of conditions which would ensure stability and well-being as preconditions necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations. Art 76 (c), of the Charter, when refering on the essential objectives of the trusteeship system demands to encourage the respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.

The UN Charter appointed the central organs (General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council), which are to carry the activity regarding human rights and to look after the realization of the above mentioned articles. These organs are authorized to initiate the observance and to make recommendations in order to help the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as to ensure the effective respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.(art. 13 (b), and art. 62 para 2)

Based on this, the Economic and Social Council has established a special Commission for Human Rights (1946) with the objective of preparing detailed regulation regarding human rights. Later on,, this Commission established other sub-commissions, committees, groups of experts, etc, which were committed in the prevention of discrimination and the protection of minorities, issues of violation of human rights in certain regions (the territories occupied by Israel), the elaboration of the degree of human rights (South Africa), etc. Thanks to the work of the Commission on Human Rights, a large number of documents were prepared and adopted, such as the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights, etc, which comprise the judicial framework of human rights.

3. THE PREPARATION OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

The UN Charter did not define the human rights and fundamental freedoms, did not systematize them, and did not contain any provision which expresis verbis obliged states to ensure the full and effective respect of the human rights and fundamental freedoms. As such, the Charter only ascertained a minimal standard of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Due to this, in the San Francisco Conference proposals were made for the preparation of a Declaration on fundamental human rights. Yet, this was not achieved, as it was thought that it demanded a more detailed elaboration. The idea on the adoption of the International Charter on Human Rights continued to be one of the main objectives.

In 1946, the Economic and Social Council established a Commission for Human Rights which was engaged in making propositions, recommendations and reports, which had to do with the International Charter on Human Rights or which had to prepare more detailed regulation regarding human rights.

In the first part of the first Session of the meeting of the General Assembly, the Panama Delegation proposed to discuss the issue of the Declaration on the Fundamental Human Rights. The proposal was not approved and due to this the representative of Panama submitted the draft of the Declaration on the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms and demanded it be included in the agenda of the second part of the first Session of the Assembly. In October, 1946, the General Assembly submitted the project made by Panama to the first committee and to the third committee (for Social, Humanitarian and Cultural issues). On December 11, 1946, the General Assembly based on the joint recommendation of both committees decided to transmit the project of the declaration to the Economic and Social Council for elaboration in the Commission on Human Rights.

In the beginning of 1947, the Commission on Human Rights discussed the form and content of the Charter on Human Rights and decided to make preliminary formulations of the very same.

The Drafting Committee had two different views: the first one, according to which the project was to be in the form of a declaration and the second according to which it was to have the form of a Convention. On December 1947, the Commission decided that the "International Charter on Human Rights" had to include the adoption of 3 acts: 1-Declaration on Human Rights; 2-Convention or Covenants for the different groups of rights; and 3-"implementation measures" which would establish an international system for monitoring or control. In favour of this opinion was the fact that the declaration could be wider in its content and more universal in expression. In the end the Drafting Committee decided to prepare 2 documents: one in the form of a declaration which would include the universal principles; and the other in the form of a convention which would define the particular rights.

Persuant to this, the Drafting Committee composed of 8 members (Australia, Chile, China, France, Lebanon, the UK, the USA and USSR) prepared and submitted to the Commission the Draft of the Declaration on Human Rights and the International Convention on Human Rights. The Committee also discussed the issue of implementation.

During the second Session (Geneva, December 2-17, 1947) the Commission on Human Rights decided that the term "The International

Bill on Human Rights" should be applied to the all documents in preparation, namely: 1-Declaration on Human Rights; 2-Convention or Covenants on Human Rights; and 3-"Implementation measures".

According to this the Commission established 3 working groups: one for the declaration, one for the convention and one for the implementation.

Based on the joint reports of the first 2 groups the Commission prepared the Draft of the Declaration on Human Rights and the Convention on Human Rights. Later on, both drafts, together with the reports were sent to the governments for objections, suggestions and proposals.

The Drafting Committee during its second Session (May 3-21, 1948) revised the text of the Declaration and the Convention in accordance to the comments and the proposals of the governments. During the third session (May 24-June 16) the Commission once again formulated the Declaration and together with the project of the Convention and several proposals for implementation were submitted to the Economic and Social Council, which sent it further to the General Assembly (Resolution 151 (VII) August 26, 1948).

The project of the Declaration was included in the agenda of the third session of the General Assembly held in Paris from September 21 until December 12, 1948.

4.THE ADOPTION OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

The Project of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was scrutinized in details in 85 meetings of the Third Committee. After the review of this Document and l68 amendments, the Third Committee submitted the revised version to the General Assembly. Almost every word, expression and paragraph were to be voted-aggregate 1400 times. *

Finally, after being in function for three years and after three years of being adopted of the Universal Charter, the General Assembly on December the 10th, l948 adopted and declared the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The Declaration was adopted without any vote against. 48 states voted for, there was not any state against but were eight abstention (USSR, Poland, Czechoslovakia Ukraine, Belorussia, Yugoslavia, South Africa and Saudi Arabia).

5. THE CONTENT OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights differs from all the classical text on human rights due to the fact that for the first time promotes the civil and political rights as well as the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. The Declaration had the preamble with 30 articles, where there is included a wide range pattern of human rights and fundamental freedoms which should be enjoyed by all people of the world. These human rights and fundamental freedoms are divided into two groups:
1. The Political and Civil Rights(Art. 4-21), and
2. The Social, Economic and Cultural Rights(Art. 23-27).

Professor Rene Cassin, is the one who has contributed most to the internationalization of human rights. He compared the Declaration with huge temple, in the preamble of which is affirmed the family of the mankind, on basis of which are the principle of liberty, equality, non-discrimination and fraternity which is being proclaimed under articles 1 and 2.

According to him, there are four main columns of this temple. The first column is the human and individual rights (Art. 3-11) where is proclaimed, the right to life, liberty and security of persons (Art. 3); protection against slavery and oppression (Art. 4) protection against torture and cruel and inhuman treatment (Art. 5), protection against arbitrary arrest and detention or detention(Art. 9)hearing before and independent and impartial judiciary(l0)Presumption of innocence(Dll).

The second column is comprised from the individual rights in report with groups and the world things, i.e. protection of privacy, family and home(l2-l7)by which is envisaged the enjoyment of family life. Freedom of movement and residence(Art. l2). Freedom to seek asylum from persecution(l3). Citizenship(l4), Marry and found a family(l5)and the right of own property(l7).

The third column is comprised by spiritual freedom, political and fundamental political freedom(Art. l8-21)by which is envisaged the right to free expression, (Art. l9). Freedom of assembly and association(Art. 20). Political participation as a vehicle of popular sovereignty(Art. 21). The fourth column which is complete new in the international aspect contains the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights(Art. 22-27)In this group belongs the right for social security(Art. 22). Work under decent conditions(Art. 23). Rest and leisure(Art. 24). Food, Clothing and Housing(Art. 25). Health care and social service(26). Participation in the cultural life(27). In addition to this, it includes also the social and international order to realize these rights(28-30), where is confirmed the need for as new international social order, where there would be a full enjoyment of the human rights, it is also shown the duties of the citizen Vs the society, as is the fact to respect the rights of the others, public order and the general welfare of the democratic society and there should not be acted against the general proclamation enshrined by the United Nation Charter.

6. THE FEATURE OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

As the Universal Declaration on Human Rights has been adopted as a resolution and not as an international treaty, from the just beginning it was a disputable the fact are the provisions of the Universal Declaration compulsory or not. A group of authors, who supported the Universal Declaration text, and which was declared as "a general ideal"(the stage to be reached), denies the legal power among other why the Declaration does not impose biding legal provisions, but at the same time they have not contested its huge moral value(Klezen, Lauterpacht, Velasccco). On contrary, some considered the Declaration as an international code of conduct or as a guide in the further development of the international law.

Other authors, such as: Ago, Gracia Amador. Schelle, Francois, Sibert, they considered the provisions of the Declaration as non-formal legal act, as an act-guide, which would have full legal value when the UN Charter on Human Rights came into force.

United Nations Commission on Human Rights defended a position that the Declaration has the legal feature, as its principles has been used as a guide in all later acts oriented to bring into life or changing them into the positive right.

Thus, even though the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted as a resolution which has not the legal power and is not the international treaty, nowadays very few international law experts can deny that its a normative instrument which creates the legal obligation for the United Nations member states.

The differences were evident among the sates. In one group were the representatives of United Sates, Australia, Great Britain, Holland, Norway, Brazil, etc. who felt that the Declaration has only the moral value. It is worth mentioning the Declaration of the Mrs. Eleanor Ruzvelt, who said that "first and foremost is a declaration on fundamental principles which should be used as a general standard for all people of the world". It may become a Magna Carta for all the mankind. She considered that the Universal Declaration on Human Rights is not a treaty and it has not the legal power but its proclamation by the General Assembly it will have such an importance to be compared with the Declaration on Human Rights and Citizen in l776, with the Proclamation of human rights at the Declaration on Independence in l776 and similar declaration adopted by other states.

The disputes as regard the legal aspect of the Declaration, if they exist as such, have to do nowadays, not with assumption that it lacks the legal power, but there are disputes as regard the issues that are all the rights proclaimed by the Declaration binding, and under which circumstances its binding aspect comes from the status its has as an authoritative interpretation and obligation from the United Nations Charter or from its status as an international legal right

As a conclusion, we can say that still the Declaration has not got the legal force per se, but it played and it plays a driving force role as its principles have been recognized as an universal international right.

7. THE IMPACT OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

By the time, the dilemmas and the discussions as regard the features of the Declaration became less important. This can be seen best if we take into the account the fact what impact had the Universal Declaration on Human rights in promoting the human rights, be it within the states or in the international level. It should be noted the fact that most of the relevant documents on the field of human rights adopted later were inspired and supported by the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. This can be best illustrated by the different constitutions of the different states, which even though had different approaches to the social and economic issues, proclaimed the civil and political rights, and a little bit less the enjoyment of social, economic and cultural rights. Moreover, a number of constitutions have taken as the basis general provisions of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. A. J. Peaslee, since l956 has concluded that 88 per cent of the Constitution had the provision on the freedom of expression and press, 82 per cent had the right to own property, 80 per cent the right for free association, 80 per cent had the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, 78 per cent had the right to education, , 73 per cent had the right of equality, 56 per cent had the right to work, 51 per cent had the right for the social security, 47 per cent had the right for the social protection etc. Another comparative study, on adopted constitutions since l949 until l975, has shown that 90, 9 per cent of them had the hearing before and independent and impartial judiciary and the presumption of innocence, 88, 2 per cent had the freedom for religion, 87, 3 per cent had the freedom of thought right and expression, 86, 4 per cent had the freedom of association, 83, 6 per cent had the protection against the ex post facto laws, 81 per cent had the discriminations against, , , 52, 7 per cent had the prohibition of torture, 57, 5 per cent had the right to work, 45, 4 per cent had the right for social security, and 54, 5 per cent had the right to education. , etc.

Having on mind the fact that the states have adopted a wide range list of fundamental human rights and obliged themselves "in providing the enjoyment and respect of them with a due respect, and most of them have proclaim that the Declaration should be respected with a due respect; and the Declaration has taken a notable place in the national constitutions of many states. The Montreal Declaration on Human Rights(March 22-27, l968)considered hereby "the authoritative interpretation of the Charter at the highest rang" and as the time passes away it became a part of the international rule of law.

But this refers for the most international documents from the field of human rights which were approved later on, and which inspired by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. This includes: The International Treaty on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, The International Treaty on Civil and Political Rights. Convention on the Right to the Child, Convention of the Political Rights of the Woman, Conventions on discrimination, Convention Against the Discrimination in Education, International Convention for the Elimination of all forms of the Racial Discrimination, Convention on the Legal Position of the Persons without Citizenship, Declaration on Territorial Asylum, European Convention on Human Rights and the Montreal Declaration on Human Rights.

Moreover, the Declaration had an impact on the consciousness of laymen people, due to the fact that it was an everlasting inspiration for all people, its the reminder of the rights, aspiration and interests which are common for all people of the world. Its moral status, the legal and political significance contributed that by passing of time the Declaration to be ranged with Magna Carta, the French Declaration on Human Rights and the United States Declaration on Independence.

8. 50 YEARS OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

During the last 50 years, the world has changed a lot. A global war was averted but nonetheless, there were 125 "local wars" in which 45 million people were killed 17). There was a demographic explosion. Between 1980-1990, the world population has increased for 800 millions (75 millions per year). This has brought to the revival of the theories of Maltus (Tomas Maltus, 1744-1836). Scientists, such as Pol Erlih from Stanford, anticipated that during the seventies the world will be devastated by famine and that hundreds of millions of people will die due to it (including in the USA) 18). The environment has suffered dramatic changes due to the activities of man. Forests were cut, the deserts have expanded, the climate has changed, etc. The above mentioned have resulted with air, land and water pollution and are a direct threat to the life and health of man.

Despite of such apocalyptic anticipation, men were more healthy more wealthy and better fed. The mortality rate among children decreased. The average life expectancy was extended. The number of people who suffer from famine has decreased compared to 100 years ago.

During the last years, human rights have become one of the main preoccupations of mankind. Despite of this, human rights continue to be violated brutally in many countries of the world. The world had to deal with genocide, as was the case in Ruanda and Bosnia and Herzegovina, slavery, disappearances, torture and other barbarous acts as well as systematic discrimination. It is to be mentioned that apartheid and a system of oppression against the local population prevailed in South Africa; the people of Palestine continue to fight for their freedom; the very same is the case with the people of Kashmir and Tibet. Severe violations of human rights were reported in many countries of the world. In Nicaragua, during the rule of Somoza, 40-50. 000 people were killed due to the bombardment of civilian targets; 150. 000 were wounded; some 40. 000 children were left orphans, etc. 19). In El Salvador, death squads in cooperation with right wing parties kidnapped and killed many politicians, peace activists, intellectuals, religious leaders and other civilians who were believed to be sympathizers of the guerrilla. The number of politically sponsored killings increased from 2000 people in 1997 to 12. 000 in 1980. Between 1980-1983, more than 30. 000 people were killed. In Argentina, during the rule of the military regime (1970-1980), 10. 000 intellectuals, syndicalists, members of different social organizations, dissidents, etc. The very same happened in Chile during the rule of the dictator Pinoche. For more than a decade, Kosova is in the group of countries where some of the gravest violations of human rights have taken place. In the course of 1998, 5, 5 Albanians were killed per day. This puts the Albanians of Kosova among the most endangered nations in the world.

Prishtina, December 10, 1998