4
O
viedo
| C
ampoamor
T
heatre
| 23
rd
O
ctober
1998
None of us are visionaries or saints. We work towards encouraging the International Community
—and the States that belong to it— to practise the principles described in the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, whose 50th anniversary we are celebrating this year. Towards the application of
those very terms that were solemnly agreed and ratified.
Is it really possible to talk of celebrations when, at the end of the present century, systematic
violations of the most fundamental rights are still taking place? When 45 million human beings
die every year of starvation and malnutrition? When there are over 23 million refugees and
displaced people as a result of conflicts spanning from the Great Lakes to Kosovo or Afghanistan?
When over one billion people live in utter poverty on the planet, while, at the same time, the most
spectacular scientific and technological advances have taken place? I think not. On the contrary;
I think humanity is returning to barbarism at the end of the current century.
I have never been a feminist in the strict and militant sense of the word. I do not believe being
a woman is enough to make one a better person. But that has not prevented me from struggling
for people of the female sex. It is quite simply a matter of defending all people, whether men or
women, who are denied their full fundamental rights. People whose dignity is despised or simply
questioned.
Emma Bonino
—
Prince of Asturias
Award for International
Cooperation
1998
In 1998, Emma Bonino was European
Commissioner for Consumer Affairs,
Fisheries and Humanitarian Aid
(1995-1999).
—
Excerpt from the speech given on
the occasion of receiving the Prince
of Asturias Award for International
Cooperation on 23/10/1998.
