A/HRC/24/22
the person. States needed to safeguard traditional values which protected equality and
dignity and must respect and protect the human rights of all.
10.
The people of Honduras had their own traditions, customs, religions and beliefs,
which had to be preserved to achieve the full realization of the cultural rights of all
inhabitants. Therefore, the State adopted legislative, administrative and other measures in
line with international human rights standards and national efforts to achieve greater
enjoyment of rights within the framework of the public policy and national human rights
action plan (Primera Política Pública y el Plan Nacional de Acción en Derechos Humanos),
such as focusing on intercultural dialogue, gender equity and ethnic diversity.
11.
Traditional values could be threatened, for instance, by technology and foreign
cultures. Measures to use traditional values for the promotion of human rights included,
amongst others, the creation of consciousness, the participation of community and religious
leaders in raising awareness of human rights values, and their involvement in the
development of human rights curricula and education.
12.
Indonesia had a rich cultural and ethnic diversity that was devoted to humanity.
Human rights values were embedded in all cultures and existed in different forms, such as
proverbs, idioms, customs and traditions. They were deep-rooted in the daily lives of
societies and promoted the upholding of human rights. In an effort to prevent the use of
traditional values to justify discriminatory practices, the Government implemented
preventive measures such as the integration of positive traditional values at all levels of
education, in the form of human rights curricula (formal, informal and religious education).
The traditional values included “Kitorang samua basaudara”, – “we are all family” –
reflecting equality, non-discrimination and equal treatment; “Sitouw Timouw Tomoutow” –
“to live for the sake of others”, i.e. caring and sharing; “Sipakataum Sipakalebbi” – to
acknowledge, value and respect others; “Siri” – respect and self-esteem; “Ngewongke” – to
respect and understand each other; “Ngaha Aina Ngoho” – to think of others’ needs;
“Rohoe Rahayu” – to support each other and “Udiep Sari Mati Syahid” – to tolerate and
understand each other.
13.
Iraq recalled that human rights were standards for acknowledging the human dignity
of all people. Human rights also controlled and regulated social interaction within a
community and the relationship with their government, and both national and international
liabilities and responsibilities of the latter. Iraq referred to the universality of human rights,
their non-violability and respect for the rights of others. It also mentioned its programmes
for promoting and protecting human rights through the development of a culture of human
rights. Those efforts restored security, stability and the enhancement of human rights.
14.
Jordan described the actions it undertook in the field of human rights with respect to
traditional values. For instance, the Constitution laid down rights, duties and State
responsibilities with regard to equality, dignity and freedom as reflections of values derived
from Arabic and Islamic culture based on the State religion. The constitutional provisions
included civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights. A 2011
Constitutional amendment considered the importance of the family as a cornerstone of the
community.
15.
Legislation in Jordan reaffirmed the important role of educational institutions in
promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. One of the most important national
foundations was that the people of Jordan were an integrated unit and not subject to or
agents of racial intolerance. The press and publications law also provided a framework for
the right of the community to maintain its traditions and customs.
16.
Mauritius stated that several traditional values which had been universalized through
international human rights instruments were taught, in particular, through the various
religions practised therein. It listed traditional values including respect and love for truth,
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