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in protection clusters, in Nepal, northern Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chad, Timor-Leste and
Georgia.
61.
In addition to the work conducted by country and regional presences, at the headquarters
level, partnerships with regional organizations have been enhanced in all regions and made a
fresh start when OHCHR organized a seminar on regional arrangements for the promotion and
protection of human rights in November 2008.
62.
The special procedures benefit from OHCHR field presences as their follow-up activities
and close collaboration with Governments help translate recommendations formulated by
mandate-holders during their country visits into reality. Follow-up initiatives to the
recommendations of special procedures have increased in recent years as the number of field
presences has also increased.
V. SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION
OF HUMAN RIGHTS
63.
The year-long advocacy campaign to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights yielded a wide range of public information products, activities and
events throughout the world. OHCHR organized a campaign around the slogan “Dignity and
justice for all of us” and a special logo, and produced a number of public information products
and websites. All partners, including States, civil society and United Nations entities took part in
the campaign. OHCHR field offices organized celebratory activities throughout the year.
64.
OHCHR commissioned, together with the non-governmental organization Art for the
World, a series of 22 short films created by some of the world’s leading directors entitled Stories
on Human Rights. This was accompanied by the publication of a book featuring 12
internationally known writers, including five Nobel Prize winners. The Office also called on all
human rights partners worldwide to pay special attention to the civil, cultural, economic,
political and social rights of persons deprived of their liberty in prisons and other places of
detention, in the Dignity and Justice for Detainees week in October 2008.
65.
Two commemorative sessions were held by the United Nations: one by the General
Assembly on 10 December, another by the Human Rights Council on 12 December with the
participation of the Secretary-General.
VI. THE DURBAN REVIEW CONFERENCE: TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE
AND SUCCESSFUL REVIEW CONFERENCE
66.
The main objective of the Durban Review Conference is to assess the implementation of
the commitments undertaken by the international community at the World Conference against
Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in 2001. I am pleased to
note the progress made during the second substantive Preparatory Committee meeting in October
2008, and the commitment demonstrated to reach consensus.
67.
Ensuring the holding of a successful Durban Review Conference is a priority for the
Office. In accordance with decision PC.2/9 of the Preparatory Committee, my Office, in
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