Bou Habib: Lebanon Pledges to Remain Committed to the Values of Democracy

During his participation in the high-level meeting commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the United Nations in Geneva, Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib stated, "In a world witnessing a steady rise in phenomena of discrimination, fanaticism, racism, and rejection of the other, and in light of the gravity of these phenomena on social fabric, constitutional life within states, as well as on international relations, on the occasion of celebrating 75 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—of which Lebanon had the honor of participating in its drafting—and believing that respecting this declaration and the covenants stemming from it is essential for the sustainability of human civilization: Lebanon commits, despite all challenges, especially with two million refugees on its territory constituting about 40% of the total population, to remain true to the values of democracy, human rights, tolerance, and acceptance of the other, which are deeply rooted in its history, society, and political system, in order to preserve its unique formulation based on diversity, pluralism, and peaceful and creative coexistence among its various sects and components."