The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) has been translated into Scots to mark the 60th anniversary of its signing.

Poster for the UDHR 60th anniversary

Amnesty International today presented the First Minister with a framed copy of what he called ‘one of the most important documents of the 20th century.’

In his official statement after receiving the translation Alex Salmond said he was ‘delighted’.

‘The Scottish Government is wholly committed to promoting and protecting the values enshrined in the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights – fairness, human dignity and equality.’

‘It is especially appropriate that this copy of the Declaration is in Scots, a language which is as key to Scotland’s cultural identity as human rights are to our social and political identity.’

Reminder

Signed on 10 December 1948, the  UDHR set out for the first time in a single document the fundamental rights to which everyone, everywhere is entitled – including the right to life, liberty, freedom of opinion, security, and the right not to be subjected to torture or inhumane treatment.

John Watson, Amnesty International’s Scottish Programme Director, presented Mr Salmond with the document. He told Napier News that the politician’s office is the perfect place for the Declaration to hang.

‘Hopefully seeing this every day will remind them of their responsibility to promote human rights around the world.’

Inspirational

First Minister receiving the framed translation from John Watson

When asked why having the UDHR translated into Scots is so important John said,

‘Sometimes people living in Scotland think of human rights as a distant concern. We hope hearing the Declaration in our familiar language will really bring home the message to our people.

‘Scots is such as passionate and inspirational language, and the humanitarian principles of the document really shine through in the language of Burns. The sentiments in this visionary text – such as the opening ‘Aw sowels is born free and equal’ – apply to us all.’

The UDHR was translated into Scots by Colin Donati, of the Scots Language Society. He said ‘it’s great to see Scots taking its place among the other languages of the world on the United Nations website.’

To listen to an excerpt from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Scots click here.