(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 10 - President Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday lamented the fact that democratic freedoms are denied in many parts of the world in his message for International Human Rights Day.
    "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in the aftermath of World War II represents a fundamental milestone in the life of the international community, by recognizing the irrepressible dignity of all persons; a principle that inspires our Constitution," the president said.
    "Even though the Declaration was signed by all the member States of the United Nations, human rights continue to be threatened and violated in different parts of the world.
    "Acts of violence and abuse against women, children and the most vulnerable subjects occur on a daily basis, especially in areas of ongoing armed conflict.
    "In some countries, even the most basic democratic freedoms are brutally ignored and even the exercise of the right to vote - the cornerstone of every democracy - is nullified.
    "In a crisis-torn international scenario, we must reaffirm the need to protect the rights of all persons, in any circumstance.
    "To mark the Day in which human rights take centre stage, the Republic reaffirms the value of international law and international humanitarian law, without which any prospect of lasting peace and human development is an illusion". (ANSA).