On 10 December, Human Rights Day 2009, the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo EULEX Kosovo, reiterates its commitment to uphold and promote human rights in all its activities in the broad Rule of Law area.

The Human Rights Day theme this year is to embrace diversity and end discrimination. The EULEX Justice, Police and Customs components are supporting the Kosovo institutions towards achieving the goal of ensuring fair, equal, accessible and multi-ethnic justice, law enforcement and customs service for all people in Kosovo.

The latest developments within the EU are giving further importance to fundamental rights. The Treaty of Lisbon which entered into force on 1 December 2009 strengthens and deepens fundamental rights’ protection in the EU. In particular, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights becomes legally binding. The Charter sets out in a single text, for the first time in the European Union's history, the whole range of civil, political, economic and social rights of European citizens and all persons resident in the EU.

Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and is the most important commemorative day of the human rights calendar. It provides an occasion for people worldwide to know and consider the Universal Declaration and it is a time for everyone to reflect upon the meaning, importance, and need for human rights.