The Belfast Agreement has advanced the cause of human rights in the 50th year of the UN's Universal Declaration, the Taoiseach has said in a statement marking the anniversary.
"Not only in Ireland," Mr Ahern added, "but also, as its terms are progressively implemented, in other countries which may find something in the agreement to assist them in the resolution of conflict and related problems."
The Government was determined that the Human Rights Commission to be established under the agreement would be "a model of its kind for Europe," taking as its starting point the UN's Paris Principles, and creating rather than following standards of best international practice in the field, he said.
"In setting ourselves this goal, surely no more fitting tribute could be paid to those visionaries who conceived the Universal Declaration 50 years ago."
