As I sit here, reminiscing about my unexpected journey from Baghdad to Beirut in 2009, I am reminded of the power of human connection and the importance of upholding human rights. The journey, which took me through Damascus, was a marathon odyssey that stretched over 20 hours, including a night’s stay in the ancient city.

The memory of that journey is still etched vividly in my mind. An unexpected work assignment took me from Baghdad, Iraq, to Beirut, Lebanon. The journey was far from straightforward. Back then, Iraq was still reeling from the aftermath of war, and most airlines avoided flying to the region due to exorbitant insurance costs. The ticket my bank arranged for me was a winding route: Baghdad-Damascus-Jordan-Beirut. What could have been a brief two-hour flight stretched into a 20-hour odyssey, including a night’s stay in Damascus.

When I mentioned this marathon journey to our chairman, Hussein Al-Uzri—who happened to be my neighbour—over afternoon tea, he jokingly remarked, “Oh, they missed Tokyo.” That unexpected quip had us both in stitches, adding a touch of humour to an otherwise exhausting ordeal. It’s moments like these, where humour bridges the gap between the absurd and the challenging, that make even the most convoluted experiences memorable.

A Night in Damascus

That one night in Damascus remains etched in my memory. Landing at its airport, I immediately felt the aura of an ancient city—an indescribable mix of history, culture, and resilience. The bustling and lively airport stood as a gateway to a city that has been continuously inhabited since the 3rd millennium BCE. Tired from my journey, I quickly headed to a nearby hotel for a few hours of sleep. But even in that brief time, I could sense the city’s deep roots and timeless charm.

The Fall of Damascus

Today, as we observe Human Rights Day, my mind drifts back to Damascus. The city, once a beacon of history and coexistence, has been torn apart by years of conflict. Syria, the land that nurtured this ancient treasure, remains in turmoil, its people caught in a relentless struggle for survival, dignity, and freedom.

The fall of a city like Damascus is more than just the destruction of heritage buildings or ancient streets—it is the erosion of a cultural soul. A city that once stood as a testament to humanity’s shared history is now a symbol of what happens when peace and rights are forsaken.

Honouring Human Rights

Today, on Human Rights Day, we honour the principle that every individual—regardless of race, gender, religion, or status—deserves dignity, freedom, and equality. It’s a call to action to create a world where these fundamental rights are upheld for all.

Reflecting on my brief moment in Damascus, I am reminded that the rights to life, liberty, and security are not mere legalities or ideals but the very foundation of our shared humanity. Let us commit to safeguarding these rights for everyone, everywhere.

A World United

In a world increasingly divided by race, religion, tribe, and politics, the tragedy of Damascus is a stark reminder of what is at stake. As ancient as it is, the city embodies the spirit of coexistence and resilience that we, as a global community, must strive to uphold.

I hope that peace returns to Damascus, to Syria, and to every part of the world where human dignity is under siege. May the rights of every individual, irrespective of their background, be restored. Let this Human Rights Day remind us that a world of peace is not a utopian dream but a shared responsibility.

A Call to Action

To those who read this, let us honour cities like Damascus by working towards a future where no place is stripped of its heritage, no person is denied their dignity, and humanity thrives in harmony. After all, as much as history teaches us, it also warns us: that neglecting human rights endangers not just people but the very soul of civilization itself.

And to Chairman Al-Uzri who added humour to that momentous journey—thank you for the laughter. Even amidst the turmoil, it is these light-hearted connections that keep us human.

Peace to all.