Paris - The French co-author of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Stephane Hessel, was on Wednesday awarded a UNESCO prize for his life's work.

The 91-year-old Hessel, who was honoured on the 60th anniversary of the document, said that it remained difficult today to implement human rights in the world.

As one example, he criticized France for its handling of illegal immigrants.

"Immigrants are not treated as they should be," said Hessel, whose mother was German. "The problem will be be even more important in the future, because climate change will provoke more migration."

Hessel also rebuked the international community for its timid criticism of human rights violations in the Palestinian Territories.

"No one dares to criticize Israel out of the fear of being branded anti-semitic," he said. "One must overcome this reticence and support those in Israel who want peace."

Hessel is scheduled to read the preamble to the Declaration of Human Rights later Wednesday, during ceremonies at the Chaillot Palace, where the United Nations General Assembly adopted the document on December 10, 1948. (dpa)