Press Release

December 14, 2006

Statement by Sean McCormack,
U.S. Department of State Spokesman

International Human Rights Day

In the aftermath of the atrocities of World War II, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a historic document that enshrined the fundamental human rights and freedoms that are the birthright of all people.  The United States joins with men and women around the globe in observing International Human Rights Day commemorating the adoption of this landmark document. 

We stand with those individuals who work to promote human rights and democratic principles.  In every part of the world courageous defenders of freedom are helping to build vibrant civil societies, pressing for free and fair elections, and establishing accountable, law-based democracies that respect the rights of all.  They are taking on the challenges of protecting the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, defending workers’ rights and promoting equal rights for women.
 
As we mark International Human Rights Day and celebrate the gains for human dignity and democracy around the globe, we are sobered by the fact that from Burma to Zimbabwe, China to Uzbekistan, Iran to North Korea, human rights defenders face continued harassment, intimidation, imprisonment and in some cases even death.  The United States will continue to support them and all those who work to defend human dignity and overcome oppression and injustice.

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