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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
December 8, 2006
Statement by Sean McCormack, 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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