Co-Chairmen Celebrate International Human Rights Day
Sixty-seven years ago today, on December 10th, 1948, in the aftermath of the Second World War, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Drafted by representatives from different legal and cultural backgrounds, and from all regions of the world, the Universal Declaration set out a common understanding of the fundamental human rights that were to be universally protected.
Today, we recall the inalienable rights intrinsic to every human being. In many regions of the world, people continue to struggle to attain their most basic rights and respect for their basic human dignity. In several regions of the world, defenseless civilians face protracted conflicts against terrorist organizations and networks that seek to intimidate, maim, and kill in the name of a distorted theology. As Co-Chairmen of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, we join people everywhere in reaffirming our commitment to the fundamental rights and freedoms contained in the Universal Declaration, and we urge leaders around the world to redouble their efforts to promote and guarantee them. We also recognize and thank human rights defenders everywhere, who so often carry out their work at great risk to themselves and their families. They improve our world and inspire us with their courage.
James P. McGovern Joseph R. Pitts
Co-Chair, TLHRC Co-chair, TLHRC