*EPF103 12/10/2001
Text: State Dept. Statement on Human Rights Observances Dec. 10-15
(Human rights play an important role in U.S. foreign policy) (340)

The State Department's Deputy Spokesman noted December 10 that 53 years ago this week, "the world's leaders assembled at the United Nations to affirm in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family."

President Bush on Sunday released his Presidential Proclamation on Human Rights Day (December 10), Human Rights Week (December 10-15), and Bill of Rights Day (December 15), said Deputy Spokesman Philip T. Reeker.

The Bush proclamation, Reeker said, cites "the universal principles of democracy, justice and individual liberty embodied in our Constitution's Bill of Rights and the support and encouragement of civilized people worldwide in our mutual fight against terrorism."

Following is the State Department text of the Reeker statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

December 10, 2001

STATEMENT BY PHILIP T. REEKER, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN

Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week -- December 10-15

Fifty-three years ago this week, the world's leaders assembled at the United Nations to affirm in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.

Yesterday, President Bush issued the proclamation for Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week. The proclamation cites the universal principles of democracy, justice and individual liberty embodied in our Constitution's Bill of Rights and the support and encouragement of civilized people worldwide in our mutual fight against terrorism.

Human rights has played and continues to play a central role in U.S. foreign policy, development assistance, and trade relations. Since the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United States has worked to promote and protect human rights through joint efforts with its allies worldwide, as well as with non-governmental and other international organizations, recognizing that the respect for human rights contributes to security, stability, and prosperity.

(end State Department text)

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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