*EPF208 12/07/2004
December 10 Marks Human Rights Day
(Commemorates adoption of U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights) (740)

By Carrie Lee
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- In observance of Human Rights Day on December 10, President Bush is expected to issue a proclamation on the importance of human rights for Americans and all peoples of the world. Human Rights Day commemorates the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.

Established in 1950, Human Rights Day also serves as an opportunity for the international community to celebrate human rights and human rights defenders and to reflect on the principles set forth in the declaration. For 2004, the 56th anniversary of the declaration, the United Nations has dedicated Human Rights Day as a tribute to human rights educators worldwide.

Considered one of the first major achievements of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the foundation of international human rights law. Under the energetic and determined leadership of American Eleanor Roosevelt, the declaration drafters overcame significant differences in ideology, political systems, economic development and religious and cultural backgrounds among the then-58 U.N. members to draft a remarkable and enduring instrument.

The declaration is a groundbreaking document on many levels. It was the first document to articulate in detail the idea of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms, and also the first document to espouse universal principles adopted by an international organization. The declaration sets forth the principles of justice, equality, and dignity as indivisible human rights of every man, woman and child. According to the declaration, "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" and the "inherent dignity of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world."

The declaration arose during the aftermath of World War II when the international community recognized the need for a codified instrument for human rights protection. The eight members of the declaration's drafting committee -- from Australia, Chile, China, France, Lebanon, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States -- found commonality in their underlying respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. The declaration, the culmination of the two-year drafting process, included the right to life, liberty and security of person; the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and the right to freedom from torture.

Despite the conflicting views of some member states, the declaration also held that these rights were universal and inherent to humanity, regardless of race, sex or religion.

Through the efforts of Roosevelt and her colleagues, the General Assembly voted to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948 -- with 48 states in favor, eight abstentions and two countries not present.

Over 50 years later, the legacy of the declaration is pervasive. As Eleanor Roosevelt hoped in 1948, the declaration has indeed "become the international Magna Carta of all men everywhere." Although it is not a legally binding document, the declaration has acquired the status of customary law -- a law that, although unwritten, reflects state practices and has the support of the international community as a practice that is required by law.

Furthermore, the declaration has inspired more than 60 human rights instruments, including legally binding treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This covenant, ratified in 1976, details the civil and political rights of individuals and nations, including the right to life and liberty and the right to self-determination. Over 150 states, including the United States, are states parties to the covenant.

In addition, the principles outlined in the declaration have been enshrined in the constitutions of up to 90 countries, and it has been translated into 300 languages.

The United States, as a supporter of human rights worldwide, honors the significance of human rights protection and the efforts of human rights defenders on Human Rights Day and throughout the year. Through its support of human rights programs in over 100 countries, the United States is working with human rights defenders to make the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights a reality in the life of all nations and peoples.

As President Bush stated in his 2003 Human Rights Day proclamation, "freedom is the right of mankind and the future of every nation. It is not America's gift to the world; it is God's gift to every man and woman who lives in the world."

(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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