Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 18, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2008

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 332, which commemorates the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

* On December 10, 1948, only three years after the end of the intolerance, oppression, death and destruction of World War II, the United Nations General Assembly created the first universal statement on the basic principles of inalienable human rights. The Declaration, with its core values of non-discrimination, equality, fairness and freedom, was to reaffirm faith in the dignity and worth of the human person and save succeeding generations from the devastation of war.

* Sixty years later, this document has become a standard to measure how nations govern. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has led to progress in banning torture and rape as weapons of war and protecting Children from economic and sexual exploitation. The Declaration has served as a means of achieving self-determination for millions under colonial rule and has moved nations to guarantee legal justice and racial and gender equality for all their people.

* While the last sixty years have brought many advances in human rights, there is still work to be done. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that `motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance'. Such a right cannot be realized, however, when more than half a million women continue to die every year in childbirth having been unable to receive health care. Nor has it been guaranteed when over 28,000 children under the age of five die per day from easily preventable and treatable causes.

* The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created to ensure the human rights of all but, in particular, those with relatively little power in society. While ensuring the rights and prosperity of all peoples and all nations was once an aspiration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is now a necessary reality. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and is confronted with the new global challenges of pandemic disease, terrorism, and hunger, injustice anywhere endangers peace, prosperity and security everywhere. If we wish to combat these challenges, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be the foundation of our cooperation in this new century.

* Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to renew their commitment to ensuring human rights for all people, everywhere and join me in supporting this Resolution.

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