As Declaration Of Human Rights Approaches 60, ACLU Announces New Campaign And Contest (10/6/2008)
Document Initiated Global Human Rights Movement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org
NEW YORK – In anticipation of the 60th anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the American Civil Liberties Union today
announced the launch of "Dignity Begins at Home," a new campaign to celebrate
the document that is the cornerstone of the modern human rights system. Despite
the United States' involvement in drafting the UDHR and supposed support of the
document, it has failed to honor its commitments under the UDHR, especially
within U.S. borders.
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the first document to
recognize the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of all people in the
world," said Jamil Dakwar, Director of the ACLU Human Rights Program. "If the
United States wishes to claim the high moral ground and assert leadership on the
issue of human rights, it can't just talk the talk; it must also walk the walk
and take its human rights commitments more seriously at home and abroad."
As part of the "Dignity Begins at Home" campaign, the ACLU has launched a new
website, www.udhr60.com. The website
contains information about the UDHR and a petition calling on the U.S.
government and the next president to recommit to the Declaration.
In addition, the ACLU is holding a video contest for youth. Contestants
between the ages of 16 and 23 years old are asked to submit an original short
video about an article in the UDHR. The winner will be flown to New York City to
attend the U.N. General Assembly session celebrating the anniversary on December
10, 2008. The winning video will be featured on YouTube and www.udhr60.com.
"Our goal is to ensure that the principles of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights are recognized and enforced in the United States," said Dakwar.
"The struggle for universal human rights is far from over, and the next
administration can lead by example by renewing the U.S. commitment to dignity
for all here at home."
Adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948, the UDHR details the
basic rights and protections guaranteed to all people, regardless of "race,
color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social
origin, property, birth or other status." The UDHR was drafted in the aftermath
of World War II in reaction to the mass targeting and killing of people because
of their race, religion, sexuality and opinions. Eleanor Roosevelt chaired the
U.N. Commission on Human Rights, which drafted the declaration.
More information about the "Dignity Begins at Home" campaign, including the
ACLU's video contest and a history of the UDHR, can be found online at: www.udhr60.org
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