Obama declares December 10 Human Rights Day

President Barack Obama has declared December 10, 2013,as Human Rights Day and the week beginning December 10 as Human Rights Week.

This was made known in a statement titled, “Proclamation on Human Rights Day, Human Rights Week by the President of the United States of America” made available, on Tuesday, by the United States Embassy in Abuja.

“Six and a half decades ago, delegates from around the world convened to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, rejecting the notion that individual aspirations should be subject to the whims of tyrants and empires, and affirming every person’s right to liberty, equality, and justice under the law. On Human Rights Day and during Human Rights Week, we resolve not only to.........
celebrate these ideals but also to advance them in our time,” he said.

He noted that in many parts of the world, people were still persecuted for their beliefs, imprisoned for their ideals, and punished for their convictions.

Obama said a growing number of countries were passing laws designed to stifle civil society – including organisations that promote universal human rights, support good governance, and bolster economic development.

He called for the courageous voices that sound the call for change and reaffirm the unwavering support for the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.