Human Rights Day

Harry K. Thomas: US Ambassador to Bangladesh

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a revolutionary document when the United Nations passed it in 1948. It remains so today. Americans take a justifiable pride in the central role that Eleanor Roosevelt played in its drafting and passage, but the UDHR comes out of and belongs to all humanity. Speaking to the U.N. General Assembly, Roosevelt predicted that it might become an "international Magna Carta," and in many ways it has. By one estimate, provisions of the constitutions of 90 countries can be traced to the UDHR. Its opening words resonate around the world in 2004 with the same force they did in the wake of World War II, and bear repeating: "Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equality and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world"

The drafters of the Declaration were able to draw inspiration from heroic efforts in the post-war period to assert the primacy of human rights and the dignity of individuals. Mahatma Gandhi, who led India on its way to become the world's largest democracy, is a vibrant example of the universality of the democratic ideal. The movement towards freedom Gandhi began and Indians completed put an end to the noxious notion that democratic governance was a luxury to be enjoyed by a few wealthy Western nations. The world again witnessed people determined to fight for freedom, human rights and democracy when the Bangladeshi people fought for independence in 1971. Indeed the UNHDR is reflected in the preamble of Bangladesh's Constitution.

They will build their own democracy. They will enshrine their own human rights. Standing firmly with them as they do so is a commitment in keeping with American and universal values.

T he same holds true for Afghanistan, where the efforts of many individual nations, along with the United Nations led to successful national elections. Like the Iraqis, Afghanis take nothing for granted. Having been denied freedom for so long, they are anything but cynical about the power and virtues of democratic governance. During those recent elections, a group of women was waiting in line in Kandahar to vote when a bomb went off near them. Security officials advised the women to go home, but they refused to leave and voted.

Like the hundreds of thousands of their compatriots who stood in line for hours in heavy snow to cast their vote, those Afghan women brought the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to life.

As we reflect on the UNHDR, it may be useful to remind ourselves that we have more in common than we have disagreements.

The legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt and the people from around the world who worked with her at the United Nations to draft the UDHR is not just intact; it continues to be vital to all. And we honor this legacy not just year on December 10, but every day of the year.

Source: The daily Independent: December 09, 2004.