American Civil Liberties Union

60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

December 10, 2008 will mark the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the founding document of the modern human rights system.  The UDHR is a set of basic rights and protections that are to be enjoyed by all persons throughout the world, regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.  The UDHR recognizes that "the inherent dignity and... the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world."

While the US government was a leading voice in the creation of the UDHR, its policy and practice over the past 60 years has shown a failure to live up to these ideals.  To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the UDHR, the ACLU will be engaging in an advocacy campaign to raise awareness of US obligations and shortcomings under the UDHR and international human rights law. A recommitment by the US to the principles and ideals of the UDHR is essential not only for improving its standing in the world at this particular moment, but, more importantly, for its promise to ensure equality and justice for all at home.

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ACLU RESOURCES

ACLU Human Rights Program

United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism Visits the US

United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants Visits the US

ACLU Shadow Report on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

ACLU Shadow Report on the Convention against Torture

ACLU Shadow Report on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

ACLU Shadow Report on the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict

RESOURCES

United Nations UDHR 60th Anniversary Website

Amnesty International UDHR 60th Anniversary Website

US Human Rights Network

The Elders

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