International Human Rights Day 2010: Message from the President
Today we celebrate December 10th, 1948 when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations. Since then we have made huge strides toward improved human rights but much, much more needs to be done. Especially important is Human Rights Education so that people everywhere can know about this document and know, too, that with human rights come responsibilities (UDHR, Article #29).
Thanks go to all who are working to improve human rights and celebrating Human Rights Day.
Congratulations to all those who submitted, “What are Human Rights?” art, essays and poetry from countries such as the Philippines, Zambia and the United States. What a delight to see how vividly those concepts pop off the pages. Bright ideas! Bright colors! Bright messages! I appreciate your educators and the thought and care that went into your inspiring creations.
Congratulations to our Youth for Human Rights teams in countries around the world who are participating in our International Walk for Human Rights. Youth walking down the street, around the block, over the bridge, in the snow, in the rain or in the sunshine. Some carrying their country flags, some carrying candles and some carrying banners promoting human rights.
Remember, all the footsteps together are going a long way toward promoting human rights. We still have a considerable distance to go but, through your efforts, our forward progress is certain.
Happy Human Rights Day 2010!