Thank you, Mr. President

The people of the United States, Mr. President, join in celebrating this landmark anniversary with men and women of every nationality and culture; of every race and religion throughout the world.

Sixty years ago today, the United Nations General Assembly took the extraordinary step of adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was an historic day for all people and all nations -- recognizing and enshrining the principle that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."

The eloquent text reflected the common aspirations of all mankind for human rights and fundamental freedoms for which all governments should be held accountable. It was a monumental achievement.

The world was still recovering from the devastation of the Second World War that had left millions dead, wounded, displaced, or without homes. Yet from these trying times, arose a strong determination, courage and inspiration.

In early 1947, nations came together to draft an international bill of human rights that would meet the approval of the 18-member UN Commission on Human Rights and the General Assembly itself. The group of drafters unanimously elected Eleanor Roosevelt as their chair.

The United States is tremendously proud of the work of  Mrs. Roosevelt and of the many diplomats, philosophers, and legal experts from around the globe who worked tirelessly to forge consensus on universal human rights and to create a better world for all of us.

In a world devastated by war and divided by ideology, skeptics believed there would be little common ground on the rights of all people. Yet, in preparing for their task, the delegates found that their diverse cultures, religions and nationalities shared more in common than many anticipated.

With her unwavering spirit, dedication, and faith in humanity -- Eleanor Roosevelt inspired all who participated in the Declaration's creation.

She once asked, "Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places". . . she explained. . . "close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person: the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere."

Mrs. Roosevelt knew of whom she was speaking. She had traveled the length and breadth of the United States during the Great Depression; and she had journeyed throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Everywhere she went, she listened to the voices of ordinary people, and she heard their deep desire and hopes – for themselves and for future generations – to live in dignity and freedom.

For sixty years the spirit and the letter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has guided countless millions of people in their efforts to secure their human dignity and liberty, to follow their conscience, to speak their minds, practice their religion, and live free from fear of discrimination or persecution for exercising their rights.

Eleanor Roosevelt, whose dedication to social justice and human rights remains an example for all Americans, would celebrate the gains for human rights that have been achieved, but she would also remind us of the great work we have left to do.

As we honor her legacy, let us remember that if the promise of the Declaration is to be fulfilled, the international community cannot stand by silently as men and women in any part of the world are condemned to live under tyranny, deprived of their most basic rights.

We must entrust our citizens with greater freedom so that they can use it to correct the injustices and violations that stand in the way of the realization of human rights for all.

Regrettably, some governments impose crippling constraints on the ability of their people to exercise their fundamental freedoms – or deprive them of their rights altogether. Men and women who have done nothing more than attempt to act peacefully upon their rights now languish in jails and labor camps as prisoners of conscience.

There are governments that pressure civil society and the independent news media, including those who publish on the Internet, governments that ignore the will of their citizens by conducting fraudulent elections or simply discarding election results, and governments that use urgently needed humanitarian aid – including food and medical aid – as a political weapon.

Mr. President, as we rededicate ourselves to the Universal Declaration – let us join together to hold all governments accountable for protecting, promoting, and assuring human rights for all.

Thank you, Mr. President.