Celebrate Human Rights Day by Celebrating Civil Society

December 10, 2012

Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on this day in 1948, shortly after World War II and the Holocaust, helping usher in a new era of hope and global activism for human rights.  Both Panama and the United States played key roles in the writing and adoption of this groundbreaking document.

Today, I recall some of the civil society heroes whom I have had the privilege to meet.  People such as Lydia Cacho, Le Quoc Quan, and Yoani Sanchez:  distinct individuals working in tough environments, but heroes all.  Their efforts to defend the universal rights which we all hold dear are emblematic of the work of other heroes around the world.

Lydia Cacho has fought for more than 20 years to expose child sex trafficking in Mexico and bring to justice those responsible.  Lydia has braved physical violence and threats to protect the most vulnerable members of society from powerful predators.  Lydia is a hero to many for her efforts to combat trafficking in persons and to promote freedom of the press to expose traffickers.

Le Quoc Quan is a democracy activist in Vietnam.  I first met Dr. Quan in Washington, D.C., while he was working with the National Endowment for Democracy.  When Dr. Quan returned to Vietnam, he was arrested and jailed.  When the United States and Vietnam held the next round of our bilateral human rights dialogue, the release of Dr. Quan was our top priority.  He subsequently was freed, and continues his work in Vietnam despite being detained last year.

Yoani Sanchez is a blogger who began modestly, connecting to the Internet to express internationally her views on the realities of everyday Cuban life, views which had no outlet within Cuba.  Named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2008, Yoani now instructs others on how to connect with the world and express freely their opinions.  Yoani’s bravery, despite the constant threat of arrest, reminds us of how precious is the right to freedom of expression.

 As President Barack Obama has said, “Although every country and culture is unique, certain rights are universal:  the freedom of people—including women and ethnic and religious minorities—to live as they choose, speak their minds, organize peacefully and have a say in how they are governed, with confidence in the rule of law.  History shows that countries that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, secure, and successful.”

The foundation of any democracy, and the source of the greatest defenders of human rights, is a vibrant civil society.  This morning I will join a broad range of civil society leaders in Panama in discussing their perspectives on human rights and democracy.  Today, on Human Rights Day, I encourage you to celebrate  the civil society defenders of human rights around the world who, in defending these rights, defend the rights of us all.