U.S. EMBASSY MARKS HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
A1+
[01:55 pm] 20 December, 2006
On December 20, U.S. Charge d’Affaires Anthony F. Godfrey held a
lunch with Armenian human rights defenders in honor of Human Rights
Day. During the lunch, Charge d’Affaires Godfrey recognized the
important contributions of human rights defenders throughout the
world who risk harassment, beatings, detention, imprisonment and even
death to practice or seek to secure fundamental freedoms. He noted
that human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations are
critical to the success of free nations, and remarked that without
a vibrant civil society, democracy is incomplete.
At the lunch, Charge d’Affaires Godfrey told Armenia’s human rights
supporters, "In Armenia, the United States stands in solidarity with
you–the country’s brave men and women who are doing such essential
work as supporting a free press, fighting against trafficking in
persons, advocating for freedom of religion, and supporting women’s
rights. We thank you for your efforts to further Armenia’s democratic
reforms, and for your dedication to fighting for those people who
often don’t have a voice."
The United National General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights following World War II on December 10, 1948. The
Declaration affirms the inalienable rights of people everywhere and
upholds basic freedoms including the freedoms of speech, assembly,
association, and worship. It is based on the belief that human rights
defenders raise awareness, expose abuses, push for reforms, and hold
governments accountable. The Declaration proclaims the right of men
and women around the world to shape their own destinies.