Charge d'Affaires’ Human Rights Day Statement
On Human Rights Day, we reflect on the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), crafted in 1948 on the heels of the most destructive war in the history of the world. Today, human rights defenders, journalists, and other members of civil society are working tirelessly to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, advocating for government transparency and accountability, promoting equitable access to justice. Those working on land and environmental issues as well as on the human rights of women and girls in all their diversity, LGBTQI+ and gender diverse persons, persons with disabilities, and indigenous persons are especially vulnerable to attacks.
President Biden has made it clear that together with our partners and allies, across multilateral fora and across the world, we must jointly call upon all countries to do more to promote respect for human rights, and protect human rights defenders, journalists, and civic activists on the frontlines of democracy and human rights promotion. On this Human Rights Day, we must look inward and ask ourselves if we are doing enough to respect, promote, and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all.