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Pelosi Statement on UN Human Rights Day

December 10, 2015

Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement on the 67th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948:

"On this day 67 years ago, the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights articulated the rights of all and challenged the global community to safeguard and sustain ‘the inherent dignity' of all people. To ensure that ‘everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person', we must confront human rights challenges wherever they arise.

"Whether protecting the rights of girls and women from the brutality of Boko Haram, welcoming families fleeing war-torn Syria, or ensuring citizens can practice their faith traditions in China and Tibet, we must stand up for human rights and confront bigotry, discrimination, and injustice. In the spirit of the many brave people fighting for these inalienable rights, including Liu Xiaobo still languishing in prison five years after he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in absentia, we must all have the courage to stand for justice.

"All Americans and the global community have the moral responsibility to fight for the basic human rights of all people. Today, and every day, we must rededicate ourselves to the cause of protecting and promoting human rights in communities in the United States and around the world."

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Issues:Human Rights