SOS Clinton on human rights day 2010

[azul]

~snip~

"A vibrant civil society is an essential component of free nations, yet many governments continue to employ intimidation, questionable legal practices, restrictions, detention, and willful ignorance to silence the voices of those who defend human rights. The United States is committed to promoting and defending civil society around the world. And we will continue to remind leaders of their responsibilities to their citizens under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To support this, I have asked our embassies to open their doors to civil society activists today to listen to their concerns and demonstrate our support.

The Declaration has long served as a beacon to those seeking the protection of fundamental, internationally recognized rights and liberties. Today, and every day, the United States stands with those committed to making the vision enshrined in the Declaration a reality for all people. We call on every nation to join us in working to fulfill the Declaration’s promise, at home and abroad."

http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/12/152623.htm

another snip~

"I witness small and large acts of courage every day in every part of the world. Liu Xiaobo, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, helped author Charter '08 calling for peaceful political reform in China and lost his freedom for the cause. On this Human Rights Day, I reiterate our call for his immediate release."


Mrs Clinton speaks out. This may cause a stir, and hopefully some honest and not-secret discussions about human rights around the world.



AI today:

Free Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo

On Human Rights Day - Friday, December 10th - Liu Xiaobo will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his unrelenting fight for fundamental freedoms and human rights in China.

But for daring to speak out against the Chinese government, he has been barred from accepting this award in Norway. Liu is serving an unfair 11-year prison sentence for defending human rights.

In honor of Human Rights Day, help us shine a light on Liu Xiaobo - urge China to release him immediately and without conditions.

http://www.amnestyusa.org/

[hughee99]

1. As administrations usually send someone to a "relevant" place for special days

(like Arlington for Veterans day), maybe they could dispatch someone to Guantanamo for Human Rights Day.

[azul]

2. I was thinking the same sort of thing.

Guantanamo is our official embassy to the world, and it is not exactly closed yet.