SPEECH BY AMBASSADOR WAYNE AT THE 60TH ANIVERSARY OF UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

INADI December 9, 2008

Tomorrow, December 10, the world celebrates a very special anniversary: 60 years of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.  The U.S. Embassy is proud to partner with the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism (INADI) to organize this event and celebrate this important anniversary.

As sister nations that promote democratic values and defend freedom and fundamental human rights, this celebration finds Americans and Argentines gathered here today, to pay homage to those people who fought and continue to fight for the respect for these inalienable rights in everyday life.

It is in this context that we remember, among many valiant people, the dedicated work of Eleanor Roosevelt, who transcended her role as First Lady to become a leading figure dedicated to advancing her strong humanitarian convictions by promoting individual liberties and human rights around the world.

It is for this reason that we could not help but honor this incredible and tenacious woman whose role on the UN Human Rights Commission was instrumental to the successful ratification of this Declaration.

With us here today, is Professor Allida Black, Project Director and Editor of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers at George Washington University.  In a few moments, she will give a presentation on the role that Eleanor Roosevelt played in drafting and ratifying the Universal Declaration.  Welcome, Professor Black.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy is an inspiration to many men and women, who despite the terrible injustice and atrocities they face, continue their struggle to defend human rights in pursuit of liberty and.

On this special occasion, I would also like to extend my recognition to the Argentine people, who despite having faced times of extreme institutional difficulties, authoritarian practices, and terrible human rights violations, resolutely and effectively fought the restoration of those values essential to a democratic society.

It has been 25 years since Argentina has returned to democracy, and with that, liberty and equality for all Argentines.  This would not have been possible through the isolated efforts of individual citizens; it required society to work together to reclaim their dignity and respect for civic and social rights in times of extreme turbulence.

May the Argentine people, as well as the legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt, serve as examples to those who continue to be oppressed and are fighting for a world that recognizes and respects fundamental human rights.

Now, I would like to cede the floor to INADI President Maria Jose Lubertino for a few words.