For Immediate Release
December 10, 2004

Global Message

From a statement by Secretary of State Powell, 12/8/04

President Bush has declared December 10-17, 2004 as Human Rights Week, and December 10, 2004 as Human Rights Day.

The United States values the sanctity of the individual and is committed to preventing human rights abuses.

In America, all citizens -- regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religious faith or other characteristics -- are entitled to enjoy equal opportunities and mutual peace.

The United States makes important investments in democracy and human rights on every continent.

America is working hand-in-hand with the Afghan and Iraqi governments to restore human rights and democratic freedoms to people who have suffered years of oppression.

America's fight for human rights will continue as long as tyrannical regimes infringe on citizens' freedoms.

America stands united with those countries that respect human dignity, and holds its allies in the war on terror and ourselves to these standards.