For Immediate Release
December 14, 2004

Global Message

From President Bush's Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, 2004, Proclamation, 12/10/04

During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, America celebrates its founding ideals and emphasizes the importance of protecting human liberty throughout the world.

The United States cherishes the values of free speech, equality, and religious freedom, and steadfastly opposes injustice and tyranny.

America continues to encourage free and open societies around the world, in Burma, Sudan, North Korea, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, and Zimbabwe.

After the tragedies of World War II, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as part of a global effort to curb the cruelty and systematic injustice that had destroyed so many lives. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the inalienable rights of people everywhere.

Progress has been made in ensuring that human dignity is respected, and we have witnessed the rise of democratic governments around the world.

No other system of government has done more to protect minorities, secure the rights of labor, raise the status of women, or channel human energy to the pursuits of peace than democracy.

During this observance, the United States encourages all nations to continue working towards freedom, peace, and security, which can be achieved only through democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.