Fri Dec 13 03:55:23 UTC 2024: ## US Ambassador Recommits to Human Rights on International Human Rights Day
**United Nations, NY – December 10, 2024** – On the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield issued a statement emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to protect human rights globally. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” highlights the increasing threats to fundamental freedoms worldwide.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield cited numerous examples of human rights violations, including the persecution of individuals in North Korea for watching South Korean dramas, the forced deportation and adoption of Ukrainian children in Russia, the suppression of women and girls in Afghanistan, and ongoing struggles for equality within the United States itself for marginalized groups including women, people of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
The Ambassador stressed that upholding human rights is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic one, contributing to more secure, peaceful, and prosperous societies. The United States, she stated, remains committed to defending human rights both domestically and internationally, collaborating with the UN, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen democracies and promote justice and equity. The statement concluded with a call to renewed dedication to safeguarding and expanding respect for human rights, aligning with the principles enshrined in the UDHR.
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