"Freedom, democracy, and human rights are not American principles or Western values," U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said. "These ideals are shared by all people. They are the non-negotiable demands of human dignity."
On Human Rights Day, December 10, the United States and the international community celebrate the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the declaration and honor those who work to promote and protect those rights. In the United States, we also celebrate Bill of Rights Day and Human Rights Week at this time. Since the founding of America, the Bill of Rights has protected basic human rights and liberties. In the United States, all citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions, practice their faith, and enjoy the blessings of freedom.
After the tragedies of World War II, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the inalienable rights of people everywhere. In the time since, 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.
The United States is a supporter of human rights worldwide, and throughout the year produces documents including the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which highlight successes and failures in the protection of the rights outlined in the declaration. The most recent report on Nepal notes U.S. concern for human rights abuses by both the Royal Nepalese Army and the Maoist insurgents. During the State of Emergency in 2005, the United States Government urged His Majesty's Government to release all political detainees, and we continue to be concerned about restrictions on free speech through the new media ordinance and raids on independent FM radio stations.
As President George W. Bush proclaimed on Human Rights Day 2004, "During this observance, we encourage 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." The United States and, we are certain, the Nepali people want to see a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Nepal, and upholding of human rights is essential to that shared vision.
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