embassy events 2008

DCM Hosts Lunch in Honor of 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

11 December 2008

DCM Hosts lunch in honor of 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (more photos)

December 11, 2008 marked the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also marked the conclusion of the U.S. Embassy campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.”  In honor of these two important events, the Deputy Chief of Mission of U.S. Embassy Warsaw, Pam Quanrud, hosted a lunch which included the participation of many of the individuals and institutions profiled during the 16-day campaign.  “I am impressed by the efforts of the many of individuals and institutions who promote human rights in Poland, with special recognition today that human rights include the rights of women,” said DCM Quanrud.

Since its adoption in 1948, the Declaration has been a source of inspiration for efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. As U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said this week at the 2008 International Human Rights Awards Ceremony:  “The Universal Declaration is celebrated by men and women of every culture and creed, every race and religion, in countries large and small, developed and developing. It transcends political and ethnic differences and national boundaries, even as it embraces humanity in all of its diversity. Indeed, the Declaration speaks directly to the desire inherent in every human heart for freedom.” [full remarks]

The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw featured a new individual profile each day to its webpage during the “16 Days of Activism.” To read profiles click here.  We invite you to see what they have to say!

The U.S. State Department is commemorating the 60th anniversary with a special issue of eJournal USA entitled Sixty Years: Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Other publications of interest are Human Rights in Brief and Human Rights and You.