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U.S. Embassy Political Counselor Mary Curtin spoke to approximately 30 students and faculty members at the American Studies Center at Warsaw University on December 2nd on the role of human rights in U.S. foreign policy. Amnesty International Spokesperson for Poland Mirella Panek also presented Amnesty International’s viewpoints and criticism of U.S. human rights policy and actions. During the course of the dialogue, Ms. Curtin explained the importance the United States places on freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, and answered questions from various students on current events in relation to Eastern Europe, Afghanistan and Iraq. Both students and faculty members asked numerous questions and presented their own opinions on U.S. human rights policy and the war on terrorism.
During the opening of the event, the coordinators remarked how this will be the first in a series of a programs titled “Debating America.” The ACAO and event coordinators discussed sending Embassy representatives to speak at future series programs. This event was an excellent venue to engage a youth audience and be able to address an important policy topic in preparation for International Human Rights Day on December 10. Hopefully, the Embassy will be able to participate in future programs of this lecture series and present the U.S. viewpoint to an interested audience.
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