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Have we forgotten the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Sixty years ago, the United Nations worked with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to develop the Declaration, the first in human history to spell out the basic civil, political, economic and social rights that all human beings should enjoy.
To promote the human rights principles embodied in the Declaration, the UN went on to create the Commission on Human Rights to serve as an intergovernmental body that could call out human rights abuses to support the international community's ability to hold violators accountable.
For years the Commission was plagued by major human rights abusers being elected to the body, and in 2006 was replaced by the Human Rights Council. This body is also challenged by oppressive regimes that hold seats on the Council, but it has new tools to strengthen its credibility to promote human rights globally. Even so, the Bush Administration refused to participate in the elections and in 2008 withdrew as an observer.
Earlier this year, the Obama Administration demonstrated its commitment to reengagement with the global human rights body by running for, and winning, a seat on the Council in May 2009. The move shows this Administration's belief that more diplomatic engagement by the United States, not less, is necessary to strengthen the Council's important work.
The President's goal to reform the Council won't be easy and it won't be quick. But it will be essential for safeguarding human rights. Show your support for U.S. reengagement in the UN Human Rights Council by signing the petition, and urge President Obama to stay committed to working with the UN to strengthen the Council's work.