[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN RECOGNITION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF 
         HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HUMAN RIGHTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2012

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I rise in 
recognition of the historic International Day of Human Rights and the 
60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that 
passed on December 10, 2011. It was a day that recognized the momentous 
efforts made in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly which 
declared that the citizens of the world have basic and essential human 
rights. This effort was in reaction to the immediate aftermath of the 
crimes against humanity in World War II. This noble accomplishment made 
by the international community established the fundamental freedoms of 
humankind and worked not only to cultivate, but also continuously 
protect international peace.
  The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights signified 
an international commitment to preserving and building the foundation 
of human rights, which serves as an enduring resolve for advocates 
around the world. 2011 was a historic year that recognized the 
momentous actions of global protestors trying to rid themselves of 
tyranny and move towards democracy. Met with forceful and dangerous 
opposition, these protestors stayed the course and fought for what they 
believed in.
  In June of 2011, I met with Iran180, a multi-cultural and multi-faith 
organization established with the goal of addressing the human rights 
violations and aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapon development. I, 
alongside several members of the New York delegation presented an award 
to Mr. Ahmad Batebi, a student who was involved in the July 1999 
protests against the Iranian government at Tehran University. He was 
arrested, tried in closed-door proceedings, was sentenced to death and 
spent eight years being tortured in prison until his escape in 2008. 
Since then, Batebi serves as the chairman of Cyber Dissidents where he 
continues to advocate for human rights and democracy.
  Mr. Batebi is an inspiration to all people, especially to those 
living under oppressive circumstances. We have to stand up and fight 
for what we believe in order to achieve freedom and liberty without 
living in repressive conditions.
  The uphill struggles to promote and protect human rights have been 
expanding in my beloved district, from the efforts of the NAACP, 
Amnesty International, the American Citil Liberties. Union, the Human 
Rights Campaign, Alianza Dominicana, and several other outstanding 
organizations that continue to be a cornerstone in my Harlem community 
for people who would otherwise not have the essential civil liberties 
of participating in the political process.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in expressing 
the utmost gratitude towards the work of the Universal Declaration of 
Human Rights and the numerous organizations that fight diligently for 
to preserve our fundamental principles of humanity. We must work 
tirelessly to ensure that all Americans and around the world exercise 
the same basic human rights.

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