FED: Political leaders join forces to celebrate human rights

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-1998
FED: Political leaders join forces to celebrate human rights

CANBERRA, Dec 8 AAP - The leaders of Australias four main political parties will join
forces this week to pledge their support for universal human rights.

Prime Minister John Howard, Opposition Leader Kim Beazley, National Party Leader Tim
Fischer and Democrats leader Meg Lees will sign their names in a parliamentary archival
book.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday to mark International Human Rights Day and the
50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The leaders will be joined by members of the Amnesty International Parliamentary Group.

Amnesty spokeswoman Kirsten Hawke said those attending would be asked to recommit
themselves to the principles enshrined in the UDHR by signing a statement reading: "I support
the rights and freedoms of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for all people
everywhere".

"In 1948 Australia was one of the key countries responsible for the drafting of the UDHR
and now, 50 years later, Australian leaders and the worlds premier human rights organisation
will reaffirm the importance of this very valuable document," Ms Hawke said.

"Although most Australians can take human rights for granted, the birthday of the UDHR is
an opportune time to reflect on the state of human rights in countries less fortunate than
ours and the continuing significance of the UDHR in setting worldwide standards."

The coming together of the four political leaders showed universal respect for human rights
was independent of political leanings and relevant to the millions of Australians they
represent, she said.

Meanwhile, Attorney-General Daryl Williams said a photographic exhibition celebrating the
50th anniversary was open at the National Gallery.

AAP daw/mfh/it

KEYWORD: RIGHTS

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