The Issue
In a just world, all people would treat all others with full respect and dignity. No torture; no oppression; no hatred. But, that's a hopeful dream. We live in an unjust world, built on the flaws and sickness within humankind. Those who care must not be bystanders. Every day, in some small way, the chains must be broken and the spirits lifted. Human rights must not be an option only for those with power, wealth, and control.
Actions Needed
- Stop All Abuses
- End all torture.
- Close Guantanamo Prison.
- Terminate extraordinary rendition.
- Support Human Rights
- Lead by example, not force.
- Oppose all totalitarian practices.
- Support the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Follow International Law
- Honor the Geneva Conventions.
- Vigorously support the United Nations.
- Abide by the International Court of Justice.
- Obey the U.S. Constitution
- Restore habeas corpus.
- Stop all illegal surveillance.
- Give basic rights to "enemy combatants."
U.S. Presidential Candidates:
"Human Rights"
WEAK
- Rudy Giuliani
- Mike Huckabee
- Duncan Hunter
- Alan Keyes
- John McCain
- Ron Paul
- Mitt Romney
- Fred Thompson
STRONG
- Chris Dodd
SOURCES: Candidates Scorecard and Who Stands for What?
Make a Difference NOW
The Carter Center (founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter) is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. The Carter Center is guided by five principles: (a) to emphasize action and results, and take timely action on important and pressing issues; (b) not to duplicate the effective efforts of others; (c) to address difficult problems and recognizes the possibility of failure as an acceptable risk; (d) to be nonpartisan and act as a neutral in dispute resolution activities; and, (e) to believe that people can improve their lives when provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and access to resources. The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public or private, in carrying out its mission. WHAT TO DO: Donate. Get involved.
Background Sources
BOOKS
- Ishmael Beah, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007).
- Philip Gourevitch, We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda (Picador, 1999).
- Micheline R. Ishay, The History of Human Rights: From Ancient Times to the Globalization Era (University of California, 2004).
- Marnia Lazreg, Torture and the Twilight of Empire: From Algiers to Baghdad (Human Rights and Crimes against Humanity) (Princeton University Press, 2007).
- Milton Mayer, They Thought They Were Free: The Germans 1933-45 (University of Chicago Press, 1955).
- Henry David Thoreau, Henry David Thoreau Unmuzzled: The Seer of Walden Speaks Out on God, War, Human Rights and Government Wrongs: A Freedom-of-Speech Friendly Book of Quotes ... and the Political Press (Akoba, 2007).
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