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December 08, 2023

Statement of ABA President Mary Smith RE: International Human Rights Day

CHICAGO, Dec. 8, 2023 – The American Bar Association joins the world Sunday in recognizing International Human Rights Day, a day that provides the opportunity to celebrate – and renew our commitment to – the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

This year, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, which recognizes that the inherent dignity of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. It also declares that human rights are universal – to be enjoyed by all people, no matter who they are or where they live. The 2023 theme is “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All,” highlighting the increased understanding that all people have human rights and that the UDHR can serve as a foundation for expanding protections for vulnerable people across the globe.

The ABA promotes human rights at home and around the world, advocating for immigrants, victims of racial injustice, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, individuals experiencing poverty, people with disabilities and so many others. We uphold the ideals of the UDHR by supporting human rights defenders, assisting struggling democracies and defending oppressed populations.

 The ABA calls on members of the legal profession to recognize this anniversary by renewing their commitment to human rights, the dignity of all people and the rule of law.

The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law. View our privacy statement online. Follow the latest ABA news at www.americanbar.org/news and on X (formerly Twitter) @ABANews.