Human Rights Day - Fresno

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2004

CONTACT INFORMATION:
M. Gloria Hernandez (559) 268-2261
Polo Chavez (559) 268-2261
CNNV (559) 268-2261

"56th Anniversary of the United Nations' Universal Declaration
of Human Rights to be Celebrated"

Comite NO NOS VAMOS extends a cordial invitation to join us in celebrating the 56th Anniversary of the signing of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Friday- December 10, 2004 starting at 5:oo PM in front of the Federal Courthouse Park - O and Fresno Streets in Fresno, California.

The signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, was a momentous occasion. Representatives of 48 countries came together at the United Nations in Paris to make a profound statement on the value and dignity of human life. After several drafts and much debate, the final version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged. It was a list of basic rights that the international community agreed were "inherent" and "equal" for all human beings.

Today, the health care crisis is tearing apart our community, our nation and the world. Our political leaders are step by step abandoning the poor and the middle class. People of faith and people of good will need to stand up for our economic human rights: housing, health care, education, and living wage jobs.

Gloria Hernandez stated: "Our purpose is to bring people together and change hearts and educate minds, the Declaration has not been ratified by the United States of America. People need to know that the declaration attempted to stop what is going on in the world today…"… the disregard and contempt for human rights that resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and (create) the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people".

Hernandez continues, "People through out the world have learned about the Declaration of Human Rights, yet here in the USA the UN is being used to create a cultural of fear instead of bringing "recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world" as mandated by the Declaration.

El Comite NO NOS VAMOS is a grass roots organization that fights for the civil and human rights of immigrants and poor working people.