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A Message from President Bush on Human Rights Day

"December Tenth is Human Rights Day. By marking the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we let those who struggle for...

"December Tenth is Human Rights Day. By marking the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we let those who struggle for their freedom know that we stand with them. Freedom is a universal human desire…it’s a force for peace and prosperity in the world. In recent years, we have seen great progress in the march of freedom. After the collapse of the Berlin Wall, democracy spread to formerly Communist countries. We’ve also seen the progress of freedom in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Today in Burma, there are encouraging signs. Aung San Suu Kyi, once blocked from taking office and confined to house arrest, is now a member of her nation’s legislature. She and others are working for a brighter future for her people. Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia are all building new democracies, and all have hard work ahead them. We must support them in this work, and help them from sliding back into tyranny. Inside Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and other nations, millions of people yearn to be free. They do not know when freedom will come, but they should know they are not alone. During my Presidency, Laura and I met with democratic activists, defenders of religious freedom, and families of political prisoners. Now, we are pursuing that passion through the Bush Institute. This year, we launched the Freedom Collection at freedomcollection.org. The collection tells the stories of men and women who are fighting for democracy, political freedom, and individual rights. So, on Human Rights Day, I urge you to pray for those who live in tyranny…watch those who tell their stories on the Freedom Collection…and extend this message to all who stand for freedom around the world: “We hear you, and we support your cause.”