Bell delivers statement on Human Rights Day (12/28/80)

Bell delivers statement on Human Rights Day

MADRID - On the occasion of Human Rights Day, December 10, Griffin Bell, chairman of the U.S. delegation to the Madrid Conference, delivered a statement on the "commonality of my government's interest in converting human rights, as all aspects of the Helsinki Final Act, into a constructive force in our mutual relations."

"Today, at the United Nations and throughout all corners of the world, this anniversary is being commemorated as Human Rights Day," Judge Bell said, adding that "the human-rights passages in the Helsinki Final Act are a direct descendant of the Universal Declaration."

"The final act recognized the fact that ours is not a world in which the citizens of our countries are permitted to enjoy their human rights in full measure. The final act also recognized that respect for human rights in each of our lands is an integral aspect of our ability to break down the barriers that have divided Europe since the war. Finally, the final act recognized that respect for human rights is essential to build real security," Judge Bell stressed.

"The issue of human rights has thus become a contentious one between us, which has accentuated and perhaps even exacerbated our other differences. What can be done about this? Surely we cannot respond by putting aside our commitment to human rights or our concern for those who are suffering," he pointed out.

"We must, rather, rededicate ourselves to exploring frankly with each other, in the pragmatic spirit that created the CSCE process, how we can make concrete progress in this vital area, however we may differ on ideology or interpretation."

"Let us all then resolve, Mr. Chairman, to celebrate this day of human rights with that most idealistic of actions: a commitment to pragmatism. By this I mean a determination to listen to each other, to work with each other, to solve - step by step - human problems so that we can establish one of the essential conditions for security in Europe. Our government pledges itself to that great endeavor," Mr. Bell concluded.

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