Strengthening Human Rights

What role does The Carter treaty monitoring committees, while not rights, the United States has become Center play in the human legally binding on nonmember govern- increasingly perceived globally as a viola- rights community? ments, can bring global pressure to bear tor of human rights, especially in light of on governments for abuses of rights, often controversies surrounding torture at Abu The Carter Center is guided by a fun- resulting in steps toward change. The Ghraib Prison, conditions of detainees at damental commitment to human rights ICC has the mandate to investigate and Guantanamo Bay, and abandonment of and the alleviation of human suffering. try cases of wars crimes, crimes against international treaties, such as the Geneva Built on the human rights principles humanity, and genocide. Conventions. Ironically, the “war on ter- embraced and implemented by former ror,” waged in the name of freedom, has U.S. President Jimmy Carter during his The international human rights commu- led to the deterioration of rights in many presidency, The Carter Center is known nity wields significant power in its ability countries. worldwide as a nonpartisan organization. to name and confront violators, to bring With unique access to governmental lead- about change, and to encourage successor Despite claims by political leaders about ers and international organizations, the governments to investigate and punish the value of democracy and human rights Center is viewed as a credible and valu- the serious acts of violence that occurred. in creating a more secure world, there is able partner. a gap between rhetoric and reality on the ground. The Carter Center is at the forefront Why is U.S. leadership in in support of human rights defenders human rights critical today? To address this, the Carter Center’s 2008 worldwide and hosts the Human Rights Historically, the United States has been a Human Rights Defenders Forum orga- Defenders Policy Forum, where activ- global leader in defense of human rights nized its discussions around issues most ists — many of whom have been jailed and justice. But increasingly, instead relevant to the new U.S. president by or tortured for their outspoken com- of being viewed as a beacon for human bringing together leading human rights mitment to human rights in their own countries — gather to discuss national and global issues affecting civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights and freedoms.

Are there international human rights protections in place? International human rights bodies such as the U.N. Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court (ICC), coupled with international treaties and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, serve to reinforce fundamental standards of human rights around the world. When human rights abuses are present, there is a tension between the autonomy of national governments and internationally recognized rights and laws. International bodies like the Council and

The Carter Center • One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30307 • (404) 420-5100 • www.cartercenter.org Strengthening Human Rights organizations and human rights defend- and communities — wherever injustice rights issues through their websites, ers from around the world to highlight is found. The Universal Declaration of such as Amnesty International, Human key actions the Obama administration Human Rights recognizes “the inherent Rights First, and the National Religious can take to move the United States back dignity and …the equal and inalienable Campaign Against Torture. in line with international standards and rights of all members of the human family resume a constructive leadership role on (as) the foundation of freedom, justice, Awareness, education, and action are the issue of human rights. and peace in the world,” and as members key to the advancement of human rights, of the global community, we are obligated whether locally or globally. Global change starts with the activism of one child, one What can average people do to to speak out when our own — or anoth- er’s — rights are violated. There are many woman, one man. advance human rights? international organizations that present Activism begins in our own families opportunities for direct action on human

The Carter Center • One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30307 • (404) 420-5100 • www.cartercenter.org