For the first time. delegates representing the majority of the worlds population agreed upon a broad definition of universal rights and freedoms. The designers of the universal declaration clearly understood that measures were sorely needed to prevent a reoccurrence of the atrocities committed against human beings in World War II. One of the articles in the declaration applied specifically to the fights and freedoms of refugees. Article 14 stated: Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. Acting on these premises. the United Nations in 1967 opened for accession the Protocol on Refugees. This protocol enumerated the rights of refugees. proriding for freedom of religion. access to courts. employment. public education. and social security. In 1968. the U.S. Senate ratified the Protocol on Refugees. The speed with which this country ratified this measure is remarkable when we realize that the United States had accomplished more for international human rights in that 1 year than it had in the preceeding 20 years. This notable accomplishment leads me to believe that the United States can and will exercise responsible leadership in the ratification of other Human Rights Conventions.
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Refugees refugees