Speaker. I am honored to participate In this special order in recognition of International Human Rights Day. Thirtyseven years ago the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of luman Rights. sending the message to the world community that the right to emigrate. to practice religion. to express political opinions. and to be free from the fear of torture were fundamental human rights guarantees. Because these ideals continue to be abused In many countries. our continued support for the goals of the Universal Declaration is crucial. That blacks are denied any semblance of freedom in South Africa. that Jews are held hostage In the Soviet Union. and that individuals who advocate human rights in the Philippines are harassed. have become facts of life. But the example of Winnie Mandela. who has spent the last 25 years banned or jailed. and has only recently defied the authorities and dared to speak In public at a mass funeral for 12 blacks shot by police. makes it our duty to use whatever means we have to protest the policies of the South African Government. Pavel Abramovich. Alexsandr Yakir. and Leonid B1yaly. who have spent the last decade being physically and emotionally abused by the Soviet Government solely because they want to emigrate to Israel. remind us that the human rights issue remains an important stumbling block to better relations with the Moscow regime. The journalists. religious leaders. and attorneys who have been prime targets of violence in the Philippines compel us to reexamine our overall policy in the region. Iluman rights is not an isolated issue.
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