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Iowa
United Nations Association
20 East Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
319-337-7290
unaiowa@unaiowa.org
Iowa UNA
Iowa UNA is a proud member of Iowa Shares
60th Anniversary
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. It consists of 30 articles which outline the human rights guaranteed to all people.
For a full copy, see
http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.htm
For 60th Anniversary Information, see
http://www.un.org/events/humanrights/udhr60/
For information on the U.N. Human Rights work, see
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspx
The document is a major accomplishment of an American effort led by Eleanor Roosevelt, chair of the U.N. Human Rights Commission. Eleanor Roosevelt brought together a brilliant core of global statesmen-scholars: P.C. Chang, a Confucian conversant with Islam as well as Western philosophy, Charles Malik, a Lebanese Arab philosopher, Hansa Mehta, an Indian legislator and follower of Gandhi, Rene Cassin, a French legal scholar.
The Declaration is laid out in the civil law tradition, including a preamble followed by thirty articles. It was conceived as a statement of objectives to be followed by governments. Some international lawyers believe that the Declaration forms part of customary international law and is a powerful tool in applying diplomatic and moral pressure to governments that violate any of its articles. The 1968 United Nations International Conference on Human Rights advised that it "constitutes an obligation for the members of the international community" to all persons. The declaration has served as the foundation for two binding UN human rights covenants, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/a_ccpr.htm) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/a_cescr.htm).
Traveling Forums
The Iowa UNA is sponsoring forums on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights around the state. See below and under "Events" to check dates and places. If you would like to see a forum in your community, give us a call or email:
Tel: 319-337-7290
Email: unaiowa@unaiowa.org.
Scheduled Forums
Oskaloosa, Thursday,
September 4: 7-9:00 pm
Place: McGraw Auditorium
Local Cosponsors:
William Penn University
OSKIOWA Chapter of People to
People International
Oskaloosa Branch of AAUW
Speaker: Greg Markko, Assistant
Professor of Political Science,
William Penn University
Moderator: Linda Wolf
Iowa City, Thursday,
October 2, 7-9:00 pm
Place: Iowa City Public Library, Rm A
Cosponsors: Johnson County UNA
Iowa City Human Rights Commission.
Des Moines, Thursday,
November 20, 7-9:00 pm
Cosponsor: Greater Des Moines Area UNA
Muscatine, Tuesday,
December 2, 7-9:00 pm
Place: Musser Public Library
Cosponsor: Muscatine County League of Women Voters
Cedar Falls, Wednesday
December 10, 7-9:00 pm
Place: AEA267
Cosponsors: Cedar Valley Contact Group UNA
Let us know what you think
Let us know what you think about the global issues that concern you. What would you like to see about the U.N on our webpage. Write your comments on our form below:
Take part in our blog discussions:
Visit our blog for more detailed information and discussion on foreign policy issues.
Welcome
to
Iowa United Nations Association
The Iowa United Nations Association (Iowa UNA) is an advocate for the values and goals of the United Nations -- international peace, respect for human rights, nonviolent conflict resolution, and responsible social and economic development.
The goals of the Iowa UNA are 1) to effect constructive U.S. involvement in the U.N. through education and advocacy, 2) to support responsible development through programs that reach locally, nationally and globally, and 3) to promote peace, understanding and respect by utilizing the capabilities of the U.N.
See About Us for more information
The United Nations (UN) is a place where nations meet to discuss mutual concerns and to cooperate in solving common problems. The United Nations is central to global efforts to solve problems that challenge humanity. Cooperating in this effort are more than 30 affiliated organizations, known together as the UN system. Day in and day out, the UN and its family of organizations work to promote respect for human rights, protect the environment, fight disease and reduce poverty. UN agencies define the standards for safe and efficient air travel and help improve telecommunications and enhance consumer protection. The United Nations leads the international campaigns against drug trafficking and terrorism. Throughout the world, the UN and its agencies assist refugees, set up programmes to clear landmines, help expand food production and lead the fight against AIDS.
See About the UN for more information
The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a center for innovative programs to engage Americans in issues of global concern, from education and HIV/AIDS to peace, security and international law. Its educational and humanitarian campaigns, including teaching students in urban schools, clearing minefields and providing school-based support for children living in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa, allow people to make a global impact at the local level. A not-for-profit organization, UNA-USA encourages United States leadership in the United Nations and is a part of the World Federation of United Nations Associations.
See UNA-USA's website for more information
Copyright © Iowa United Nations Association 2007. All rights reserved.
For comments, please e-mail unaiowa@unaiowa.org