United States Ambassador Peter Burleigh spoke out Monday against the Taliban’s brutal treatment of Afghan women.
“The world simply will not accept a government that denies women their human rights, including access to education, health care, and employment,” Burleigh said in a statement marking the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Burleigh also noted a remark made by U.N. Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson in a recent report. Robinson stated that violations “continue to dominate the international agenda” and “the international community often appears unwilling or unable to act.”
While acknowledging that the U.S. is “well aware” of its own shortcomings, Burleigh made a pledge to continue fighting for human rights both at home and abroad.
“It may often be difficult, but the cause is too great,” said Burleigh in a speech about human rights. “The world together must continue to fight for human rights for all.”
Burleigh also identified Iraq, Cuba, and several other nations as prominent violators of human rights.
