Fraternity-Testvériség, 1977 (55. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1977-07-01 / 3. szám
HUMAN RIGHTS “The search for peace and justice also means respect for human dignity. All the signatories of the UN Charter have pledged themselves to observe and to respect basic human rights. Thus, no member of the United Nations can claim that mistreatment of its citizens is solely its own business. Equally, no member can avoid its responsibilities to review and to speak when torture or unwarranted deprivation occurs in any part of the world. The basic thrust of human affairs points toward a more universal demand for fundamental human rights. The United States has a historical birthright to be associated with this process. We in the United States accept this responsibility in the fullest and the most constructive sense. Ours is a commitment and not just a political posture. I know perhaps as well as anyone that our own ideals in the area of human rights have not always been attained in the United States, but the American people have an abiding commitment to the full realization of these ideals. And we are determined, therefore, to deal with our deficiencies quickly and openly. We have nothing to conceal. To demonstrate this commitment, I will seek congressional approval and sign the UN Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. And I will work closely with our own Congress in seeking to support the ratification not only of these two instruments but the UN Genocide Convention and the Treaty for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination as well....” United Nations March 17, 1977 —President Carter 2 DEVELOPMENTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS FOR HUNGARIANS IN RUMANIA Almost a thousand Hungarians participated in the demonstration sponsored by the Committee for Human Rights in Rumania held on July 18 in Washington, D. C. The demonstrators assembled at the Washington Monument at noon, walked via the White House to the Capitol in a praiseworthy orderly and disciplined manner. The program started at the Capitol Hill West with the American-Hungarian National Anthems and the opening prayer. Many members of the Congress addressed the crowd. The speakers emphasized the principles of Human Rights. A 40 page statement was prepared by the Committee for Human Rights in Rumania supplementing the oral testimony of László Hamos. Copies were given to the members of the Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means U. S. House of Representatives at the hearings on continuing the most favored nation tariff treatment of imports for Rumania. The opening prayer of President Arpad George at the Capitol: Almighty God, the Lord of Lords and the heavenly Father of all nations and people, we thank Thee for the privilege of living in our beloved country, the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” We humbly ask Thee to look in favor upon the President of the United States and all others in authority granting them Thy divine guidance, counsel and encouragement to remain staunch supporters of human rights and torchbearers of liberty. May this large gathering be a testimony of our undivided love, confident faith and sacred trust that we have placed in our beloved President, the champion of human rights for all nations and all people. May our country ever remain a beacon of hope for FRATERNITY Official Organ of The Hungarian Reformed Fed. of America Edited by Officers of the Federation Published quarterly — four times a year. Subscription for non-members in U.S.A. and Canada $2, elsewhere $3 a year. Office of Publication: Bethlen Press, Inc., Ligonier, Pa. 15658 POSTMASTER—Send Form 3579 to Editorial Office: 3216 New Mexico Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016. Telephone: (202) 244-7555. Editorial Committee: Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor— Rt. Rev. Arpad George, President Associate Editors— László L. Eszenyi, Executive Vice-President, Elmer E. Vargo, Secretary, Joseph S. Molnár, Treasurer. Second Class Postage Paid at the Post Office in Ligonier, Pa. 15658.
