(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today released the following statement marking International Human Rights Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the date in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
“The Universal Declaration of Human rights is a transformational document that recognizes the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people.
“This year, we also mark the 75th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials, during which Connecticut Senator Thomas J. Dodd helped bring to justice the Nazi leadership for their war crimes and crimes against humanity. By laying bare these atrocities, the Nuremberg Trials made clear the need for a global commitment to principles of human rights and the hard work to make these aspirations a reality for all.
“This year has particularly demonstrated the need for that commitment and work. The terrible toll the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the entire world is a reminder of the interconnection and interdependence of all of our human rights. As we have seen the communities most impacted by the virus, 2020 has also made clear that we must be relentless in our efforts to address the historic injustices of racism and economic inequality.
“Connecticut is proud of the human rights legacy of Thomas Dodd, and the work of the University of Connecticut to build on that legacy through the Dodd Human Rights Impact initiative. We are also proud of our Commission on Human and Civil Rights as a tireless defender of the equal rights for all of our community members. On this important day, I am proud to reaffirm Connecticut’s commitment to upholding human rights.”