Global Concerns

UU UN Office Takes Lead on Human Rights

The Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office promotes the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all, as reflected in the United Nations Charter. Through targeted education, advocacy and outreach, UUUNO engages Unitarian Universalists in support of international cooperation and the work of the United Nations.

As an example of what they do, the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office played a path-breaking role in the recent human rights conference in Paris, sponsored by the UN's Department of Public Information and presented in cooperation with the many nongovernmental organizations in consultative status at the UN. Held to commemorate the signing in Paris in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the event is cosponsored by UNESCO, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Government of France.

Titled "Reaffirming Human Rights for All: the Universal Declaration at 60, the conference was held September 3 - 5 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

Bruce Knotts, UU-UNO Executive Director, a member of the conference's subcommittee on outreach, was struck by the omission of gays and lesbians among those whose rights are threatened around the world Leaving aside the question of same sex marriage or other actions that run up against strong religious and cultural norms, Knotts pointed to gross violations of rights that ought to trouble anyone-torture, murder, execution, rape, arbitrary arrest, and beatings. "No culture or religion can condone these crimes, he argued. “Human rights inhere in all, not just majorities.”

Knotts' objection carried the day and, for the first time at any UN conference, LGBT issues were squarely on the agenda in Paris. Moreover, Knotts was named LGBT Caucus Coordinator for the conference; he moderated a panel discussion on the Yogyakarta Principles, which apply existing international law to issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity; and he co-moderated a breakout session todiscuss issues related to all communities not normally heard at the United Nations.

We invite membership and friends to join with us as we prepare for United Nations Day, October 19, commemorating the founding in October 24,1945.

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The Unitarian Society of Germantown, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, serves the communities of Abington (zip code 19001), Ambler (zip code 19002), Elkins Park (zip code 19027), Glenside (zip code 19038), Jenkintown (zip code 19046), Merion Station (zip code 19066), Narberth (zip code 19072), Oreland (zip code 19075), Havertown (zip code 19083), Wyncote (zip code 19095), Wynnewood (zip code 19096), Philadelphia Chestnut Hill (zip code 19118), Wyndmoor (zip code 19118), Philadelphia Mt. Airy (zip code 19119), Philadelphia Roxborough (zip code 19128), Philadelphia East Falls (zip code 19129), Philadelphia Spring Garden (zip code 19130), Philadelphia Fairmount (zip code 19130), Philadelphia Wynnefield (zip code 19131), Philadelphia Germantown (zip code 19144), Blue Bell (zip code 19422), Gwyned (zip code 19436, Lansdale (zip code 19446), Bala Cynwyd (zip code 19004), Lafayette Hill (zip code 19444), Melrose Park (zip code 19027), Roslyn (zip code 19001), Rydan (zip code 19046), Laverock (zip code 19038), Plymouth Meeting (zip code 19462) , Flourtown (zip code 19031), Erdenheim, Cheltenham (zip code 19012), and Ft. Washington (zip code 19034). Visitors from any other location are equally welcome.