HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, personal freedom and international peace are recognized as an inalienable right of all members of the society of man; and

WHEREAS, fulfilling this potential can be assisted through the mutual cooperation and helpfulness of the people of the world; and

WHEREAS, the fundamental human rights in a democratic society include the right to be free and equal in dignity; to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; to join and participate in free trade unions and to participate in the government of his/her country directly or through freely-chosen representatives; and

WHEREAS, basic human rights cannot prosper under oppressive totalitarian regimes, and no human being should be subjected to torture; to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile; to interference with privacy, family, home or correspondence; to attacks upon his/her honor and reputation; and

WHEREAS, the struggle for basic human rights has been in the spotlight in totalitarian, Communist regimes such as the Soviet Union, Poland, Czechoslovakia and in authoritarian dictatorships such as South Africa, Rhodesia, Chile, Argentina, Uganda and elsewhere; and

WHEREAS, the resurgence of support for human rights by the United States has rekindled hope for peace, freedom and the pursuit of happiness among the op­pressed people of the world:

RESOLVED, that the struggle for human rights at home and abroad has and will be a major concern of the American Federation of Teachers, and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers seek all possible avenues to:

• Encourage and support trade unionism free of governmental control.

• Strongly urge the continuation of the United States government's active and vocal commitment for basic human rights in the world.

• Allow no excuse for supporting repressive governments solely for economic reasons.

• Publicize disregard for human rights whenever it occurs at home or abroad; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers commend President Carter and those individuals, organizations and countries making positive efforts to promote and achieve basic human rights.