Human Rights as the Missing Link in U.S. Foreign Policy: Justice, Politics and Publicity.

This paper argues that principles proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights are the best political, social and economic framework for U.S. foreign policy. Since the end of World War II, international organizations accept human rights as the minimum standards for conduct for individuals and societies within states, and between countries. The U.S., however, having abstained in the UN vote, only endorses civic liberties through its foundational documentsâ€"the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights--does not recognize the authority of foreign institutions and legal experts to define appropriate conduct at home and abroad. From self-interest, the American establishment does not abide by the demands for justice, equality and empowerment of the needy enshrined in social, economic and cultural rights respected by the rest of the world. The agenda of human rights defenders in the U.S. should be to familiarize Americans with these concerns through legitimizing international conventions on issues such as labor rights, protection of children and the treatment of immigrants, in view to a foreign policy that espouses such goals. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]