Spindelegger: "Worldwide protection of human rights is a
cornerstone of Austrian foreign policy" Foreign Minister on the
International Human Rights Day Vienna, 9 December 2009 –
"Committed men and women in many parts of the world are still
persecuted when they stand up against despotism, for the rights
of the weakest in society, or for the protection of minorities.
Their courage and their readiness to risk their lives to protect
the rights of others deserves recognition and requires our full
support", said Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger in
connection with tomorrow’s International Human Rights Day. "The
consistent advocacy for the worldwide respect and protection of
human rights is a cornerstone of Austrian foreign policy. We
place our particular focus on the rights of women and children,
persecuted minorities, and human rights defenders. To
effectively protect their rights, we are using all available
forums such as the EU, the United Nations, the Council of
Europe, or the OSCE", said the Foreign Minist