2006年VOA标准英语-US Launches Initiatives on Behalf of Human Righ

By Peter Fedynsky
Washington, D.C.
15 December 2006
 
watch Human Rights report

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has announced initiatives to protect human rights activists¹ worldwide against government repression².  As VOA's Peter Fedynsky reports, the steps come in response to what the State Department calls "a global trend of crackdowns on non-governmental organizations and human rights defenders³."

Secretary Rice at the State Department announcing support for human rights organizations and individuals

Appearing at the State Department Thursday, Secretary Rice announced three human rights initiatives in a new campaign, which coincides with the 58th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  The initiatives consist of:
     - two recognition awards
     - a $1million fund to cover the emergency needs of repressed human rights advocates
     - a set of ten principles to support the work of non-governmental organizations, or NGOs

The secretary said, "We hope that our contribution of the ten NGO principles will help to rally worldwide support for embattled NGOs by serving as a handy resource for governments, international organizations, civil society groups and journalists."

Secretary Rice also recognized the courage and tenacity⁴ of human rights advocates and said democracies must "defend the defenders."  "They strive to protect the rights of minorities and workers and women and to stop the trafficking in human beings. They are building vibrant⁵ civil societies, pressing for free and fair elections, and establishing accountable law-based democracies."

Senior U.S. officials have been critical of Russia for passing laws that restrict the activities of NGOs.  The United States has also singled out Iran for its repressive human rights record.

1 activists   

n.（政治活动的）积极分子，活动家( activist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• His research work was attacked by animal rights activists . 他的研究受到了动物权益维护者的抨击。
• Party activists with lower middle class pedigrees are numerous. 党的激进分子中有很多出身于中产阶级下层。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 repression   

n.镇压，抑制，抑压

参考例句：

• The repression of your true feelings is harmful to your health.压抑你的真实感情有害健康。
• This touched off a new storm against violent repression.这引起了反对暴力镇压的新风暴。

3 defenders   

n.防御者( defender的名词复数 )；守卫者；保护者；辩护者

参考例句：

• The defenders were outnumbered and had to give in. 抵抗者寡不敌众，只能投降。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• After hard fighting,the defenders were still masters of the city. 守军经过奋战仍然控制着城市。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 tenacity   

n.坚韧

参考例句：

• Tenacity is the bridge to success.坚韧是通向成功的桥。
• The athletes displayed great tenacity throughout the contest.运动员在比赛中表现出坚韧的斗志。

5 vibrant   

adj.震颤的，响亮的，充满活力的，精力充沛的，(色彩)鲜明的

参考例句：

• He always uses vibrant colours in his paintings. 他在画中总是使用鲜明的色彩。
• She gave a vibrant performance in the leading role in the school play.她在学校表演中生气盎然地扮演了主角。