In a statement released to mark Human Rights Day, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recognized two champions of human rights, Maksharip Aushev of Russia (honored posthumously) and Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia. Aushev was an activist and independent website editor who bravely shone a spotlight on human rights abuses in Russia’s North Caucasus; he was killed in late October after unknown assailants fired more than 60 bullets into his car. Ambassador Yovanovitch was recognized for her “principled leadership and innovative use of a full range of diplomatic tools” to pursue due process of those arrested after the 2008 contentious national elections in Armenia.

Secretary Clinton said that while she honors two extraordinary defenders of human rights as we celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she also looks to recognize “the many quiet heroes around the world who have also stood up for human rights this year, often against great odds and at high personal risk.” She went on to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to global human rights:

“The human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration are the birthright of every human being. They are the basis of human dignity, and they underpin international peace and progress.”

Secretary Clinton Honors Champions of Human Rights - Marks International Human Rights Day -U.S. Department of State, Press Release