The Constitution and the Bill of Rights incorporate fundamental international human rights as part of our law. In interpreting the Bill of Rights, our courts must consider international law. Our country has therefore given its full and unequivocal support to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We have signed all of the main international and regional human rights treaties. But there is still much more to do.
Widespread poverty inhibits the full and effective enjoyment of human rights.
The huge gap between the rich and the poor, between the haves and the have-nots, which coincides with race, threatens the existence and survival of our democracy. We must alleviate it immediately and eradicate it as soon as possible. This is why this National Action Plan is so important. It is a serious effort on the part of our government to address the legacy of the past by implementing practical and attainable plans for the protection and promotion of human rights. Our present government was not in existence at the time of the World Conference, but members of our present government were invited to attend as special delegates.