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SECRETARY CLINTON: I am delighted to join Human Rights First in welcoming human rights
defenders from around the world. I am so touched that you have chosen to honor Ambassador Chris
Stevens with the Beacon Award. Chris stood up for human rights in the best possible way
-- through the power of his own example. And to his family, once again I thank you
for the service and sacrifice of your son who was so well-loved, literally around the
world. And congratulations. This award would have meant so much to Chris.
Because as Chris knew — and as alot of you know — promoting human rights is risky work.
You put yourselves in harm's way because you know that respecting universal rights
and freedoms is what makes it possible for people everywhere to live with dignity, to
have a say in the decisions that affect their lives, to try to improve those lives and their
communities. And the United States supports you in this.
Advancing human rights is essential to our foreign policy. It's not only the right
thing to do, but it also promotes national security and international stability. Societies
that deny their people these rights and freedoms are on the wrong side of history. They're
making the wrong bet.
So thank you. Thank you for all you do to hold all governments accountable for living
up to universal human rights standards. Your work helps advance freedom and dignity, and
makes the world a more just, more peaceful place.