U.N. Judge to ABA: Values and Principles Are Strongest Weapon Against Our Enemies

Thomas Buergenthal, the U.S. Judge on the United Nations International Court of Justice, urged the United States to strengthen its stance on human rights issues.
Speaking at the Center for Human Rights annual luncheon on Monday, Feb. 11, Thomas Buergenthal, the U.S. Judge on the United Nations International Court of Justice, reflected on the reputation of the United States in the world community.  Buergenthal focused on how negative attitudes have been shaped in response to the practice of rendition, actions in Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib, and the dismissal by the U.S. of the core philosophy of the Geneva Conventions.  He called on lawyers and the American Bar Association to foster democratic values, the independent judiciary, the free press and to continue to contribute to the development and strengthening of these values and principles — which he called our strongest weapon against those who are trying to destroy us. 

To read the full transcript of Buergenthal’s speech, click here.