On Dec. 10, 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations, led by the United States, proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights “as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.” I sent a copy of that document to President Donald Trump with this note:

“Dear President Trump,

“Happy Fourth of July! I thought this was a good day to send you a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, since it seems that you are unaware of its important contents. Please note in particular Article 5, ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,’ and Article 14, ‘Everyone has the right to seek and enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.’

“Please take these rights, which the United States has agreed to, seriously, and apply them to the unfortunate men, women and children seeking asylum at our southern border.”

Ruth E. Robison

President, United Nations Association, USA, Hawaii Island Chapter

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