Kofi Annan on the UN Declaration of Human Rights

In 1997, Annan was a keynote speaker at the Annual Facing History and Ourselves New York Benefit Dinner. During his address, Annan discussed the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights, which has set an international standard for respect and protection of human rights and dignity, and his belief that deference to the autonomy of individual countries cannot supersede guardianship of individual freedoms.