As the world marks Human Rights Day on December 10, calls for dignity for every man, woman and child resound from Damascus to Bogotá, from Sarajevo to Kinshasa, from Dhaka to New York. It is this thirst for justice in each of us that continues to drive the struggle against oppression and mass atrocity. It is the need for dignity that fortifies our insistence on truth, accountability, redress, and remembrance. This day is an occasion to pay tribute to all those around the world who have suffered and continue to suffer injustice and persecution in their pursuit of dignity. At the same time, today serves as a reminder to all who foolishly believe that human rights abuse can be committed with impunity. We know that the struggle for a just society is a long and difficult one, but calls for justice and dignity will not be silenced and will continue to grow stronger with every passing day.

-- David Tolbert, ICTJ president