Nicolas is free to believe Nicolas Lucas performs the ancient rituals of his people. Many Mayan priests like Nicolas have been persecuted for their beliefs. The UN works to ensure the Human Rights of all Indigenous Peoples. (Click for larger poster)

"As Secretary General I have made human rights a priority in every programme the United Nations launches and in every mission we embark upon. I have done so because the promotion and defence of human rights is at the heart of every aspect of our work and every article of our Charter. Above all, I believe human rights are at the core of our sacred bond with the peoples of the United Nations. Kofi Annan, "The Question of Intervention," 1999

Vital Statistics 

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted unanimously in 1948 and translated into over 300 national and local languages, is the best known and most cited human rights document in the world.

• More than 80 international human rights instruments have been created since then.

• The office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN official with principal responsibility for human rights activities, receives reports of over 200,000 violations per year.

• In 1998, a statute creating an International Criminal Court was adopted. Over 100 Member States signed it through April 2000. 

• The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has set up a fax hot line for receiving complaints of violations of human rights. The fax number in Geneva is 41-22-917-9018.