In the wake of the horrors of the Second World War the fledgling United Nations formed a committee to prepare a document on universal rights of all mankind.

On February 16, 1946 Eleanor Roosevelt, the widow of the wartime American president, was named to lead the committee which led to Resolution 217a signed on December 10 1948.

Yesterday Amnesty International Bermuda held a reading of the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by prominent Bermudians from a variety of organisations.

And each signed a Book of Dedication declaring their commitment to the Declaration and at least one of its articles.

Keynote speaker and former chairperson of AI Bermuda, Clare Hatcher, told the lunchtime gathering on the steps of City Hall the Declaration was "aimed at setting standards by which a fairer, better, and kinder world could be created''.

She noted that the Amnesty campaign will continue to work with governments on the issue of human rights, but also urged individuals worldwide to make a personal commitment to one of the articles and make it a part of their lives.

Ms Hatcher explained the AI Campaign has four aims of commemoration, celebration, education, and action.

Amnesty has chosen Bob Marley and the Wailers' song "Get Up, Stand Up'' as the theme for the four aims and have used the slogan "Get up, Sign Up'' to encourage people to get involved.

Ms Hatcher encouraged everyone to sign the personal pledge to the principles, and ask an Amnesty member how to begin to "stand up'' for human rights and commit oneself to making a difference.

Ms Hatcher told the audience: "A positive action is better than a negative thought.'' South Africa refused to sign the Declaration in 1948, but the first President after Apartheid, Nelson Mandela, made a point of signing the declaration and rededicating himself to its principles.

Yesterday, the readers included Section Director of AI Bermuda LeYoni Junos, Premier Pamela Gordon, Shadow Finance Minister Eugene Cox, and the Bishop of Bermuda Ewen Ratteray.

Also included were senior civil servants, heads of charities and social groups including Eva Hodgson of the National Association for Reconciliation, June Augustus of the Physical Abuse Centre, Jo-Ann Curnow of the Women's Resource Centre, and Michael Pacheco of the Portuguese Bermudian Association.

AI Bermuda will continue its pledge campaign throughout the year at its own events, and hope to receive permission to canvass the House of Assembly on Friday.