The Reagan Administration has pledged to exercize “even-handedly” cases among countries of the world, including U. S. lies as well as the Soviet e.
It spelled out the policy in an annual report, required by Congress, on global human rights conditions.
Abuses cited by the report included (1) an increase in torture and killings in Central America by guerrillas, rightists and government troops; (2) holding of some 10,000 dissidents in Soviet jails, exile or labor camps, and (3) arrest of 6,000 people in Poland’s military crackdown.
In another action, three U.S. representatives Thomas E. Petri. R-Wis., Joel Pritchard, R-Wash., and Elliot H. Levitas, D-Ga. – have called on Congress to adopt a resolution asking the President to declare March 21 as Afghanistan Day to salute that tiny country for its resistance against the Soviet Union’s invasion and abuse of Afghan rights.
“In the two-plus years since Soviet forces moved into Afghanistan in violation of all norms of international conduct. the people of Afghanistan have suffered terribly,” said Pritchard.
“Over 2 1/2 million Afghans have fled their own country – 15 percent of the nation’s population. Those who remain have bravely resisted the occupation … The freedom fighters of Afghanistan are an inspiration to free people everywhere.”
Yet, as Pritchard noted, there is a danger that time will erase Afghanistan from the world’s conscience. The free world must not let that happen.
On Dec. 16, the European Parliament passed a resolution proclaiming March 21 start of the new year in Afghanistan, for the commemoration. It is fitting that the U. S. join in this salute to the Afghan struggle for freedom and in condemnation of Soviet aggression.
President Reagan has endorsed the observance and the State Department has agreed to coordinate private groups wishing to participate.
Americans traditionally have cherished freedom and condemned tyranny. We have the double opportunity now to back the Administration in its pledge to expose human rights violations everywhere and to encourage the people of Afghanistan in their struggle against oppression.