Civil Liberties

Civil liberties are human rights

Guaranteed to every individual, civil liberties are rights that assure equal participation in government processes and provide protection from arbitrary intrusions. These rights are fundamental to the defense of all rights and the exercise of democratic processes — the ways in which democratic government is enjoyed, exercised, defended, and upheld. Civil liberties must be applied to and enjoyed by all, regardless of race, class, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, or immigration status.

Youth Activists in the Middle East and North Africa

UUSC works on civil liberties at a regional level in the Middle East as well as at a national level in Egypt and Tunisia. Partnering with grassroots organizations, UUSC seeks to develop the capacity of youth leaders advancing a progressive agenda for open, participatory democracies and to bolster networks of young activists working to effectively educate and engage others on these issues.
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Racial and Religious Profiling

Profiling by law enforcement and government officials affects many groups, including African Americans, Latinos, and Muslims. UUSC works with its Unitarian Universalist constituents and civil-rights activists to ensure protections from profiling for these vulnerable groups at a local level and state level.
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Accountability for U.S. Torture and Survivor Support

The right to be free from torture is one of the most fundamental human rights recognized by the global community. UUSC supports grassroots efforts to call for U.S. government accountability on torture to ensure our country never again authorizes the use of torture.  UUSC also works to enable survivors to access the resources needed to heal and speak out about their experiences.
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Featured stories about civil liberties