FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — May 12, 2009

OLYMPIA — Today, Gov. Gregoire signed the University of Washington (UW) Center for Human Rights into law. Sen. Paull H. Shin, D–Edmonds, sponsored Senate Bill 5172 that creates the Center.

The UW already houses a highly respected law and society center. The Human Rights Center will provide an interdisciplinary location for research, policy analysis, and dialogue specifically on human rights.

Key substantive issues for the Center include the rights of all persons to have security

against violence; the rights of immigrants, Native Americans and ethnic or religious minorities; human rights and the environment; health as a human right; human rights and trade; the human rights of working people; and women's rights as human rights.

“It is now more important than ever to understand our neighbors, especially our differences,” said Shin. “Focusing discussion on all the aspects of human rights will encourage greater acceptance in our professional careers.”

Official creation of the Center allows UW to seek funding from private donors — no state money will be used.

# # #

For more information: Alison Dempsey-Hall, 360-786-7887

For interviews: Sen. Paull Shin, 425-673-1393