UNITED NATIONS. Dec 11: In the almost half century since it was adopted tkejjUpjv^rsaJt Declaration of Human Rights has given the world a standard by which tdrnealsifre basif'free-doms. Hillary Rodham Clinton said, reports AP.

But for many women, that standard has not been met. Mrs Clinton said Wednesday at a UN ceremony beginning yearlong celebrations leading up to the 50th anniversary of the passage of the declaration.

Women around the world lack equal rights and free speech, and are denied educational opportunities and Jobs, she said. In parts of the world, they are subjected to ritual cutting of the genitals.

^What meaning can the language of freedom and human rights have for a young woman forced into prostitution and trafficked in the commercial sex trade? What meaning can it have for women forced Into in-

voluntary servitude as sweat-shop workers or domestic servants?" the first lady^isksd.

She said

•util violence "temsmi^hb friost serious, under-reported 'and widespread human rights violations in the world."

Mrs Clinton said, the violence cannot be dismissed as "part of a country's norm."

"We do not believe that violence against women is simply cultural; we believe it is simply criminal." she said.

The first lady and other speakers lauded the declaration, adopted on Dec. 10. 1948. in the aftermath of the Holocaust. as the first international attempt to spell out the basic rights all people are supposed to enjoy, such as equality before the law, the right not to be tortured. and freedom of expression. religion, movement and asylum.

And they lamented how much more heeds to be done.