Quote

Address at the Day of Affirmation at the University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

June 6, 1966

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Cape Town, South Africa

The first element of individual liberty is the freedom of speech; the right to express and communicate ideas . . . above all the right to affirm one’s membership and allegiance to the body politic—to society—the men with whom we share our land, our heritage and our children’s future. Hand in hand with freedom of speech goes the power to be heard—to share in the decisions of government which shape men’s lives. Everything that makes man’s life worthwhile— family, work, education, a place to rear one’s children and a place to rest one’s head—all this depends on decisions of government; all can be swept away by a government which does not heed the demands of its people. Therefore, the essential humanity of men can be protected and preserved only where government must answer—not just to the wealthy; not just to those of a particular religion, or a particular race; but to all its people. And even government by the consent of the governed, as in our own Constitution, must be limited in its power to act against its people; so that there maybe no interference with the right to worship, or with the security of the home; no arbitrary imposition of pains or penalties by officials high or low; no restriction on the freedom of men to seek education or work or opportunity of any kind, so that each man may become all he is capable of becoming.

New year, new us. Same mission.

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is rebranding to honor the legacy of our founder and hero, Mrs. Ethel Skakel Kennedy. From now on, we will proudly be known as the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center

While our name is changing, our mission and work remain the same. We will continue to fight injustice, advance human rights, and hold governments accountable around the world in 2026 and beyond.