SIXTY years ago this December 10, world leaders declared their commitment to human rights for all by signing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

This pledge for a fairer and more just world for ordinary people emerged as a result of the horrors of the Second World War. It showed great vision by the leaders of that day.

Recently, Amnesty International launched its annual report on the state of the world's human rights.

Sadly, the evidence shows that governments are failing to live up to the promises made in the UDHR.

The 60th anniversary of this declaration is a perfect opportunity for leaders to apologise for past failures and to re-commit themselves to a world in which injustice,inequality and immunity are banished to history.

Over the last year,the world has seen how positive change can be driven by popular protest.

The Amnesty International Hillingdon Group is part of more than two million people who have sought to bring about such change, and we'll continue to play our part.

JANET TYAS,

secretary of Amnesty International Hillingdon Group,

Waterloo Road, Uxbridge.