Patricia Derian

Patt Derian and Jimmy Carter

Patricia Derian (August 12, 1929 – May 20, 2016) was an influential American civil rights activist and diplomat who played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in regard to human rights during the Carter administration. Born in New York City, Derian's career spanned various facets of civil rights advocacy and political involvement, culminating in her appointment as the first Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs in 1977.

Early Life and Education

Patricia Murphy Derian was born into a family with a strong sense of social justice. She pursued her education at the University of Virginia, where she became deeply involved in civil rights activities. This early involvement laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to human rights and social justice causes.

Career

Derian's career in civil rights began in the early 1960s when she moved to Mississippi, a state at the forefront of the civil rights struggle in the United States. There, she worked with the Civil Rights Movement, participating in voter registration drives and advocating for the rights of African Americans. Her work in Mississippi brought her into contact with many leading figures of the civil rights movement, further fueling her commitment to the cause.

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed Derian as the Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, a position created in response to growing international concern over human rights abuses. In this role, Derian was instrumental in integrating human rights into U.S. foreign policy, a move that marked a significant shift in how the United States engaged with other nations. She was known for her outspoken criticism of governments that violated human rights, regardless of their political alignment with the United States, and she played a key role in the formulation of the Foreign Assistance Act, which tied U.S. foreign aid to the recipient country's human rights record.

Legacy

Patricia Derian's work had a profound impact on the field of human rights, both within the United States and internationally. Her efforts to make human rights a central element of U.S. foreign policy left a lasting legacy, influencing subsequent administrations to consider human rights issues in their foreign policy decisions. Derian's commitment to social justice and human rights has been recognized through various awards and honors, reflecting her significant contributions to the field.

Death

Patricia Derian passed away on May 20, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and dedication to human rights. Her life's work continues to inspire new generations of activists and policymakers in the pursuit of justice and equality.

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