The ASRT Board of Directors voted at its Fall 2014 meeting to issue a statement expressing the American Society of Radiologic Technologists’ commitment to human rights.

“As the ASRT becomes increasingly involved in educational, professional and business initiatives in the international community, it is important to express our commitment to human rights around the world,” said Chairman of the Board Julie Gill, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(QM).

The statement reads:

As an organization dedicated to the health and well-being of individuals, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is committed to the protection and preservation of human rights worldwide. Therefore, the ASRT Board of Directors endorses the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and supports the promotion of human rights for all people, everywhere. The ASRT believes that governments bear primary responsibility for upholding and safeguarding these rights.

Principles covered by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights include freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom from torture and from cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment; the right to education; and the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being.

In voicing its support for human rights principles, the ASRT joins dozens of health care and medical organizations and hundreds of corporations that have issued human rights statements.

“Our statement aligns well with the code of ethics for radiologic technologists, which states that the principal objective of the profession is to provide services to humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind,” said Dr. Gill. “Respect for the human rights of every individual is fundamental to the practice of radiologic technology.”