Rights Day.

Held by the campaigning human rights group Amnesty International, the ecumenical service marked the anniversary of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the basis of Bermuda's own law on the subject.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan told the gathering at St. Andrews Presbyterian church in Hamilton it was sad, especially in the festive season, to see so many people denied food, freedom and basic rights around the world.

"In Bermuda we are fortunate to live in a democracy -- in a land of peace and plenty,'' he said.

"We take for granted our freedoms and comfortable way of life, and automatically assume that atrocities against individuals only occur in the less developed part of the world.

"But here, in the midst of our abundance, we need to be ever vigilant about upholding the human rights of those around us.'' Discrimination, disregard for privacy and disrespect were all human rights violations, he added.

"I am proud of the significant steps taken in this country to respond to the human rights of various minority groups -- the disabled, the elderly, women and children -- and I am encouraged by the community's response to these measures.'' Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade read from the Bible and his environment spokesman Mr. Julian Hall sang a solo hymn.

LIGHT OF HOPE -- Tristan Richardson, 7, and Mrs. Marie MacDougall of Dellwood Primary School light an Amnesty International candle, symbolising the hopes of those denied human rights around the world, at yesterday's Human Rights Day service.