"Human rights are an essential element of American global foreign policy," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a statement. "With others, we will engage in the work of improving the U.N. human rights system. . . . We believe every nation must live by and help shape global rules that ensure people enjoy the right to live freely and participate fully in their societies."

"Human rights are an essential element of American global foreign policy," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a statement. "With others, we will engage in the work of improving the U.N. human rights system. . . . We believe every nation must live by and help shape global rules that ensure people enjoy the right to live freely and participate fully in their societies."

TAMPA - Four Hillsborough County residents, including Clerk of the Circuit Court Pat Frank, were honored today as advocates for human rights.

Frank won the Hank Warren Award, given to an elected or appointed official each year by the Tampa/Hillsborough County Human Rights Council for supporting legislation or policies furthering opportunities in health care, education and housing and public accommodations.