Presidential Documents

74947

Federal Register 

Vol. 69, No. 240

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 7854 of December 10, 2004

Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights 

Week, 2004

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, 

we celebrate the founding ideals of our Nation and emphasize the importance 

of protecting human liberty throughout the world. 

As a Nation, we cherish the values of free speech, equality, and religious 

freedom, and we steadfastly oppose injustice and tyranny. Since the founding 

of America, the Bill of Rights has protected basic human rights and liberties. 

In the United States, all citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions, 

practice their faith, and enjoy the blessings of freedom. 

After the tragedies of World War II, the United Nations General Assembly 

adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as part of a global 

effort to curb the cruelty and systematic injustice that had destroyed so 

many lives. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the inalienable rights of people everywhere. 

In the time since, progress has been made in ensuring that human dignity 

is respected, and we have witnessed the rise of democratic governments 

around the world. No other system of government has done more to protect 

minorities, secure the rights of labor, raise the status of women, or channel 

human energy to the pursuits of peace than democracy. 

My Administration continues to encourage free and open societies around 

the world. In Burma, we have called on the ruling junta to release Aung 

San Suu Kyi and engage in dialogue to bring democracy to that country. 

We are helping lead the international effort to end the suffering in Sudan. 

We seek to help the people of North Korea, who are struggling to survive 

under severe repression and difficult living conditions, and our Nation continues to stand with those who strive for democracy in Belarus, Cuba, 

Iran, and Zimbabwe. 

My Administration also has advanced the fight against human trafficking 

and the abuse and exploitation of women and children, particularly of 

young girls in the sex trade. In addition, we have expanded our Nation’s 

support for democracy promotion programs globally and have increased 

the budget for the National Endowment for Democracy to strengthen support 

for free elections, free markets, free speech, and human rights advocacy 

around the world. 

Freedom and dignity are God’s gift to each man and woman in the world. 

During this observance, we encourage all nations to continue working towards 

freedom, peace, and security, which can be achieved only through democracy, 

respect for human rights, and the rule of law. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2004, 

as Human Rights Day; December 15, 2004, as Bill of Rights Day; and the 

week beginning December 10, 2004, as Human Rights Week. I call upon 

the people of the United States to honor the legacy of human rights passed 

74948 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 240 / Wednesday, December 15, 2004 / Presidential Documents 

down to us from previous generations and to mark these observances with 

appropriate ceremonies and activities. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of 

December, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the IndependBilling code 3195

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ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

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