IV 

109TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 820 

Expressing support for the celebration of ‘‘Human Rights Day’’ and ‘‘Human 

Rights Week’’. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

MAY 18, 2006 

Mr. SHERMAN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee 

on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the 

Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within 

the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for the celebration of ‘‘Human Rights 

Day’’ and ‘‘Human Rights Week’’. 

Whereas the founding ideals of our Nation emphasize the importance of protecting human liberty throughout the 

world; 

Whereas as a Nation, we cherish the values of free speech, 

equality, and religious freedom, and steadfastly oppose 

injustice and tyranny; 

Whereas the Bill of Rights has protected basic human rights 

and liberties since the founding of the United States; 


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Whereas the Constitution reflects our Founders’ knowledge of 

history and government as well as their own experiences 

related to human rights in their time; 

Whereas, in the United States, all citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions, practice their faith, and 

enjoy the blessings of freedom; 

Whereas the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 

Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 

1948, in response to the tragedies of World War II; 

Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms 

the inalienable rights of people everywhere; 

Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was 

part of a global effort to curb systemic cruelty and injustice; 

Whereas human rights awareness is essential to the realization of fundamental freedoms and contributes to promoting equality, preventing conflict and human rights 

violations, and enhancing participation in democratic 

processes; 

Whereas progress has been made in ensuring that human 

dignity is respected, and we have witnessed the rise of 

democratic governments around the world; 

Whereas no other system of government has done more to 

protect minorities, secure the rights of labor, improve the 

status of women, or channel human energy to the pursuits of peace than democracy; 

Whereas freedom and dignity are gifts to each man and 

woman in the world; 

Whereas the Department of State has declared that a central 

goal of United States foreign policy is the promotion of 


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respect for human rights, as embodied in the Universal 

Declaration of Human Rights; and 

Whereas December 10th of each year is recognized as 

Human Rights Day and that week is recognized as 

Human Rights Week: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the ideals behind the celebration of 

3 Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week; 

4 (2) encourages all nations to continue working 

5 towards freedom, peace, and security, which can be 

6 achieved only through democracy, respect for human 

7 rights, and the rule of law; and 

8 (3) calls upon the people of the United States 

9 to honor the legacy of human rights passed down to 

10 us from previous generations with appropriate cere11 monies and activities, including— 

12 (A) ceremonies and activities increasing 

13 awareness of and response to human rights and 

14 fundamental freedoms within institutions of 

15 learning in the United States; and 

16 (B) activities to increase public awareness 

17 of and response to human rights, and funda18 mental freedoms through public education cam19 paigns, radio and television coverage of human 

20 rights and fundamental freedoms; and 


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1 (C) activities encouraging increased activ2 ism and advocacy in response to violations of 

3 human rights and fundamental freedoms. 

Æ 


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