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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 820 Introduced in House (IH)]

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;
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 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
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the ideals behind the celebration of Human 
        Rights Day and Human Rights Week;
            (2) encourages 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; and
            (3) calls upon the people of the United States to honor the 
        legacy of human rights passed down to us from previous 
        generations with appropriate ceremonies and activities, 
        including--
                    (A) ceremonies and activities increasing awareness 
                of and response to human rights and fundamental 
                freedoms within institutions of learning in the United 
                States; and
                    (B) activities to increase public awareness of and 
                response to human rights, and fundamental freedoms 
                through public education campaigns, radio and 
                television coverage of human rights and fundamental 
                freedoms; and
                    (C) activities encouraging increased activism and 
                advocacy in response to violations of human rights and 
                fundamental freedoms.
                                 <all>
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