109 HRES 820 IH: Expressing support for the celebration of U.S. House of Representatives 2006-05-18 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 109th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 820 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

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.