[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 332 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 332


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 11, 2008

      Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human 
                                Rights.

Whereas the United Nations Charter sought to establish an international forum to 
        ``save succeeding generations from the scourge of war..., reaffirm faith 
        in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human 
        person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and 
        small...'';
Whereas, through manifold works of generosity, the people of the United States 
        exemplify a noble conviction that the deepest yearnings of the human 
        heart for respect and dignity transcend political, ethnic, and religious 
        differences;
Whereas the people of the United States continue to inspire their leaders to 
        prioritize endeavors which bring hope and healing to those in need 
        throughout the world;
Whereas the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration 
        of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, as a ``common standard of 
        achievement for all peoples and nations...'';
Whereas the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, 
        ``...recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and 
        inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation 
        of freedom, justice, and peace in the world...'';
Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets forth a common 
        understanding of universal rights and freedoms and the notion that these 
        cannot be created and are neither conferred by countries nor by 
        governments, but rather are inalienable rights and freedoms with which 
        all human persons are endowed by their very nature;
Whereas, Eleanor Roosevelt, who led the United States delegation to the first 
        Commission on Human Rights, was responsible for drafting the Universal 
        Declaration of Human Rights and in recognition of her unparalleled 
        humanitarian conviction, was elected as Chairwoman of the Commission; 
        Eleanor Roosevelt expressed her vision of a declaration of true 
        universality with enduring principles that would be perpetually 
        recognized by all nations when she stated, as she submitted the 
        Universal Declaration of Human Rights for consideration by the United 
        Nations General Assembly, ``We stand today at the threshold of a great 
        event both in the life of the United Nations and in the life of mankind. 
        This declaration may well become the international Magna Carta for all 
        men everywhere.''; and
Whereas United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted on Human Rights Day 
        2007, that ``[i]t is our duty to ensure that these rights are a living 
        reality - that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, 
        everywhere'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) recognizes on its 60th anniversary year the Universal 
        Declaration of Human Rights as a singular achievement of the 
        community of nations;
            (2) recognizes the contribution in the Declaration of 
        Independence and the United States Constitution to the 
        development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and 
        the role of the United States in preserving the legacy of these 
        foundational human rights precepts through its participation in 
        the United Nations;
            (3) urges all United Nations Member States to renew their 
        commitment to uphold and promote the transcendent principles of 
        human dignity enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human 
        Rights, especially on behalf of the world's most vulnerable 
        persons and those who have no power to advocate on their own 
        behalf; and
            (4) joins with colleagues inspired by the spirit of 
        goodwill in parliaments throughout the world in seeking to 
        guide the United Nations and its agencies to serve as effective 
        instruments of genuine and lasting justice and peace among 
        nations.

            Passed the House of Representatives June 10, 2008.

            Attest:

                                            LORRAINE C. MILLER,

                                                                 Clerk.