[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 2, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S1145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 9--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THE
DESIGNATION OF THE YEAR OF 2011 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR FOR PEOPLE OF
AFRICAN DESCENT
Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Mr. Wicker) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Con Res. 9
Whereas United Nations Resolution 64/169, adopted by the
General Assembly on December 18, 2009, designates the year
2011 as the ``International Year for People of African
Descent'';
Whereas the African Diaspora is expansive, spanning across
the globe from Latin America and the Caribbean to Asia, with
persons of African descent living on every continent,
including Europe;
Whereas the historical bonds and shared experiences that
tie the African continent with the world must be recalled;
Whereas the global contributions of people of African
descent must be recognized as a means of preserving that
heritage;
Whereas the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted
Resolution 64/169 with a view to strengthening national
actions and regional and international cooperation for the
benefit of people of African descent in relation to--
(1) the full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social,
civil, and political rights for people of African descent;
(2) the participation and integration of people of African
descent in all political, economic, social, and cultural
aspects of society; and
(3) the promotion of greater knowledge of, and respect for,
the diverse heritage and culture of people of African
descent; and
Whereas the Helsinki Final Act resulting from the
Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1975
states that ``participating States will respect human rights
and fundamental freedoms (. . .) for all without distinction
as to race, sex, language, or religion;'': Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That Congress--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of the designation of the
year of 2011 as the International Year for People of African
Descent;
(2) encourages the recognition and celebration of the
collective history and achievements made by people of African
descent;
(3) reaffirms the importance of inclusion and the full and
equal participation of people of African descent around the
world in all aspects of political, economic, social, and
cultural life;
(4) continues to support bilateral and multilateral efforts
to promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the
eradication of poverty, hunger, inequality, and social
exclusion; and
(5) reaffirms the commitment of Congress to address racism,
discrimination, and intolerance in the United States and
around the globe.
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today at the close of Black History
Month to introduce this concurrent resolution that supports the
continued recognition of persons of African descent throughout the year
both here and abroad. This resolution commemorates the United Nations
designation of 2011 as the International Year for People of African
Descent such that we can continue to honor and recognize the
contributions of African-Americans and others to our societies beyond
Black History Month.
On December 10, 2010, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon launched the
International Year for People of African Descent to ``promote greater
awareness of and respect for the diverse heritage and culture of people
of African descent.''
We should view this year not only as an opportunity to celebrate the
diversity of our societies, but also to honor the vast contributions
persons of African descent make every day to the economic, social and
political fabric of our communities--be they in Africa, Latin America,
Europe, or right here at home in the United States.
It is also necessary that we recognize the global impact of the slave
trade. As Secretary Hillary Clinton noted in her recognition of this
year, ``[this is a time] to remember our hemisphere's shameful history
of slavery and to reaffirm our commitment to eradicate racism and
reduce inequality wherever it lingers.''
All too often, persons of African descent in this country and abroad
face discrimination and disadvantage. We must not only do more at home,
but also partner with others around the globe to address these
problems.
In the Senate, I have led efforts to strengthen the civil rights of
African-Americans and others from hate crimes prevention to voting
rights. As Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I have worked to
support the ideals enshrined in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act to
``respect human rights and fundamental freedoms . . . for all without
distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.''
This has included supporting efforts to raise awareness of the
specific situation of the estimated seven to nine million persons of
African descent in Europe following increased incidents of hate crimes,
racial profiling, and other forms of discrimination amidst economic
crisis, national security, and immigration concerns.
As we mark the International Year for People of African Descent, I
ask that you join me in my work promoting equality, opportunity,
understanding, and respect at home and around the world.
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