[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 240 (Wednesday, December 15, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 74947-74948]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-27575]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 240 / Wednesday, December 15, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 74947]]

                Proclamation 7854 of December 10, 2004

                
Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human 
                Rights Week, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human 
                Rights Week, we celebrate the founding ideals of our 
                Nation and emphasize the importance of protecting human 
                liberty throughout the world.

                As a Nation, we cherish the values of free speech, 
                equality, and religious freedom, and we steadfastly 
                oppose injustice and tyranny. Since the founding of 
                America, the Bill of Rights has protected basic human 
                rights and liberties. In the United States, all 
                citizens have the opportunity to voice their opinions, 
                practice their faith, and enjoy the blessings of 
                freedom.

                After the tragedies of World War II, the United Nations 
                General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of 
                Human Rights as part of a global effort to curb the 
                cruelty and systematic injustice that had destroyed so 
                many lives. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
                affirms the inalienable rights of people everywhere.

                In the time since, progress has been made in ensuring 
                that human dignity is respected, and we have witnessed 
                the rise of democratic governments around the world. No 
                other system of government has done more to protect 
                minorities, secure the rights of labor, raise the 
                status of women, or channel human energy to the 
                pursuits of peace than democracy.

                My Administration continues to encourage free and open 
                societies around the world. In Burma, we have called on 
                the ruling junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi and engage 
                in dialogue to bring democracy to that country. We are 
                helping lead the international effort to end the 
                suffering in Sudan. We seek to help the people of North 
                Korea, who are struggling to survive under severe 
                repression and difficult living conditions, and our 
                Nation continues to stand with those who strive for 
                democracy in Belarus, Cuba, Iran, and Zimbabwe.

                My Administration also has advanced the fight against 
                human trafficking and the abuse and exploitation of 
                women and children, particularly of young girls in the 
                sex trade. In addition, we have expanded our Nation's 
                support for democracy promotion programs globally and 
                have increased the budget for the National Endowment 
                for Democracy to strengthen support for free elections, 
                free markets, free speech, and human rights advocacy 
                around the world.

                Freedom and dignity are God's gift to each man and 
                woman in the world. During this observance, we 
                encourage 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.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2004, as Human 
                Rights Day; December 15, 2004, as Bill of Rights Day; 
                and the week beginning December 10, 2004, as Human 
                Rights Week. I call upon the people of the United 
                States to honor the legacy of human rights passed

[[Page 74948]]

                down to us from previous generations and to mark these 
                observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand four, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-27575
Filed 12-14-04; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P