[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 241 (Monday, December 16, 2013)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76029-76030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29913]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 241 / Monday, December 16, 2013 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 76029]]

                Proclamation 9069 of December 9, 2013

                
Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2013

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Six and a half decades ago, delegates from around the 
                world convened to adopt the Universal Declaration of 
                Human Rights, rejecting the notion that individual 
                aspirations should be subject to the whims of tyrants 
                and empires, and affirming every person's right to 
                liberty, equality, and justice under the law. On Human 
                Rights Day and during Human Rights Week, we resolve not 
                only to celebrate these ideals but also to advance them 
                in our time.

                Humanity thrives because of our differences; the 
                exchange of ideas among vibrant cultures is a source of 
                innovation, beauty, and vitality. Yet across the globe, 
                our common and inalienable rights bind us as one. All 
                women and men--across borders and regardless of race, 
                creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, or income 
                level--share the freedoms of expression, religion, 
                assembly, and association. We all have the right to 
                take part in government, directly or through freely 
                elected representatives. And as societies, we have the 
                right to choose our own destiny.

                But in many parts of the world, people are still 
                persecuted for their beliefs, imprisoned for their 
                ideals, and punished for their convictions. A growing 
                number of countries are passing laws designed to stifle 
                civil society--including organizations that promote 
                universal human rights, support good governance, and 
                bolster economic development. Securing freedoms that 
                are threatened or denied will require an unceasing 
                commitment. Today and always, let us break down 
                prejudice, amplify the courageous voices that sound the 
                call for change, and reaffirm our unwavering support 
                for the principles enshrined in the Universal 
                Declaration of Human Rights.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2013, as 
                Human Rights Day and the week beginning December 10, 
                2013, as Human Rights Week. I call upon the people of 
                the United States to mark these observances with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 76030]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                ninth day of December, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                eighth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2013-29913
Filed 12-13-13; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F4