[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9069--DEC. 9, 2013

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



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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA