    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9219--DEC. 9, 2014

    Proclamation 9219 of December 9, 2014

    Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On December 10, 1948, nations from six continents came together to adopt
    the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This extraordinary document
    affirmed that every individual is born equal with inalienable rights,
    and it is the responsibility of governments to uphold these rights. In
    more than 430 translations, the Declaration recognizes the inherent
    dignity and worth of all people and supports their right to chart their
    own destinies. On the anniversary of this human rights milestone, we
    join with all those who are willing to strive for a brighter future, and
    together, we continue our work to build the world our children deserve.
    The desires for freedom and opportunity are universal, and around the
    world, yearnings for the rule of law and self-determination burn within
    the hearts of all women and men. When people can raise their voices and
    hold their leaders accountable, governments are more responsive and more
    effective. Children who are able to lead healthy lives and pursue an
    education without fear are free to spark progress and contribute to
    thriving communities. And when citizens are empowered to pursue their
    full measure of happiness without restraint, they help ensure that
    economies grow, stability and prosperity spread, and nations flourish.
    Protecting human rights around the globe extends the promise of
    democracy and bolsters the values that serve as a basis for peace in our
    world.
    It is our obligation as free peoples to stand with courageous
    individuals who raise their voices to demand universal rights. Under
    extremely difficult circumstances--and often at grave personal risk--
    brave human rights defenders and civil society activists throughout the
    world are working to actualize the rights and freedoms that are the
    birthright of all humankind. The United States will continue to support
    all those who champion these fundamental principles, and we will never
    stop speaking out for the human rights of all individuals at home and
    abroad. It is part of who we are as a people and what we stand for as a
    Nation.
    My Administration supports free and fair elections, and we will always
    oppose efforts by foreign governments to restrict the freedoms of
    peaceful assembly, association, and expression. We will continue to
    defend the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, call for the
    release of all who are unjustly detained, and insist that lesbian, gay,
    bisexual, and transgender persons be treated equally under the law. We
    will press forward in our efforts to end the scourge of human
    trafficking, our fight to ensure the protection of refugees and other
    displaced persons, and our tireless work to empower women and girls
    worldwide.
    The United States will always lift up those who seek to work for the
    world as it should be. This is part of American leadership. On Human
    Rights Day and during Human Rights Week, let us continue our urgent task
    of rejecting hatred in whatever form it takes and recommit to fostering
    a global community where every person can achieve their dreams and
    contribute to humankind.

    [[Page 4301]]

    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, 2014, as
    Human Rights Day and the week beginning December 10, 2014, 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 fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA