[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9380 of December 9, 2015

Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Sixty-seven years ago, the leaders of 48 countries from around the world
declared with one voice that progress depends on defending human rights,
and that a nation is strongest when the contributions of its whole
citizenry are valued. Today, we celebrate the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights--a milestone in our ongoing global march to uphold the
inherent dignity and worth of every person. To honor the legacy of this
historic document and to help ensure that its ideals endure for
generations to come, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the
freedoms it safeguards, which are the birthright of all humanity.
When rights are suppressed, human potential is stifled. A nation draws
upon new talents and ideas when opposition parties are fairly
represented and those in power are accountable to their citizens at the
ballot box. A free and independent press and a vibrant civil society can
inform the public, expose corruption, and empower citizens to
participate in self-governance. And when institutions are built to
protect rights and freedoms, rather than serve the interests of those in
power, those institutions can provide the stable foundation for
stability needed for future generations to thrive.
In too many places around the world we see rights and freedoms denied.
People are imprisoned for peaceful worship and girls are barred from
attending school. LGBT individuals are subject to abuse because of who
they are and who they love, and citizens are prevented from petitioning
those in power for change. The United States of America stands in
solidarity with those seeking to realize a brighter and freer future for
themselves and their families, whether in their home country or as
immigrants in a new land. We will continue to lift up the lives of all
who yearn to exercise their inherent human rights and to shine a light
on those still living in the darkest pockets of our world.
The strongmen of today will never extinguish the hope that persists
around the world. Dissenters may be jailed, but ideas can never be
imprisoned. Controlling access to information will not turn lies into
truths, nor will it deter the longing for justice that stirs in every
human soul. And refusing to recognize the basic dignity of every man,
woman, and child--regardless of gender, background, race, ethnicity,
sexual orientation, or belief--will only lend further momentum to the
quest for equality that for generations has stirred hearts and spurred
action.

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On this day, and every day, let us remember our roots as one human
family, forever dedicated to upholding the central tenets of 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, 2015, as
Human Rights Day and the week beginning December 10, 2015, 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 fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA