Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2013

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Title 3--
The President

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.

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.