[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 332 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
2d Session
H. CON. RES. 332
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 11, 2008
Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
Whereas the United Nations Charter sought to establish an international forum to
``save succeeding generations from the scourge of war..., reaffirm faith
in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human
person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and
small...'';
Whereas, through manifold works of generosity, the people of the United States
exemplify a noble conviction that the deepest yearnings of the human
heart for respect and dignity transcend political, ethnic, and religious
differences;
Whereas the people of the United States continue to inspire their leaders to
prioritize endeavors which bring hope and healing to those in need
throughout the world;
Whereas the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, as a ``common standard of
achievement for all peoples and nations...'';
Whereas the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states,
``...recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and
inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation
of freedom, justice, and peace in the world...'';
Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets forth a common
understanding of universal rights and freedoms and the notion that these
cannot be created and are neither conferred by countries nor by
governments, but rather are inalienable rights and freedoms with which
all human persons are endowed by their very nature;
Whereas, Eleanor Roosevelt, who led the United States delegation to the first
Commission on Human Rights, was responsible for drafting the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and in recognition of her unparalleled
humanitarian conviction, was elected as Chairwoman of the Commission;
Eleanor Roosevelt expressed her vision of a declaration of true
universality with enduring principles that would be perpetually
recognized by all nations when she stated, as she submitted the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights for consideration by the United
Nations General Assembly, ``We stand today at the threshold of a great
event both in the life of the United Nations and in the life of mankind.
This declaration may well become the international Magna Carta for all
men everywhere.''; and
Whereas United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted on Human Rights Day
2007, that ``[i]t is our duty to ensure that these rights are a living
reality - that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone,
everywhere'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That Congress--
(1) recognizes on its 60th anniversary year the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights as a singular achievement of the
community of nations;
(2) recognizes the contribution in the Declaration of
Independence and the United States Constitution to the
development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and
the role of the United States in preserving the legacy of these
foundational human rights precepts through its participation in
the United Nations;
(3) urges all United Nations Member States to renew their
commitment to uphold and promote the transcendent principles of
human dignity enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, especially on behalf of the world's most vulnerable
persons and those who have no power to advocate on their own
behalf; and
(4) joins with colleagues inspired by the spirit of
goodwill in parliaments throughout the world in seeking to
guide the United Nations and its agencies to serve as effective
instruments of genuine and lasting justice and peace among
nations.
Passed the House of Representatives June 10, 2008.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk.