[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7854--DEC. 10, 2004
Proclamation 7854 of December 10, 2004
Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, we
celebrate the founding ideals of our Nation and emphasize the importance
of protecting human liberty throughout the world.
As a Nation, we cherish the values of free speech, equality, and
religious freedom, and we steadfastly oppose injustice and tyranny.
Since the founding of America, the Bill of Rights has protected basic
human rights and liberties. In the United States, all citizens have the
opportunity to voice their opinions, practice their faith, and enjoy the
blessings of freedom.
After the tragedies of World War II, the United Nations General Assembly
adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as part of a global
effort to curb the cruelty and systematic injustice that had destroyed
so many lives. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the
inalienable rights of people everywhere.
In the time since, progress has been made in ensuring that human dignity
is respected, and we have witnessed the rise of democratic governments
around the world. No other system of government has done more to protect
minorities, secure the rights of labor, raise the status of women, or
channel human energy to the pursuits of peace than democracy.
My Administration continues to encourage free and open societies around
the world. In Burma, we have called on the ruling junta to release Aung
San Suu Kyi and engage in dialogue to bring democracy to that country.
We are helping lead the international effort to end the suffering in
Sudan. We seek to help the people of North Korea, who are struggling to
survive under severe repression and difficult living conditions, and our
Nation continues to stand with those who strive for democracy in
Belarus, Cuba, Iran, and Zimbabwe.
My Administration also has advanced the fight against human trafficking
and the abuse and exploitation of women and children, particu

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larly of young girls in the sex trade. In addition, we have expanded our
Nation's support for democracy promotion programs globally and have
increased the budget for the National Endowment for Democracy to
strengthen support for free elections, free markets, free speech, and
human rights advocacy around the world.
Freedom and dignity are God's gift to each man and woman in the world.
During this observance, we encourage all nations to continue working
towards freedom, peace, and security, which can be achieved only through
democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2004, as
Human Rights Day; December 15, 2004, as Bill of Rights Day; and the week
beginning December 10, 2004, as Human Rights Week. I call upon the
people of the United States to honor the legacy of human rights passed
down to us from previous generations and to mark these observances with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH