For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
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,
particularly 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
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