INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
On December 10, 2008, the District of Columbia commemorates the 60th Anniversary of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a historical landmark declaration for the people of the world. Eleanor Roosevelt, who chaired the committee that drafted the Declaration, presented it at the United Nations Assembly on December 9, 1948 and said the following:
It is not a treaty; It is not and does not purport to be a statement of law or of legal obligation. It is a Declaration of basic principles of human rights and freedoms.
Every country has signed the Declaration, yet none could boast after 60 years of effort that they have met its high standards --- ending poverty, hunger, homelessness and discrimination; achieving gender equality along with full civil and political rights; and ensuring decent jobs, universal health care; and educational opportunities for everyone.
In the District of Columbia we embrace and celebrate the Universal Declaration. We believe human rights are not just legal instruments, but everyday practices, rooted in community culture and in rhythms of community life. They are collective like democracy is: the more people participate the better welfare and well being for everyone.
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's vision for our city is to generate prosperity, hope, and safety to every neighborhood in which we work and live in by leveraging the District's tremendous human capital and potential. We believe in achieving this vision as long as we continue to embrace and celebrate the richness our society presents in terms of diversity, individual values, and cultural beliefs. We are proud to say that as one of the most diverse cities in the world, Washington, DC stands at the forefront of human rights by recognizing the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of all people. This is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace.
ABOUT
This web site was created to raise awareness of both global and local human rights principles and values in the context of the 60th Anniversary of The Declaration of Human Rights. This is also an opportunity for District of Columbia residents, workers and visitors to learn more about the human rights laws, policies and institutions in place in the Nation's Capital.
In addition to the development of this site, OHR co-sponsored a series of events with the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) in celebration of UN Week 2008. Additionally, on December 10th, 2008 OHR and UNA-NCA will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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DC OFFICE AND DC COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) is an agency of the District of Columbia government that seeks to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity, and protect human rights in the city. OHR enforces the DC Human Rights Act of 1977 and other laws and policies on nondiscrimination. OHR is the agency of District of Columbia government responsible for educating DC residents about the human rights laws and protections afforded to the community and enforcing such rights according to the DC Human Rights Act and other laws and policies.
The OHR and the DC Commission on Human Rights (CHR) are committed to promoting the principles of Human Rights and educating DC residents about national and global Human Rights issues and causes.
To learn more about OHR, CHR and the DC Humans Rights Act, visit ohr.dc.gov. |
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UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA
The primary mission of the UNA-NCA is to raise public awareness and support for the UN, and to advocate for its increased effectiveness. UNA-NCA's outreach and advocacy efforts within area non-governmental organizations, universities, and other public forums are aimed at broadening the UN's constituency in the national capital area and to build a practical understanding of the UN's ideals and objectives. |
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60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The Declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, consists of a preamble and 30 articles, setting out a broad range of fundamental human rights and freedoms to which all men and women, everywhere in the world, are entitled, without any distinction. The Declaration was drafted by representatives of all regions and legal traditions. It has over time been accepted as a contract between governments and their peoples. Virtually all states have accepted it. To read the declaration, visit un.org/Overview/rights.html |
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