HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION re Human Rights Day Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight,Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: December 8,2025
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming December 10, 2025 as Human
Rights Day in Jefferson County
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Proclaiming December 10th to be Human Rights Day. On December 10, 1948, the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was ratified by the United Nations General Assembly.
The UDHR is an international document that codifies some of the rights and freedoms of all human
beings and was drafted by a committee chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt in the aftermath of the Second
World War.
The Declaration consists of 30 articles detailing an individual's basic rights and fundamental
freedoms and affirming the universal character of those rights as inherent, inalienable, and applicable
to all human beings. Adopted as a"common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations,"
the UDHR commits nations to recognize all humans as being "born free and equal in dignity and
rights" regardless of"nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion,
language, or any other status."
The Declaration is generally considered to be a milestone document for its universalist language. It
directly inspired the development of international human rights law and was the first step in the
formulation of the International Bill of Human Rights, which was completed in 1966 and came into
force in 1976. It has been translated into 577 languages. The United Nations celebrates December
10th as Human Rights Day
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATION:
Proclaim December 10, 2025 as Human Rights Day for Jefferson County.
REVIEWED BY:
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HUMAN RIGHTS PROCLAMATION
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WHEREAS, as elected officials of Jefferson County, we are committed to protecting the
inalienable human rights,dignity and equality of all individuals,regardless of age,race,
national origin, immigration and citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, gender
identity, marital status, religion, creed, or mental or physical disability; and
WHEREAS, as a people, this nation has striven mightily to live up to and perfect its
expression of those values, through a civil war and a Second World War, and through
citizen movements such as the Suffrage movement of the 1800s and early 1900s,the Civil
Rights movement of the mid 1900s, the Gay Rights and LGBTQ movement of the 1970s to
the present, and many other movements for equality and tolerance, which, over time, have
resulted in court cases and legislation in Washington DC and Washington State that
enshrine and protect the values of human rights, dignity and equality; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County serves all residents and we strive to make services accessible
to all, and county agencies and law enforcement do not withhold services based on ancestry,
race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, color, age, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, marital status, physical or mental disability, or religion; and
WHEREAS, the public relies on Jefferson County for protection of their civil and human
rights and in turn, Jefferson County relies on public trust as critical to maintaining safe
communities,as such we encourage residents to report instances of discrimination,
harassment,violence, bullying and expression of hate based on difference;and
WHEREAS, history has tragically taught us that intolerance and discrimination are still
potent threats to a just society, and that when people stand by and allow such acts to occur
without speaking up or taking action it can enable hatred, discrimination and intolerance to
deepen and spread; and
WHEREAS, recent events and political uncertainty have shown the need for continued
vigilance to ensure that human and civil rights,and the rule of law and due process are upheld;
and
WHEREAS,the United Nations General Assembly ratified on December 10th, 1948 the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, a global blueprint for international, national, and local laws and
policies endorsed by the member nations in the hope and commitment to protect fundamental
rights enumerated in the declaration and December 10th is celebrated by many jurisdictions as
Human Right Day around the world;
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that December 10,2025 shall be celebrated as:
Human Rights Day
in Jefferson County,and the County Commissioners of Jefferson County who have signed below hereby
proclaim our unwavering commitment to the inalienable human rights and dignity of all individuals and
equality under the law and constitution, and that we will continue to strive to make Jefferson County a
welcoming place that is safe and healthy for all, free of discrimination and hatred, and we invite all residents
to join us in safeguarding these values and promoting a climate of tolerance, inclusion and civic engagement
in our community.
PROCLAIMED this 8th day of December, 2025
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
ATTEST: Greg Brotherton, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC, Clerk of the Board Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member