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Home My WebLink About47-0928-26R STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson In the Matter of Endorsement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (mod. 7-28-26) RESOLUTION NO. 4 7-0 9 2 8-26 R WHEREAS, The United States endorsed the(1)American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man, (2)the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and(3)the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and WHEREAS, The United States has signed(1) the Charter of the Organization of American States, (2)the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, (3)the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and(4) the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and WHEREAS, The United States has signed(1)the American Convention on Human Rights, (2)the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, (3)the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, (4)the Convention on the Rights of the Child, (5) the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, some of which still await ratification; and WHEREAS, the human rights instruments mentioned above constitute an important framework of human rights principles for jurisdictions to strengthen and improve the impact of laws and policies on local communities and advance their commitment to protecting, respecting and fulfilling the full range of universal human rights, including civil,political, social, economic, and cultural rights; and WHEREAS, Local authorities deal directly with human rights through decisions and policies related to health, access to justice,public safety, transportation, education,recreation, housing, employment, and access to electricity, food and water; and WHEREAS, the idea of a"Human Rights City" was developed to provide a model for municipal governments to translate and implement universal human rights principles at the local level; and WHEREAS, twenty cities and one county in the United States and thirty cities in the rest of the world have been designated a "Human Rights City/County," serving as models for leadership and advocacy on behalf of human rights for all people; and WHEREAS, A "Human Rights City" consciously aspires to respect,protect and fulfill universal human rights as spelled out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the human rights instruments previously enumerated; and WHEREAS, in anticipation of the seventy-eighth year anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the Commissioners of Jefferson County seek to reaffirm and deepen its commitment to promote human rights by proclaiming Jefferson County a Human Rights County and adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1 of 4 Formatting approved by Prosecuting Attorney's Office October 14,2024 WHEREAS, The County of Jefferson,Washington is a leader in advancing human rights and human dignity; and WHEREAS, The County of Jefferson promotes an engaged citizenry that cares for the human rights and dignity of others; and WHEREAS, The County of Jefferson acknowledges that certain values set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948, should be updated as follows: • The preamble, in paragraph two, should make reference to "humankind" rather than "mankind"; • Article 2 should also contain the statuses of ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression; • Article 16(1) should make reference to"people"rather than"men and women." It should add"ethnicity"to the limitation clause and should acknowledge the rights of all persons to enter into civil marriage with their partner of choice,regardless of gender; • Article 16(3)makes reference to"family." It should be noted that the definition of "family"has evolved greatly since 1948. Historically it was known as "the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children,"while today it further includes"any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family." • Article 25(2)should be revised to read: Parenthood and Childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children shall enjoy the same protection. • Throughout the document, any reference to"his,""him"or"himself' should be stated"them"or"themselves"in order to be gender inclusive; and WHEREAS,the values set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (with clarification above)reflect the spirit of the rules,practices, and policies carried out on behalf of Jefferson County; and WHEREAS,these principles reflect Jefferson County's integrity and commitment to preserving racial, economic, and social justice within the community; NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY,WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Whereas Clauses are Findings of Fact. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the above"Whereas" clauses as Findings of Fact. Section 2. Purpose. In recognition of the seventy-eighth anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Board of County Commissioners proclaims Jefferson County to be a Human Rights County and recognizes December 10`h as the official date for Human Rights Day for the commemoration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 2 of 4 Formatting approved by Prosecuting Attorney's Office October 14,2024 Section 3. Definitions. The Board of County Commissioners endorses the human rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and commits to their progressive realization in the County of Jefferson. Section 4. Adoption of Amendment(s) • The preamble, in paragraph two, should make reference to "humankind" rather than "mankind"; • Article 2 should also contain the statuses of ethnicity,sexual orientation and gender identity or gender expression; • Article 16(1) should make reference to "people" rather than "men and women." It should add "ethnicity" to the limitation clause and should acknowledge the rights of all persons to enter into civil marriage with their partner of choice, regardless of gender; • Article 16(3)makes reference to"family."It should be noted that the definition of"family" has evolved greatly since 1948. Historically it was known as"the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children," while today it further includes "any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family." • Article 25(2) should be revised to read: Parenthood and Childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children shall enjoy the same protection. • Throughout the document, any reference to "his," "him" or "himself' should be stated "them" or"themselves" in order to be gender inclusive; and Section.7. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or section of this Resolution or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this Resolution or its application to other persons or circumstances shall be fully valid and shall not be affected. Section 8. SEPA Categorical Exemption. This Resolution is categorically exempt from the State Environmental Policy Act under WAC 197-11-800 (19). Section 9. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon passage by the Board of County Commissioners. (SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE) 3 of 4 Formatting approved by Prosecuting Attorney's Office October 14,2024 ADOPTED and APPROVED this d0 'day of P bt'r, 2026. SEAL: JEFFE t SO if COUNTY BOARD OF - 'i�1►ilk' g 0 • IONERS APA1 4, soN CQG •_ : " -rton,1%air ire 'S's' ••.,.yam,,, ' - ' L- Q _ 'eid' Isenhour, ember F i U • 061,,,/A:AL�•WASN,,`� dley-Nollette, Member 11111►11 0Soo„, ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: (jg ) 6itCat t4, 94(fic,," Carol n Gallaway, CMC- Date Philip Hker, Date /q.Cti&A.,e Oir-a-0-0/iyieCF, Chief Civil unsucDeputy Prosecuting Attorney 4 of 4 Formatting approved by Prosecuting Attorneys Office October 14,2024 10, ADOPTED and APPROVED this ov day of 9,64, 2026. SEAL: JEFFE; SO hi COUNTY BOARD OF .tp.' • C • ►4 `TONERS 4.0,1,12F7›.41. . . 7 = rton, ►air as `,.•''�.i i® ..yam `,, a c' 9 cn: _ eid' •Isenhour, ember ...0 4. tiA 0 ft i-, Q ••**` 07, a,� F WAS" ,� dley-Nollette, Member ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: eg %l C�I1, 2„ wailWith Permission ( / wig eremiah B.Luther,DPA 09-29-2026 Carol 4 Gallaway, CMC. Date Philip C. Hunsucker, Date Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney 4 of 4 Formatting approved by Prosecuting Attorney•s Once October 14,2024 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Adiel McKnight, Deputy Clerk of the Board DATE: September 28, 2026 SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. re: In the Matter of Endorsement for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (mod. 7.28.26) STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Board of County Commissioners is asked to consider a resolution affirming Jefferson County's commitment to protecting and promoting the dignity, equality, safety, and fundamental human rights of all people within the community. ANALYSIS: The proposed resolution recognizes that respect for human rights is essential to a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community. It affirms that all individuals should be treated fairly and with dignity, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or other protected status. Adoption of the resolution would reaffirm the County's commitment to nondiscrimination, equal access to public services, and the fair and respectful treatment of residents and visitors. It would also provide a clear statement of the County's values and its support for policies and practices that promote inclusion, civil rights, and equal opportunity. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact. RECOMMENDATION: The Board review and approve the Resolution Affirming Jefferson County's Commitment to Human Rights, Dignity, Equality, and Inclusion. REVIEWED BY: Josh D. Peters, County Administrator Date