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Agenda Item No. 5(B) EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION Human Rights Month, December 2014 WHEREAS, on December 10, 1948, the member States of the United Nations signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and countries of different political, economic and social systems unanimously agreed on the fundamental rights that all people share solely on the basis of their common humanity; and WHEREAS, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace; and WHEREAS, disregard for human rights has resulted in acts which have offended the conscience of humankind, and where the advent of the world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people; and WHEREAS, the Universal Declaration is referred to as the primary definition of human rights standards and is increasingly referred to as customary international law, by which all countries should abide; and WHEREAS, the primary responsibility to promote respect for these rights and freedoms lies with each individual in the City of El Cerrito, and each of us can play a major role in enhancing human rights; and WHEREAS, the people of El Cerrito reaffirm their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of each human person and in the equal rights of men and women and are determined to promote social progress and better standards of life. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby proclaim December 2014 as Human Rights Month in the City of El Cerrito, and encourages all residents to study and promote the ideas contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the end that freedom, justice, and equality will flourish and be made available to all. Dated: December 16, 2014 Mark Friedman, Mayor