Human Rights Week, 2003
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
America's founders dedicated this country to life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness. During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and
Human Rights Week, we recognize the advances we have made expanding
freedom, democracy, and individual rights in this country and around the
world.
America has helped bring liberty to Afghanistan and Iraq. In
countries like Belarus, Cuba, and Zimbabwe, we continue to stand with
those who struggle for democracy. We will continue to call on Burma's
ruling junta to release political prisoners and engage in an inclusive
dialogue with the democratic opposition to bring democracy to Burma. We
also look forward to the day when the men and women of North Korea can
live in a free society.
Freedom is the right of mankind and the future of every nation. It is
not America's gift to the world; it is God's gift to every man and woman
who lives in this world.
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, 2003, as
Human Rights Day; December 15, 2003, as Bill of Rights Day; and the week
beginning December 10, 2003, as Human Rights Week. I call upon the
people of the United States 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 three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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