HomeMy WebLinkAbout23-017 Endorsing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Proclaiming Port Townsend to be a Human Rights CityResolution 23-017
RESOLUTION NO. 23-017
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, ENDORSING THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN
RIGHTS AND PROCLAIMING PORT TOWNSEND TO BE A HUMAN RIGHTS CITY
WHEREAS, the United States endorsed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the
American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man, and the United Nations Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and
WHEREAS, the United States has ratified (1) the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, (2) the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination, (3) the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment, and (4) the Charter of the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, the United States has signed (1) the International Covenant on Economic,
Social, and Cultural Rights, (2) the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women, (3) the Convention on the Rights of the Child, (4) the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and (5) the American Convention on
Human Rights, some of which still await ratification; and
WHEREAS, the human rights instruments mentioned above constitute an important
framework of human rights principles for cities to strengthen and improve the impact of laws and
policies on local communities and work on their commitment to protecting, respecting and fulfilling
the full range of universal human rights, including civil, political, social, economic, and cultural
rights; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port "Townsend has long been committed to promoting human
rights as demonstrated by the self -submittal of inclusion in the Municipal Equality Index of the
Human Rights Campaign, as well as re -affirming its commitment to inclusiveness and non-
discrimination, as shown in its personnel policies, contracting policies, and ongoing anti-
discrimination training for City employees; and
WHEREAS, the idea of a "Human Rights City" developed to provide a model for
municipal governments to translate and implement universal human rights principles at the local
level; and
WHEREAS, several cities in the United States and the world have been proclaimed a
"Human Rights City" 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, the City of Port Townsend seeks to reaffirm and deepen its commitment to
promoting human rights by proclaiming Port Townsend a Human Rights City and adopting the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
Resolution 23-017
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend:
Section 1. In recognition of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the
Port Townsend City Council adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a guiding
document for the City of Port Townsend with the following modifications:
A. The preamble, in paragraph two, is amended to refer to "humankind" rather than "mankind."
B. Article 2 is amended to include ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity or gender
expression.
C. Article 16(1) is amended to refer to "people" rather than "men and women." It is further
amended to add "ethnicity" to the limitation clause and acknowledge the rights of all persons to enter
into civil marriage with their partner of choice, regardless of gender.
D. Article l 6(3) refers 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."
E. Article 25(2) is amended to read: Parenthood and childhood are entitled to special care and
assistance. All children shall enjoy the same protection.
F. Throughout the document, any references to "his," "him" or "himself'are are amended to "them" or
"themselves" in order to be gender inclusive.
Section 2., The City of Port Townsend is a Human Rights City and commits to working
towards the realization of the universal human rights as laid out in the Universal Declaration on
Human Rights.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a regular meeting
thereof, held this 21st day of February 2023.
w
David
J. 1 dla"
Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form:
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Alyssa Rodrigues 1-1 cd ireµew :uc,>d
City Clerk City Attorney