LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim Saturday, December 10, 2016, as Human Rights Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the duty of a community to recognize those within its
midst who have contributed to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Saturday, December 10, 2016,
as Human Rights Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone
document in the history of human rights that was adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, and represented the first
global expression of rights to which all human beings are entitled; and
WHEREAS, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which arose
directly from the experience of the Second World War, was drafted by
representatives of different cultural backgrounds from all regions of
the world and is a commitment to universal dignity and justice with its
core values and inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality,
fairness and universally applying to everyone, everywhere and always;
and
WHEREAS, Since its adoption, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for National and
International efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamen-
tal freedoms and that an essential element in the protection of human
rights is a widespread knowledge and understanding among people of what
their rights are and how they can be defended; and
WHEREAS, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is worldwide,
enduring and vibrant and concerns us all, and it is our duty to ensure
that these rights are a living reality, that they are known, understood
and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere; and
WHEREAS, Human Rights transcend culture, ethnicity, social and econom-
ic status; this Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York, is proud to promote and protect our basic human dignity, as
we embrace wisdom, compassion, courage and humility; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Saturday, December 10,
2016, as Human Rights Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.