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[Congressional Bills 112th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S. Con. Res. 9 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. CON. RES. 9
Supporting the goals and ideals of the designation of the year of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.
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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 2, 2011
Mr. Cardin (for himself and Mr. Wicker) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Supporting the goals and ideals of the designation of the year of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.
Whereas United Nations Resolution 64/169, adopted by the General Assembly on December 18, 2009, designates the year 2011 as the "International Year for People of African Descent"; Whereas the African Diaspora is expansive, spanning across the globe from Latin America and the Caribbean to Asia, with persons of African descent living on every continent, including Europe; Whereas the historical bonds and shared experiences that tie the African continent with the world must be recalled; Whereas the global contributions of people of African descent must be recognized as a means of preserving that heritage; Whereas the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Resolution 64/169 with a view to strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to--
(1) the full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil, and political rights for people of African descent;
(2) the participation and integration of people of African descent in all political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of society; and
(3) the promotion of greater knowledge of, and respect for, the diverse heritage and culture of people of African descent; and
Whereas the Helsinki Final Act resulting from the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1975 states that "participating States will respect human rights and fundamental freedoms (. . .) for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion;": Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That Congress-- (1) supports the goals and ideals of the designation of the year of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent; (2) encourages the recognition and celebration of the collective history and achievements made by people of African descent; (3) reaffirms the importance of inclusion and the full and equal participation of people of African descent around the world in all aspects of political, economic, social, and cultural life; (4) continues to support bilateral and multilateral efforts to promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the eradication of poverty, hunger, inequality, and social exclusion; and (5) reaffirms the commitment of Congress to address racism, discrimination, and intolerance in the United States and around the globe.