Proclamation 9380-Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2015
Issued 2015-12-09 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate December 10, 2015 as Human Rights Day and the week beginning December 10, 2015 as Human Rights Week. The proclamation commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was created sixty-seven years before 2015 when leaders from 48 countries declared that progress depends on defending human rights and that nations are strongest when all citizens' contributions are valued. The proclamation calls upon the American people to mark these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
This action affects all Americans by establishing a formal period of national observance focused on human rights. The proclamation acknowledges that in many places around the world, rights and freedoms are denied—people are imprisoned for peaceful worship, girls are prevented from attending school, and individuals face abuse based on their identity. It states that the United States stands in solidarity with those seeking freedom and will continue supporting people who wish to exercise their inherent human rights.
This proclamation matters because it brings national attention to human rights as a cause worthy of public recognition and reflection. As a ceremonial proclamation, it does not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens. Such proclamations have been issued by presidents since George Washington and are purely declaratory, expressing the President's sentiment on behalf of the nation.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9380-Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to human rights. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9380—Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week, 2015 December 9, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Sixty-seven years ago, the leaders of 48 countries from around the world declared with one voice that progress depends on defending human rights, and that a nation is strongest when the contributions of its whole citizenry are valued. Today, we celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—a milestone in our ongoing global march to uphold the inherent dignity and worth of every person. To honor the legacy of this historic document and to help ensure that its ideals endure for generations to come, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the freedoms it safeguards, which are the birthright of all humanity. When rights are suppressed, human potential is stifled. A nation draws upon new talents and ideas when opposition parties are fairly represented and those in power are accountable to their citizens at the ballot box. A free and independent press and a vibrant civil society can inform the public, expose corruption, and empower citizens to participate in self-governance. And when institutions are built to protect rights and freedoms, rather than serve the interests of