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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION CELEBRATING HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
WHEREAS, the international community celebrates Human Rights Day annually on December 10 to commemorate the United Nations General Assembly adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1947; and
WHEREAS, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established “a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which all of us are entitled,” regardless of nationality, residence, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, or language; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Commission on Human Rights and many other local and national human rights agencies were founded based on the principles and ideals laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to promote acceptance and deter discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Commission on Human Rights enforces the Cook County Human Rights, Minimum Wage, Living Wage, and Paid Leave Ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Commission on Human Rights works to protect people in Cook County from discrimination and harassment in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, credit transactions, and access to Cook County facilities, services and programs, and ensures that those who work in, or for the benefit of, Cook County are paid an appropriate wage for their labors and receive appropriate benefits; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has some of the most expansive human rights protections in the United States, including many that are aligned with the United Nations; and
WHEREAS, despite collective efforts across Cook County, Chicago and Illinois agencies to reduce discrimination, instances of discrimination and harassment still occur and more often impact individuals of diverse identities; and
WHEREAS, instances of discrimination and harassment are broadly underreported and frequently are not reported by individuals who fear retaliation or other negative effects; and
WHEREAS, when discrimination or harassment occurs in Cook County, those afflicted are encouraged to file a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights so that the potential violation(s) can be formally investigated, and repair or support can be identified; and
WHEREAS, Human Rights Day serves as an important reminder of Cook County’s ongoing efforts to inform residents of their rights to live and work in Cook County free from discrimination and harassment; and
WHEREAS, Human Rights Day also serves as an important reminder that the Cook County Commission on Human Rights will not ask you questions about your citizenship status or other potentially sensitive information as part of its investigative procedures.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Cook County Government will continue to support human rights protections and initiatives throughout Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, do hereby celebrate Human Rights Day on December 10, 2024.
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