RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCIL MEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND MERANTE:
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RECOGNIZING DECEMBER AS “HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH” AND DECEMBER 10, 2025 AS “HUMAN RIGHTS DAY” IN THE CITY OF YONKERS
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WHEREAS, December is recognized globally as Human Rights Month, a time dedicated to promoting and advancing the universal rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled; and
WHEREAS, Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948; and
WHEREAS, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stands as a landmark document that proclaims the inalienable rights, dignity, and equal worth of every person, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status; and
WHEREAS, the Universal Declaration has been translated into more than 500 languages, making it the most translated document in the world and one of the foundational pillars of international human rights law; and
WHEREAS, Human Rights Month provides an opportunity for communities everywhere-including the City of Yonkers-to reflect on the continued importance of equality, justice, and freedom, and to reaffirm the shared responsibility to uphold these values; and
WHEREAS, the theme for Human Rights Day 2025, “Human Rights - Our Everyday Essentials,” highlights the truth that human rights are not abstract ideals but essential to daily life, well-being, safety, and dignity; and
WHEREAS, the world continues to face challenges such as discrimination, inequality, conflict, and threats to fundamental freedoms, and the principles of the Universal Declaration remain vital guideposts for building more inclusive, just, and compassionate societies; and
WHEREAS, the City of Yonkers reaffirms its commitment to protecting human rights at the local level and recognizes the importance of continued civic education, community engagement, and advocacy that support human dignity for all;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Yonkers hereby recognizes the month of December 2025 as “Human Rights Month” in the City of Yonkers; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Yonkers hereby recognizes December 2025 as Human Rights Month and December 10, 2025 as Human Rights Day in the City of Yonkers, and encourages all residents, schools, organizations, and community partners to observe this month and day through education, reflection, and initiatives that promote equality, justice, and respect for all people.