CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION proclaiming that Seattle affirms the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in the wake of increased targeting of local activists.
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WHEREAS, in 1998 the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the “Declaration on the right and responsibility of individuals, groups and organs of society to promote and protect universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms,” commonly known as the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (“Declaration”); and
WHEREAS, the main purpose of the Declaration is to protect human rights defenders and their activities; and
WHEREAS, the United States signed, but did not ratify, the Declaration; and
WHEREAS, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders has written that states should use the twentieth anniversary of its passage as an opportunity to affirm the Declaration and make it more visible and accessible to everyone; and
WHEREAS, Seattle has previously been proclaimed a Human Rights City via Resolution 31420; and
WHEREAS, Washington State has seen an increase of human rights defenders being targeted for persecution; and
WHEREAS, more than one of these defenders have sought support against their persecution, but have instead been further persecuted by the federal administration; and
WHEREAS, the Seattle Police Department has limited resources to address cybercrimes, and consequently these defenders believe local law enforcement is under-resourced to provide protection and security, particularly from cybercrimes; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 31730, adopted by the City Council on January 30, 2017, affirms that Seattle is a Welcoming City; and
WHEREAS, the principles adopted by The City of Seattle in declaring itself a Welcoming City should also apply to protect those fighting for our most basic human rights; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE THAT:
Section 1. The City of Seattle supports the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and further protections and support at a local level for these individuals, stands with human rights defenders, and will examine how to support them in matters of targeted harassment, stalking, threats, or other retaliatory actions against them by individuals or other authorities.
Section 2. The City Council recommends that local law enforcement examine current practices and staffing with regards to supporting human rights defenders and activists who are harassed and threatened.
Adopted by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2018, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this ________ day of _________________________, 2018.
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President ____________ of the City Council
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2018.
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Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk
(Seal)