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Showing support for Philadelphia Haitians, team Haiti and Haitian Americans during the crisis in the Nation of Haiti and urging the Administration of the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia City Council to demonstrate unwavering support for the people of Haiti.
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WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes that as of September 20, 2022, the Nation of Haiti and its people were faced with multiple complex crises involving unfinished work from several natural disasters, corruption, rioting, looting and gang violence that resulted in many deaths; the assassination of its former president; the inability of the police and military to maintain law and order; the government to offer education, free and fair elections, and access to basic medical services, especially COVID-19 vaccines, maternal care for pregnant mothers, health services for the chronically ill and food to starving children and seniors. These conditions in their totality are unlike any in the world and it is tantamount to a nation under siege by war and crying out for the immediate restoration of law and order and restoration of its banking system, to allow Haitians to purchase food and other essentials and to rebuild its economy, and protect human rights; and
WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes the principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, wherein the Preamble declares: recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world; and
WHEREAS, Disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in heinous and barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind. The advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and assembly, of belief and freedom from fear and want. This sentiment has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people and that human rights should be protected by the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, It is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations. The members of the United Nations have in their Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights. In the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life and larger freedoms; and
WHEREAS, Member States, like the United States and Haiti, have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and
WHEREAS, a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge; and
WHEREAS, America, the nation that calls out to be a home for those huddle masses yearning to be free and open to democracy. We stand with Haiti to stop that nation’s extinction and degradation. Understanding that America is best when we stand with our neighbors in promoting and defending democratic principles; and
WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. To that end, every individual, and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms. By progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance both by the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILDELPHIA, That The City Administration and City Council and it’s Mayors Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs be among the first United States governing bodies to declare support for the citizens of Haiti and to forward this resolution to the President of United States for his attention.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the United States and other democratic nations take the lead in offering assistance for immigration and that the Unites States amend any necessary immigration laws to allow Haitians access to our country for resettlement.
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