United States: The Human Relations Commission of the City of Palo Alto Passes a Resolution Supporting the Human Rights Torch Relay

On January 23rd, 2008, the Human Relations Commission of the City of Palo Alto, California, passed the following resolution to support the aims and intentions of the Human Rights Torch Relay and invited citizens to support this effort, and help stop human rights violations in China. The Human Rights Torch was lit in Athens on August 9th, 2007, and since then it has visited many cities in Europe and Australia, receiving wide support from elected officials, social elites, human rights groups, and the general public. The Torch will arrive in San Francisco in April 2008.

Human Rights Torch Relay Resolution

City of Palo Alto
Human Relations Commission

Whereas, The Chinese Communist regime has been granted the honor of hosting the 2008 Beijing Olympics with the provision that it improve its treatment of Chinese citizens;

Whereas, Human rights violations have continued since this honor was granted;

Whereas, The Olympic Charter calls for the Games to represent "respect for universal fundamental ethical principles ... the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity ...Any form of discrimination with regard to a country or a person on grounds of race, religion, politics, gender or otherwise is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic Movement"; And

Whereas, The CIPFG Human Torch Relay is dedicated to righting wrongs, ending human rights abuses in China, and preserving the Olympic spirit;

Now, Therefore, City of Palo Alto's Human Relations Commission, hereby supports the aims and intentions of the Human Rights Torch Relay and invites all our citizens to support this effort, and help stop human rights violations in China.

Ayes: 5
Noes: 0
Abstained: 0

Date: January 23rd, 2008