NEWSCambridge City Council Passes Resolution Urging U.S. Government Sign U.N. Convention on Migrant Rightsby Sergio Reyes
The Cambridge City Council passed a resolution on its session of December 5, declaring December 18, 2011 and annually thereafter, as International Migrants Day in Cambridge. It also urges the U.S. Government to sign and ratify the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families and to similarly recognize December 18, 2011, as International Migrants Day. The Resolution also resolved to recognize the many contributions of immigrants and refugees to society as a whole.
Immigrant rights organizations will mark this day with a Public Forum in the City of Boston entitled "United in Resistance for Local & Global Immigrant Rights". The event will be held at the Arlington Street Church on Sunday, December 18, starting at 4PM. The event is supported by: Centro Presente, MIRA, Mass. JwJ, Boston New Sanctuary Movement, AFSC Project Voice, Proyecto Hondureño, BMDC, Diocese of St. Francis of Assisi, Mata Hari, Centro Dominicano, Chelsea Collaborative, SIM, Community Change, Inc., The Network/La Red. For more information email info@bostonmayday.org or call 617-290-5614
Below the complete text of the Cambridge City Council Resolution
Cambridge City Council
Policy Order Resolution
O-11
IN CITY COUNCIL
December 5, 2011
COUNCILLOR DECKER
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR DAVIS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR REEVES
COUNCILLOR SEIDEL
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: This City Council has learned that on December 18, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly approved the "International Convention for the Protection of the
Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families"; and
WHEREAS: In the year 2000, the United Nations proclaimed December 18th as International Migrants Day to promote the recognition of the rights of migrants, and ask all
member states, inter-governmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations to observe this day; and
WHEREAS: To date, the United States has not ratified this Convention; and
WHEREAS: The "International Convention for the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families" came into force on July 1, 2003, and the
Convention is widely used as a tool to promote the human rights of migrants, recognize their contributions and also to advocate for the U.S. government to ratify the
convention; and
WHEREAS: Civil society organizations throughout the world have decided to mark this day with a Global Day of Action Against Racism and for the Rights of Migrants, Refugees
and Displaced People, and immigrant and refugee rights advocates throughout the United States will hold events to join their peers worldwide on or about December 18, 2011;
and
WHEREAS: The population of our City has many generations of immigrants that arrived here under different circumstances but have settled through the years and have provided
significant contributions to our City; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record declaring December 18, 2011, and annually thereafter, as International Migrants Day in Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council urge the United States Government to sign and ratify the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Workers and Their Families and to similarly recognize December 18, 2011, and annually thereafter, as International Migrants Day; and be it further
RESOLVED: That this City Council recognize the many contributions of immigrants and refugees to society as a whole and salutes and encourages the many events being held in
our City, the country and the world on this day to strengthen our tolerance and respect for the human rights of all people, regardless of their race or citizenship status;
and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Congressman Michael Capuano, President Obama and
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on behalf of the entire City Council.
In City Council December 5, 2011
Adopted by the affirmative vote of nine members.
Attest:- D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk
A true copy;
ATTEST:-
D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk |
