DOCUMENTS

Boston City Council Declares December 18 as International Migrants Day in the City of Boston

CITY OF BOSTON IN CITY COUNCIL

BOSTON CITY COUNCILOR CHARLES C. YANCEY

DECEMBER 18 IS DECLARED INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY IN THE CITY OF BOSTON

WHEREAS: 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: The United Nations, in the year 2000, 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: The United States, to date, 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 the City of Boston has many generations of immigrants that arrived here under different circumstances but have settled through the years and have provided significant contributions to Boston; Therefore Be It

RESOLVED: That the Boston City Council, in meeting assembled, recognizes 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 Boston City Council, in meeting assembled, urges the United States Government to sign and ratify the 1990 International Convention for the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and to similarly recognize December 18, 2011, and annually thereafter, as international Migrants Day; and Be it Further

RESOLVED: That the Boston City Council, in meeting assembled, declares December 18, 2011, and annually thereafter, as International Migrants Day in the City of Boston.

By: Stephen J. Murphy, President of the City Council
Attest: Rosaria Salerno, Clerk of the City of Boston
Offered by: Charles C. Yancey
Date: December 14, 2011