The Woodhull Freedom Foundation, in partnership with the Human Rights at Home Campaign, has been pressing the Administration to issue a comprehensive Executive Order that would integrate the U.S.'s human rights commitments including affirmining sexual freedom as a fundamental human right, into all agencies of the government, inclusive of civil, political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and sexual rights.
This Executive Order presents President Obama with an important opportunity to uphold core American values of freedom, equality and justice for all by building a much-needed human rights infrastructure.
The time for action is now: call on President Obama to issue an Executive Order that holds the U.S. accountable for its human rights commitments - including the full range of sexual, environmental, cultural, economic and social rights as well as civil and political rights regardless of gender, sexual orientation or choice.
Dear President Obama:
We the undersigned are excited by the news that you are considering an Executive Order on human rights.
The United States should observe and apply domestically the same human rights that we
promote globally and urge other governments to respect. Such an Order would send a strong message that the United States believes that human rights must begin at home and is ready to lead by example. Although we appreciate your public commitment to these principles, we need unequivocal and concrete action to honor human rights commitments at home.
The time for action is now. We urge you to issue a comprehensive Executive Order (E.O.). I urge you to include meaningful human rights reforms in the E.O. including:
- an explicit commitment to implement the full spectrum of human rights as envisioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, recognizing that every human being is entitled not only to civil and political rights, but also to economic, social, cultural, environmental and sexual rights;
- mechanisms to ensure human rights standards are integrated and enforced across the
government, which, at a minimum, requires a revitalized and more effective Inter-Agency
Working Group on Human Rights which will serve as a coordinating body among federal
agencies and departments for the promotion and respect of human rights and the implementation of human rights obligations in U.S. domestic policy;
- human rights impact assessments and studies to ensure government policies, pending
legislation and regulations are consistent with human rights commitments;
- a requirement that Inspectors General, civil rights and civil liberties offices within
departments, and Government Accountability Office incorporate human rights obligations and analysis in their reviews and investigations of government agencies, policies and programs;
- a plan of action to fully implement and incorporate human rights obligations into domestic and foreign policy, including following up on recommendations made by human rights bodies such as the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the U.N. Human Rights Council following the 2010 Universal Periodic Review of the U.S.; and
- meaningful periodic consultations with civil society and enhanced collaboration between
federal and state and local governments on implementation and enforcement of human rights obligations.
We call on you to put the weight of your Presidency behind these efforts and issue an Executive Order.
Sincerely,
