CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE


                         PROCLAMATION
                    Recognizing September 15, 2022
                   as International Day of Democracy
WHEREAS the United Nations observes the 15th of September as the International
Day of Democracy to promote the principles of democracy and to raise public
awareness of Universal Human Rights; and

WHEREAS the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes that the will of
the people, expressed through universal and equal suffrage, is the basis for the authority
of government; and

WHEREAS the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes that the right to
participate fully and equally in the political system is crucial to the advancement of all
human rights, including the rights to:

●   Democratic governance, the rule of law, social inclusion, and economic
    development,
●   Empowerment of individuals and groups to eliminate discrimination and
    marginalization,
●   Peaceful assembly and association,
●   Freedom of opinion and expression, and
●   Access to information and education; and

WHEREAS on the International Day of Democracy we are called to review the
state of our democracy, promote its principles for the protection and effective
realization of human rights, and create an environment for greater citizen participation,
equality, security, and development; and

WHEREAS we recognize that in 2022, these basic principles of democracy are under
attack in the United States and around the world;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the City Council of Charlottesville, Virginia, hereby
recognize and celebrate the 15th day of September 2022 as the International Day of
Democracy, to remind us all of the need to work to protect the democratic principles
by which the freely expressed will of the people forms the basis of our government in
this great country.

Signed and sealed this 6th day of September 2022.


________________________
J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor