Esta ley declara la tercera semana de abril de cada año como la "Semana de Protección de los Derechos Humanos" en Puerto Rico. Establece que durante esta semana se realizarán actividades oficiales para reconocer la contribución de ciudadanos e instituciones a la protección y promoción de los derechos humanos en el país. La ley menciona la importancia de los derechos humanos en la Constitución de Puerto Rico y hace referencia a la situación del pueblo de Vieques como ejemplo de la necesidad de proteger estos derechos.
(Approved January 5, 2002)
To declare and establish that the third week of the month of April of every year shall be the "Human Rights Protection Week."
The People of Puerto Rico, proud of their pluralist society and their republican system of government, are aware of the fact that the freedoms and guarantees afforded to citizens by the State are irreplaceable foundations in the System of Government we enjoy-a system whose cornerstone is our Constitution, the very source of our rights and duties, which we treasure, abide by, and observe.
Within this constitutional context, human rights are preeminent by their very nature and govern all civil acts taking place in our Island. The Preamble of our Constitution, first paragraph, speaks for itself and states quite clearly that: "We, the people of Puerto Rico, in order to organize ourselves politically on a fully democratic basis, to promote the general welfare, and to secure for ourselves and our posterity the complete enjoyment of human rights, placing our trust in Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the commonwealth which, in the exercise of our natural rights, we now create within our union with the United States of America."
As cited above, it is our own Constitution, in the first paragraph of its Preamble, which underscores that the main purpose of the political organization of our people is to secure for our citizens the complete and full enjoyment of human rights. It is therefore the State, which adopted and turned the Constitution into law, who should be the supreme instrument or vehicle to channel and concretize such a guarantee, which belongs without delegation to the people of Puerto Rico.
Throughout the history of mankind, human beings have sensed the existence of certain rights which are fundamental and inherent to their dignity. These rights conform a set of values and agreements which serves to unify the diversity existent within our society. These rights pertain, equally, to every human being. These rights are fundamental, inalienable, and universal-they precede any government authority and their applicability is such that there is no allowance for discrimination or exception.
Human beings are free and autonomous entities, equal to one another in terms of their dignity and rights. Any form of discrimination, or abuse or violation of physical, moral or spiritual integrity is inadmissible and should be held to be reprehensible.
Within this context and at this historical point, we stand witness to the situation of the people of Vieques, which situation injures their fundamental rights. The war games conducted by the Navy of the United States of America pose a threat to the physical, moral, and spiritual integrity of the citizens of Vieques. Diverse civic, religious and political groups, joined by thousands of private citizens, have gained awareness of this infringement of rights. Through their efforts, participation and endeavor, they have decried this violation of human rights before the international community and have
made the Puerto Rican community aware of the need for coordinated and united efforts.
By declaring and proclaiming the "Human Rights Protection Week," we are establishing a tradition of paying homage to the people who, in so many different ways, assumed their historical responsibility by claiming their human rights concerning the effects of the bombing practices of the Navy in the lands of Vieques. This measure shall serve as a memorial for future generations, as proof of the pride and commitment of Puerto Rico with its role as an advanced democratic society in the world.
During the "Human Rights Protection Week," official activities shall be held to recognize and underscore the contribution of citizens and of those institutions or entities, whether public or private, that have procured the protection and advancement of human rights in the country. Institutions such as the Bar Association, the Commission of Human Rights, and the various Universities of the country, could join in and contribute to this celebration.
Section 1.- It is hereby established and declared that the third week of the month of April of every year shall be the "Human Rights Protection Week."
Section 2.- The Governor of Puerto Rico, through proclamation, shall urge the people of Puerto Rico to observe the third week of the month of April of every year as the "Human Rights Protection Week."
Section 3.- The Department of State of Puerto Rico shall adopt the measures necessary to meet the purposes of this Act, by organizing and holding official activities to recognize and underscore the contribution of
citizens and of institutions and entities, whether public or private, who have promoted the protection and advancement of human rights in the country. Institutions such as the Bar Association, the Commission of Human Rights, and the various Universities of the country, could join in and contribute to this celebration.
Section 4.- This Act shall take effect immediately after its approval.
I hereby certify to the Secretary of State that the following Act No. 23 (H.B. 1214) of the $2^{ ext {nd }}$ Session of the $14^{ ext {th }}$ Legislature of Puerto Rico:
AN ACT to declare and establish that the third week of the month of April of every year shall be the "Human Rights Protection Week.", has been translated from Spanish to English and that the English version is correct.
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, today $29^{ ext {th }}$ of December of 2003.
Elba Rosa Rodríguez-Fuentes Director