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8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This resolution denounces the violent acts of genocide and persecution while
11 encouraging citizens to report incidents of these crimes.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 ▸ defines genocide and persecution;
15 ▸ discusses the ramifications of these violent acts and how they impact Utah;
16 ▸ acknowledges Utah groups who have escaped genocide and persecution in their
17 home country;
18 ▸ recognizes Utah's history is built from individuals fleeing these atrocious acts;
19 ▸ acknowledges Utah's founding principles of religious freedom and equality; and
20 ▸ condemns genocide and persecution.
21 Special Clauses:
22 None
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24 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the state of Utah:
25 WHEREAS, the United Nations declares genocide to be the intentional act of harming
26 or killing an individual or group based on religion, race, or ethnicity;
27 WHEREAS, the International Criminal Court defines "persecution" as the intentional
28 and severe deprivation of fundamental rights contrary to international law because of the
29 identity of the group or collectivity;
30 WHEREAS, there are more than 114 million displaced persons worldwide due to war,
31 violence, and other persecution, with Utah being a haven to nearly 60,000 refugees fleeing
32 violence;
33 WHEREAS, Utah refugees are traumatically affected long-term by genocide and
34 persecution with some individuals being alienated from family, suffering post traumatic stress,
35 and being targeted by their previous government when resettling in their new home;
36 WHEREAS, Utah is a refuge for Sikhs who fled the 1984 genocide that killed between
37 8,000-30,000 Sikhs, and in New Delhi, India alone at least 3,000 were executed in three days,
38 which is about one individual slain every two minutes;
39 WHEREAS, on October 7, 2023, Utah's Jewish population helplessly watched as
40 thousands of their friends, family, and community members in Israel were slaughtered,
41 kidnapped, and endured physical or sexual abuse;
42 WHEREAS, Utah Kashmiri refugees observe their home government slowly
43 eradicating their population by minimizing Kashmir representation in the state assembly,
44 monitoring social media, incarcerating those against the government, and denying Kashmiris'
45 of their identity;
46 WHEREAS, much of Utah's foundational history also tells of individuals fleeing severe
47 religious persecution, including but not limited to Latter-Day Saint pioneers escaping mob
48 violence in 1847;
49 WHEREAS, the state of Utah condemns genocide or persecution and abides by 18
50 U.S.C. Sec. 1091, which prohibits these acts in times of peace or war;
51 WHEREAS, Utah's constitution upholds an individual's right to freely worship, and all
52 who enter our state shall be treated equally without fear of discrimination based on religion or
53 other values;
54 WHEREAS, Utah welcomes refugees fleeing genocide or persecution and strives to be
55 a sanctuary for such individuals, while protecting its residents from such heinous acts;
56 WHEREAS, the state of Utah recognizes that refugees better Utah by offering new
57 perspectives, promoting diversity, providing cultural enrichment, and boosting our state's
58 economy; and
59 WHEREAS, discussions on international occurrences of genocide or persecution can
60 prevent these acts from happening in Utah and promote understanding, compassion, or respect
61 for differing groups:
62 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the House of Representatives acknowledges
63 the recent efforts of Utah educational institutions in expanding their curricula to discuss
64 genocide and persecution as suggested in Utah's 2021 S.C.R. 1, so students know how these
65 evil acts begin and the consequences of such acts.
66 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the House of Representatives encourages Utah citizens
67 to report incidents of persecution to the appropriate authorities for investigation and
68 intervention.
69 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the House of Representatives recommends that Utah
70 agencies that work with vulnerable populations establish observation systems to know the
71 group(s) most likely to face discrimination, those conducting the persecution, and how to
72 prevent the issue.
73 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the House of Representatives proposes agencies that
74 work with individuals seeking sanctuary from genocide or persecution offer protection and
75 support by providing information on legal aid resources, social services, housing, and more.
76 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the state of Utah will continue to promote values of
77 freedom and equality while striving to protect all who enter our state from any form of
78 genocide or persecution.