COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004

 

We the undersigned endorse, fully and completely, the findings and recommendations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Organization of American States in the case of the Statehood Solidarity Committee vs. the United States of America.

 

In 1993, a petition was filed against the government of the U.S. on behalf of the Statehood Solidarity Committee and all US residents in the District of Columbia. The petition stated that District residents’ rights, under the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, have been violated because we are denied the ability to vote for and elect members of Congress. The petition specifically states that DC residents have been denied the right to equality under the law (Article II) and the right to vote and to participate in government (Article XX).

 

After over ten years of testimony, the Statehood Solidarity Committee was able to show that DC residents have exhausted all political and judicial efforts to acquire voting rights. While limited gains have been made (the ability to elect a non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives in 1970 and limited “home rule” in 1973), DC residents still do not have the right to legislative, budgetary or full judicial autonomy.

 

International law has now confirmed that District of Columbia residents’ human rights are being violated by their own Federal government. As such, we recommend that the Congress take immediate action to remedy this travesty.

 

Sincerely,

 

Linda W. Cropp, Chair                                                   Harold Brazil

Council of District of Columbia                                        Councilmember, At-Large

 

Carol Schwartz                          David Catania

Councilmember, At-Large            Councilmember, At-Large

 

Phil Mendelson                         Jim Graham                    Jack Evans

Councilmember, At-Large            Councilmember, Ward       Councilmember, Ward 2

 

Kathy Patterson                            Adrian Fenty                      Vicent Orange

Councilmember, Ward 3               Councilmember, Ward 4    Councilmember, Ward 5

 

Sharon Ambrose                        Kevin P. Chavous               Sandy Allen

Councilmember, ward 6               Councilmember, Ward 7    Councilmember, Ward 8