Committee on Health and Human Relations meeting, February 18, 2025
- When: Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 1:00 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: Room 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Health and Human Relations
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928590/video/1057958861
- Transcript: full text (9,260 words, official captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Health and Human Relations considered resolution R2024-0012436, introduced by Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez, expressing support for victims of modern-day slavery, human trafficking and persecution on the African continent. Four public commenters spoke, several of whom criticized the resolution's focus, and the committee heard testimony from invited witnesses from Sudan, Nigeria and Mauritania describing enslavement and violence. Members approved a motion by Alderperson Carlos Ramírez-Rosa to strike the third whereas clause concerning the United Nations, and after a recess to draft language on tech companies following the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, accepted a substitute resolution. The substitute resolution was passed by voice vote and was to be reported to the City Council meeting on February 19.
Topics: modern-day slavery, human trafficking, Africa, Nigeria, Sudan, Mauritania, corporate supply chains, resolution amendments, public comment
Agenda items discussed
- 22:12 Approval of the January 2025 Rule 45 report: passed
- 22:31 Resolution expressing support for victims of slavery (Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez): passed
- 1:00:19 Motion to strike the third whereas clause regarding the United Nations: passed
- 1:16:38 Amendment to add language on tech companies and UN guiding principles on business and human rights (substitute resolution): passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (chair): Asked whether the resolution could also address mining and mineral extraction tied to human rights abuses, child labor and slavery in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. (1:05:47); Proposed adding language calling on tech companies to follow the UN guiding principles on business and human rights and ensure supply chain due diligence. (1:08:15); Moved to amend the resolution to include the tech company language and called a recess to draft the exact wording. (1:16:27)
- Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Introduced the resolution, saying 42 council members signed on and that it calls for Chicago to stand in solidarity with victims of modern-day slavery and persecution in Africa. (23:04); Cited persecution in Nigeria and Sudan as issues that receive little attention and introduced the witnesses. (24:28); Accepted the motion to strike the third whereas clause as a friendly amendment. (1:00:44)
- Carlos Ramírez-Rosa (alderperson): Thanked the witnesses and said he supports the resolution. (58:23); Raised concern that the third whereas clause inaccurately suggests the United Nations has not addressed modern-day slavery and moved to strike it. (58:56)
- Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Thanked the witnesses and said many Americans are unaware that slavery still occurs in Africa. (1:01:29); Asked for a way to connect with the communities so council members, including the Black Caucus, can be better informed and help. (1:03:57); Commended Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez for introducing the resolution and asked to sign on to it. (1:04:58)
- Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Thanked the witnesses and said human rights should be upheld for every human being. (1:09:31); Supported adding the chair's proposed language and asked that the Black Caucus be included in the effort. (1:10:08); Said the city should focus on actions and not only resolutions. (1:11:06)
Exchanges between members
- 1:00:44 Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez accepted Alderperson Carlos Ramírez-Rosa motion to strike the third whereas clause as a friendly amendment.
- 1:04:58 Alderperson Walter R. Burnett commended Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez for introducing the resolution.
- 1:10:39 Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López seconded the chair's suggestion to add language on corporate practices.
- 1:13:03 Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez thanked the chair and said he agreed with the suggestion to address corporate practices.
- 1:13:23 Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez referenced his colleague from the 25th Ward's point that action is needed.
- 1:16:27 The chair thanked Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez and noted he was open to the amendment.