[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 195 Referred in House (RFH)]

103d CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. J. RES. 195

     To designate August 1, 1994, as ``Helsinki Human Rights Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 26, 1994

 Referred jointly to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Post Office 
                           and Civil Service

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
     To designate August 1, 1994, as ``Helsinki Human Rights Day''.

Whereas August 1, 1994, is the 19th anniversary of the signing of the Final Act 
        of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) 
        (hereafter referred to as the ``Helsinki Accords'');
Whereas the participating States have declared their determination to fully 
        respect and apply the Helsinki Principles Guiding Relations among 
        participating States, including respect for human rights, the 
        territorial integrity of States, and the inviolability of frontiers;
Whereas the participating States have declared that ``the protection and 
        promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the strengthening 
        of democratic institutions continue to be a vital basis for our 
        comprehensive security'';
Whereas the participating States have declared that ``respect for human rights 
        and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of persons belonging to 
        national minorities, democracy, the rule of law, economic liberty, 
        social justice, and environmental responsibility are our common aims'';
Whereas the participating States have acknowledged that ``there is still much 
        work to be done in building democratic and pluralistic societies, where 
        diversity is fully protected and respected in practice'';
Whereas the war in Bosnia and Hercegovina has resulted in organized, systematic, 
        and premeditated war crimes and genocide and has threatened stability 
        and security in Europe;
Whereas ethnic tensions, civil unrest, and egregious human rights abuses in 
        several of the recently admitted CSCE States continue to result in 
        significant violations of CSCE commitments; and
Whereas the CSCE has contributed to positive developments in Europe by promoting 
        and furthering respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of 
        all individuals and groups and provides an appropriate framework for the 
        further development of such rights and freedoms and genuine security and 
        cooperation among the participating States: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. HELSINKI HUMAN RIGHTS DAY.

    (a) Designation.--August 1, 1994, the 19th anniversary of the 
signing of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation 
in Europe, is designated as ``Helsinki Human Rights Day''.
    (b) Proclamation.--The President is authorized and requested to 
issue a proclamation reasserting America's commitment to full 
implementation of the human rights and humanitarian provisions of the 
Helsinki Accords, urging all signatory States to abide by their 
obligations under the Helsinki Accords, and encouraging the people of 
the United States to join the President and Congress in observance of 
Helsinki Human Rights Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and 
activities.
    (c) Human Rights.--The President is requested to convey to all 
signatories of the Helsinki Accords that respect for human rights and 
fundamental freedoms continues to be a vital element of further 
progress in the ongoing Helsinki process; and to develop new proposals 
to advance the human rights objectives of the Helsinki process, and in 
so doing to address the major problems that remain.

SEC. 2. TRANSMITTAL.

    The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies of this joint 
resolution to the Ambassadors or representatives to the United States 
of the other 52 Helsinki signatory States.

            Passed the Senate July 25 (legislative day, July 20), 1994.

            Attest:

                                                MARTHA S. POPE,

                                                             Secretary.