[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 149 (Thursday, August 4, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 39675-39676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-19167]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 4, 1994]




                        Presidential Documents 



                Proclamation 6711 of August 1, 1994

 

Helsinki Human Rights Day, 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For over 20 years, the Conference on Security and 
                Cooperation in Europe has been an important forum in 
                leading humanity's ongoing struggle to define and 
                defend human rights. The Helsinki Final Act of 1975 
                committed the United States, Canada, and 33 European 
                states to respect ``freedom of thought, conscience, 
                religion or belief, for all without distinction as to 
                race, sex, language, or religion.'' It stands as a 
                fundamental declaration of freedom--a beacon and a 
                warning to all those who would turn away from 
                democracy's welcoming light.

                When the West called upon the states in the Eastern 
                bloc to uphold their CSCE human rights commitments 
                during the Cold War, CSCE members' support of these 
                ideals played a pivotal role. In recent years, the end 
                of the Cold War and the dramatic political changes 
                sweeping Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union 
                have allowed the CSCE to expand and reinforce its 
                mandate even further. The 1990 Charter of Paris added 
                to existing CSCE principles, embracing new commitments 
                to political pluralism, economic liberty, and the rule 
                of law. The 1992 Helsinki Summit emphasized that ``the 
                protection and promotion of human rights and 
                fundamental freedoms and the strengthening of 
                democratic institutions continue to be a vital basis'' 
                for comprehensive security. Today, the shared 
                determination of CSCE members to uphold these essential 
                values remains the keystone of European security.

                As CSCE member states strive to put the Helsinki 
                principles into practice, violent conflicts around the 
                globe remind us that many societies emerging from 
                totalitarian rule still have far to travel toward 
                international standards of humanitarian democracy. 
                Ethnic tensions, civil unrest, and human rights abuses 
                are all too prevalent in several of the recently 
                admitted CSCE nations. The United States stands 
                steadfast in our commitment to full implementation of 
                the human rights and humanitarian provisions of the 
                Helsinki Accords, and I call upon all of the signatory 
                states to uphold their pledge to protect human rights, 
                to seek peaceful resolutions of conflicts, and to fully 
                abide by their obligations under the Helsinki Accords.

                International security depends as never before upon 
                respect for the rights of individuals and for the 
                democratic principles of government. As we recognize 
                the magnitude of the Helsinki Accords in the history of 
                nations, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing its 
                timeless wisdom. The vigilant protection of these basic 
                freedoms is the world's best hope for a Europe of 
                growing cooperation and lasting peace.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim August 1, 1994, as Helsinki 
                Human Rights Day and reaffirm the American commitment 
                to upholding human dignity and freedom--principles that 
                are enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act. As we 
                Americans observe this day with appropriate programs, 
                ceremonies, and activities, let us remember our 
                courageous citizens who have made sacrifices to secure 
                the freedoms we enjoy. Let us work together to 
                encourage respect for human rights and democratic 
                values around the world.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of August, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
                hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and 
                nineteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)>

[FR Doc. 94-19167
Filed 8-2-94; 2:15 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P