[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 139 (Wednesday, July 21, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 42279-42280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17984]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75 , No. 139 / Wednesday, July 21, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 42279]]

                Proclamation 8541 of July 16, 2010

                
Captive Nations Week, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In 1959, President Eisenhower issued the first Captive 
                Nations Proclamation in solidarity with those living 
                without personal or political autonomy behind the Iron 
                Curtain. Since that time, once-captive nations have 
                broken free to establish civil liberties, open markets, 
                and allow their people access to information. However, 
                even as more nations have embraced self-governance and 
                basic human rights, there remain regimes that use 
                violence, threats, and isolation to suppress the 
                aspirations of their people.

                The Cold War is over, but its history holds lessons for 
                us today. In the face of cynicism and stifled 
                opportunity, the world saw daring individuals who held 
                fast to the idea that the world can change and walls 
                could come down. Their courageous struggles and 
                ultimate success--and the enduring conviction of all 
                who keep the light of freedom alive--remind us that 
                human destiny will be what we make of it.

                The journey towards worldwide freedom and democracy 
                sought in 1959 remains unfinished. Today, we still 
                observe the profound differences between governments 
                that reflect the will of their people, and those that 
                sustain power by force; between nations striving for 
                equal justice and rule of law, and those that deny 
                their citizens freedom of religion, expression, and 
                peaceful assembly; and between states that are open and 
                accountable, and those that restrict the flow of ideas 
                and information. The United States has a special 
                responsibility to bear witness to those whose voices 
                are silenced, and to stand alongside those who yearn to 
                exercise their universal human rights.

                In partnership with like-minded governments, we must 
                reinforce multilateral institutions and international 
                partnerships that safeguard human rights and democratic 
                values. We must empower embattled civil societies and 
                help their people connect with one another and the 
                global community through new technologies. And, with 
                faith in the future, we must always stand with the 
                courageous advocates, organizations, and ordinary 
                citizens around the world who fearlessly fight for 
                limitless opportunity and unfettered freedom.

                The Congress, by Joint Resolution, approved July 17, 
                1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the 
                President to issue a proclamation designating the third 
                week of July of each year as ``Captive Nations Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 18 
                through July 24, 2010, as Captive Nations Week. I call 
                upon the people of the United States to reaffirm our 
                deep commitment to all those working for human rights 
                and dignity around the globe.

[[Page 42280]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                sixteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-17984
Filed 7-20-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P