[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 121, 110th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8160--JULY 10, 2007

Proclamation 8160 of July 10, 2007
Captive Nations Week, 2007
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Liberty is the path to lasting peace and the unalienable right of every
man, woman, and child. During Captive Nations Week, we underscore our
commitment to protecting human rights, advancing democracy and freedom,
and ending tyranny across the globe.
Expanding freedom is a moral imperative, and today more people are free
than ever before. Freedom is reaching around the world, and America is
working side-by-side with new democracies in Liberia, Mauritania,
Ukraine, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan. The people of Kuwait held elections in
which women were able to vote and run for office for the first time, and
the elected parliament is exercising real influence with the government.
We continue to stand firmly behind the citizens of Lebanon, Afghanistan,
and Iraq as they defend their democratic gains against extremist
enemies. Many are making great sacrifices for liberty, and they deserve
our steadfast support.
While there is progress in freedom's advance, nations such as Belarus,
Burma, Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Sudan, and Zimbabwe still oppress
their citizens. My Administration recently created the Human Rights
Defenders Fund to provide grants for the legal defense and medical
expenses of democratic dissidents arrested or beaten by repressive
governments. In addition, we have nearly doubled funding for democracy
projects throughout the world. The American people believe that the
flame for freedom burns in every human heart, and that light cannot be
extinguished by governments, terrorists, or tyrants. During Captive
Nations Week, we remember that human freedom is the key to achieving
respect for all human rights.
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 in July of each year as ``Captive Nations
Week.'';

[[Page 2772]]
121 STAT. 2772

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 July 15 through 21, 2007,
as Captive Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United States to
reaffirm our commitment to all those seeking liberty, justice, and self-
determination.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of July,
in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH