    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8608--NOV. 30, 2010

    Proclamation 8608 of November 30, 2010
    Helsinki Human Rights Day, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, a
    seminal document tying lasting security among states with respect for
    human rights and fundamental freedoms within states. With the signing of
    the Act on August 1, 1975, the United States, Canada, the Soviet Union,
    and the countries of a divided Europe solemnly pledged to work together
    to realize comprehensive security across the European continent. This
    occasion also spurred courageous human rights activists in Eastern
    Europe to form citizens' groups to press for the implementation of
    commitments their governments had made, launching the Helsinki movement.
    The guiding principles set forth 35 years ago in the Helsinki Final Act,
    now institutionalized in the Organization for Security and Cooperation
    in Europe (OSCE), still serve as a beacon to all who strive for freedom
    and peace across the Euro-Atlantic region. On this day, we reaffirm our
    sincere belief that security is indivisible, and must be rooted in
    confidence, cooperation, transparency, and respect for human rights and
    fundamental freedoms. We also recommit to calling on fellow
    participating states to reexamine their compliance with their OSCE
    commitments.
    The Helsinki Final Act, with its affirmation of fundamental human
    rights, inspired many who struggled against repressive regimes and for
    human dignity. Today, a new generation of brave women and men work
    tirelessly--often risking their lives--to realize those same rights. We
    stand with them and with all who advocate for the rights of their fellow
    citizens and for the betterment of their societies.
    Together, we will ensure the United States continues to serve as an
    example in both word and deed to the Helsinki principles. As President
    Gerald Ford said to his fellow signatories at the signing of the
    Helsinki Final Act, history will judge us ``not by the promises we make,
    but by the promises we keep.''
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2010, as
    Helsinki Human Rights Day. I call upon all the people of the United
    States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
    November, 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.
    BARACK OBAMA