[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