[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9375 of December 2, 2015

Helsinki Human Rights Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Four decades ago, the leaders of the United States, Canada, the Soviet
Union, and countries from across a divided Europe came together to sign
the Helsinki Final Act--a document reflecting the conviction that the
security of states is inextricably linked to the security of their
citizens' rights. This comprehensive security concept is forever
enshrined in the Act and is mirrored in the subsequent statements and
commitments made by the members of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Today, the Act continues to shine as a
beacon for all who reach, often at great risk to themselves, for human
dignity, for justice and tolerance, and for democratic ideals--including
the notions that power is derived from the consent of the governed and
that human rights and fundamental freedoms belong to all of us--no
matter where we live or where we come from. On Helsinki Human Rights
Day, we pledge our cooperation and mutual respect as we work to fulfill
the commitments made in the Helsinki Final Act.
The 57 OSCE states that stretch across North America, Europe, and
Eurasia stand stronger when we stand together, and we must defend and
uphold the commitments made in Helsinki 40 years ago. Recognition of the
inherent dignity and human rights of every person, respect for the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and restraint from the
threat or use of force are essential to safeguarding a Europe and a
Eurasia that are whole, free, and at peace. As the OSCE Ministerial
Council convenes in Belgrade, Serbia, the United States renews its
commitment to these principles and urges other member states to do the
same.
Thanks to the work of governments and the contributions of civil
society, we have made historic progress to advance security, democracy,
and human rights across the OSCE region in the last four decades. Still,
we face significant challenges. Russian aggression against its
neighbors, most recently Ukraine, is contrary to the principles of
respect for each nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity laid out
in the Helsinki Final Act. The ability of citizens to exercise their
fundamental freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly
is increasingly constricted in a number of participating states. Actions
based on hate and prejudice remain prevalent in too many states and are
too often still reflected in national policy. These attitudes will
continue to obstruct democracy's success until we root them out from
both our institutions and our hearts. The United States strongly
condemns the heinous terrorist attacks in Ankara, as well as the bombing
of the Russian plane in Egypt. And in the wake of the tragic terrorist
attacks in Paris, we recommit to our fight against terrorism and violent
extremism while reaffirming our adherence to our common ideals with the

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French people and with any free society, similar to those delineated in
the Helsinki Final Act: liberte, egalite, and fraternite.
The Helsinki Final Act inspires our vision for democracy, human rights,
and human dignity. It inspires a vision for open economies and shared
prosperity, and a world in which states resolve disputes peacefully and
work together to build and maintain trust. It is a framework that, if
its commitments are upheld, can enable us to move beyond division and
prejudice and toward a more democratic, prosperous, and peaceful OSCE
region. Let us resolve to stand with victims of oppression and with all
who yearn to exercise their human rights. Together, we can faithfully
implement our shared Helsinki commitments and help forge an ever better
future for all.
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 3, 2015, as
Helsinki Human Rights Day. I call upon all the people of the United
States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities
reflecting our steadfast dedication to human rights and democratic
values. I also call upon the governments and peoples of all other
signatory states to renew their commitment to comply with the principles
established and consecrated in the Helsinki Final Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA