[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9469 of July 18, 2016

Captive Nations Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since our earliest days, the United States has worked to uphold the
rights enshrined in our founding documents. The ideals that sparked our
revolution find their truest expression in democracy, and our enduring
belief in the right to self-govern is not limited to our borders--we
believe the human impulse toward freedom is universal. During Captive
Nations Week, we recognize the inherent dignity of all people, and we
renew our support for those struggling under oppressive regimes and
striving to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their
posterity.
After World War II, America joined with other nations to remake the
world--to rebuild, to forge a new international order, and to advance a
more just and lasting peace. And following a decades-long Cold War, with
strength and resolve and the power of our ideals, we rejoiced as an Iron
Curtain was brought down and a new beginning was set in motion. But
although more people live in democracies today--and despite the fact
that we are witness to the most peaceful and prosperous era in human
history--such progress is not inevitable, and dangerous forces threaten
to pull the world backward.
We must bolster our commitment to upholding freedom and democracy
wherever they are jeopardized. That means ensuring the people of Ukraine
have the right to choose their own destiny and ensure their
independence; it means helping the millions of those displaced from
Syria seek a better and safer future, while continuing our efforts to
bring an end to this brutal conflict and destroy ISIL. It also means
discussing our differences with nations more directly. And we have
opened a new chapter in our relationship with Cuba, which includes
direct engagement with their government on human rights and steps to
empower and create opportunity for the Cuban people.
Around the world, a new generation of young people--connected by
technology and driven by idealism and a willingness to stand up for
their beliefs--is calling for more accountability in government. As
heirs to a struggle for freedom that has long defined our character,
Americans must lead by example and chart new paths to liberty and
opportunity. We will continue to stand for equality and dignity beyond
our borders and encourage economic and political reforms that foster
democracy. And we remain dedicated to leading and working with others to
build security, prosperity, and justice, and to fighting for any person
still suffering under the grasp of tyranny.
This week, let us rededicate ourselves to broadening democracy's reach
and promoting its true pillars--the rule of law, fair elections, a free
press, and a vibrant civil society. As we work to lift up the lives of
those whose governments still rule by fear and intimidation, let us stay
vigilant in defense of democratic values and the ideals that keep us
free.
The Congress, by joint resolution approved July 17, 1959 (73 Stat. 212),
has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation

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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 17 through July 23, 2016, as Captive
Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United States to reaffirm
our deep ties to all governments and people committed to freedom,
dignity, and opportunity for all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
July, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA