    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 10056 of July 17, 2020
    Captive Nations Week, 2020
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    Tragically, hundreds of millions of people around the world continue to
    suffer under repressive regimes. During Captive Nations Week, we condemn
    the cold grip of tyranny that holds nations under unjust rule, and we
    reaffirm our commitment to all who are fighting to overcome oppression.
    We renew our deep devotion to the principles of liberty, justice, and
    the rule of law, and we know the United States will continue to shine as
    an unparalleled example for all nations.
    President Dwight D. Eisenhower first proclaimed Captive Nations Week in
    1959 to declare our Nation's steadfast support for people throughout the
    world who are denied fundamental rights by their governments. The belief
    that a just government's powers are derived from

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    the consent of the
    governed is sacrosanct in our country, but it is not shared universally.
    In many countries, citizens who peacefully speak their views, practice
    their religion, or strive to hold their governments accountable for
    abuses experience reckless disregard for their rights. Recently,
    authoritarian regimes have used the coronavirus pandemic to justify
    increased restrictions on individual human rights. These regimes have
    suppressed the free flow of timely and accurate information about the
    pandemic by censoring or imprisoning people who dare to share unapproved
    information or opinions. The most notable example
    today is China, where the virus originated and government suppression
    led directly to this global pandemic. In addition, the Chinese
    government has seized upon this opportunity to snuff out freedom in Hong
    Kong, which had been the only bastion of liberty in that captive nation.
    The United States encourages all nations to respect individual liberty,
    uphold the rule of law, and be accountable to their people through
    consent-based governments. Authoritarian regimes that do not respect the
    inherent dignity of every individual hold the dreams and potential of
    their people captive, enabling poverty, repression, and anguish to
    flourish as they deny their people their God-given rights. We will never
    waver in our firm belief that liberty, justice, and the rule of law
    unleash the fullness of life that God intended for everyone. This week
    and always, we stand with all people who yearn to live freely, securely,
    and prosperously under rights-respecting, transparent, and accountable
    governments rooted in the consent of the governed.
    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 of July of each year as ``Captive Nations
    Week.'';
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 July 19 through July
    25, 2020, as Captive Nations Week. I call upon all Americans to reaffirm
    our commitment to supporting those around the world striving for
    liberty, justice, and the rule of law.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of
    July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fifth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP