[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 28 (Monday, July 19, 1993)]
[Pages 1346-1347]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6580--Captive Nations Week, 1993

 July 15, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Since 1959, when the Congress designated the third week of July as 
``Captive Nations Week,'' Americans have set aside this week to remember 
those who suffer under the yoke of oppressive governments. Many brave 
people who sought freedom and liberty brought down these totalitarian 
regimes, and this week we recognize their sacrifices. But we must also 
rededicate ourselves to those who are still struggling in regions of the 
world where human rights and individual liberties are not upheld.
    Over two centuries ago our forefathers fought for the cause of 
freedom and democracy, and these ideals have continued to be embraced by 
nations around the world. As America declared its independence, our 
country provided inspiration for all those who did not enjoy the rights 
that we held to be self-evident. We cannot abandon those we have 
encouraged. Our efforts in the former Soviet Union and Central and 
Eastern Europe have been rewarded by a wave of freedom throughout the 
region. Furthermore, these nations have proven their resolve and 
commitment to the difficult and frustrating transition to democratic, 
market-oriented systems that respect individual, social, political, and 
economic rights.

    Yet today not everyone is free. There are still oppressive and 
authoritarian governments entrenched elsewhere in the world. Others are 
struggling for freedom and democracy, but need our help. Many nations in 
Latin America and Africa have been slower to introduce change. 
Tragically, even those in Europe are still threatened by atrocities 
fueled by ethnic hatred. For this reason, we must always remember the 
abuses that captive peoples have endured, continue to promote individual 
liberties, and call upon the nations of the world to protect human 
rights.

    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 in July of each year as ``Captive Nations 
Week.''

    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim July 11 through July 17, 1993, as 
Captive Nations Week. I call upon the people of the United States to 
observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. In doing 
this, I rededicate America to supporting the cause of human rights, 
democracy, peace, freedom, justice, and prosperity for all.

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day 
of July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
eighteenth.

                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:02 a.m., July 16, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on July 
19.

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