    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 31 (Monday, August 9, 1993)]
    [Pages 1525-1526]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 6584--Helsinki Human Rights Day, 1993

     August 1, 1993

    By the President of the United States

    of America

    A Proclamation

        Since its inception in the 1970's, the Conference on Security and
    Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) has been the premier forum in which the
    ongoing struggle for human rights and the dignity and worth of
    individuals in European nations has been waged. In the wake of the
    instability created by the outbreak of war in the former Yugoslavia, the
    CSCE states have embraced a strategy of preventive diplomacy as a way of
    resolving differences before they lead to conflict. The CSCE's approach
    of combining a strong emphasis on human rights, preventive diplomacy,
    and multilateral action is an example of the kind of foreign policy I
    seek to pursue.
        Yet, the dire situation in the former Yugoslavia gives pause to
    those who want to believe that the CSCE's principles will be respected
    in nations emerging from totalitarian rule. We must work with these
    nations in order to guide them toward the principles we hold dear.
        The CSCE has made a major contribution even in areas of instability
    and conflict. Through conflict-prevention missions, monitoring of
    sanctions, sponsorship of the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations, activities
    of the High Commissioner on National Minorities, and the energetic
    program of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights,
    participating states have demonstrated their collective political
    commitment to transform CSCE principles into reality.
        As we grapple with the great challenges the CSCE faces, we reaffirm
    our belief that security cannot be divorced from respect for human
    rights and the democratic process. We also reaffirm our commitment to
    the advancement of the rights of individuals, for it was individuals who
    stood in front of tanks and tore down the walls that split East from
    West. Individuals braved the wrath of repressive regimes in order to
    call on them to live up to their CSCE commitments. And individuals today
    continue to struggle to build democratic societies at peace with their
    neighbors. The groundbreaking work of the CSCE in establishing human
    rights and other standards to which all CSCE states have committed
    themselves has permanently strengthened European security.
        In recognition of the contributions of the CSCE toward the expansion
    of human rights, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 111, has
    designated August 1, 1993, as ``Helsinki Human Rights Day'' and has
    requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this
    day.
        Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United
    States of America, do hereby proclaim August 1, 1993, as Helsinki Human
    Rights Day and reaffirm the American commitment to upholding human
    dignity and freedom--principles that are enshrined in the Helsinki Final
    Act. As we Americans observe this day with appropriate programs and
    activities, let us remember our courageous citizens who have made
    sacrifices to secure the freedoms that we enjoy. Let us work together to
    encourage respect for human rights and democratic values in all CSCE
    states.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
    August, 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, 3:39 p.m., August 3,
    1993]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on August
    5.

    [[Page 1526]]