[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]]