[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 31 (Monday, August 8, 1994)]
[Pages 1601-1602]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6711--Helsinki Human Rights Day, 1994

August 1, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    For over 20 years, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in 
Europe has been an important forum in leading humanity's ongoing 
struggle to define and defend human rights. The Helsinki Final Act of 
1975 committed the United States, Canada, and 33 European states to 
respect ``freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, for all 
without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.'' It stands 
as a fundamental declaration of freedom--a beacon and a warning to all 
those who would turn away from democracy's welcoming light.
    When the West called upon the states in the Eastern bloc to uphold 
their CSCE human rights commitments during the Cold War, CSCE members' 
support of these ideals played a pivotal role. In recent years, the end 
of the Cold War and the dramatic political changes sweeping Eastern 
Europe and the former Soviet Union have allowed the CSCE to expand and 
reinforce its mandate even further. The 1990 Charter of Paris added to 
existing CSCE principles, embracing new commitments to political 
pluralism, economic liberty, and the rule of law. The 1992 Helsinki 
Summit emphasized that ``the protection and promotion of human rights 
and fundamental freedoms and the strengthening of democratic 
institutions continue to be a vital basis'' for comprehensive security. 
Today, the shared determination of CSCE members to uphold these 
essential values remains the keystone of European security.
    As CSCE member states strive to put the Helsinki principles into 
practice, violent conflicts around the globe remind us that many 
societies emerging from totalitarian rule still have far to travel 
toward international standards of humanitarian democracy. Ethnic 
tensions, civil unrest, and human rights abuses are all too prevalent in 
several of the recently admitted CSCE nations. The United States stands 
steadfast in our commitment to full implementation of the human rights 
and humanitarian provisions of the Helsinki Accords, and I call upon all 
of the signatory states to uphold their pledge to protect human rights, 
to seek peaceful resolutions of conflicts, and to fully abide by their 
obligations under the Helsinki Accords.
    International security depends as never before upon respect for the 
rights of individuals and for the democratic principles of government. 
As we recognize the magnitude of the Helsinki Accords in the history of 
nations, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing its timeless wisdom. 
The vigilant protection of these basic freedoms is the world's best hope 
for a Europe of growing cooperation and lasting peace.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 1, 
1994,

[[Page 1602]]

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, ceremonies, and activities, let us remember our 
courageous citizens who have made sacrifices to secure the freedoms we 
enjoy. Let us work together to encourage respect for human rights and 
democratic values around the world.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
August, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
nineteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2:15 p.m., August 2, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on August 
4.