f40
S.J.Res. 111
One Hundred Third Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the fifth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-three
Joint Resolution
To designate August 1, 1993, as ``Helsinki Human Rights Day''.
Whereas August 1, 1993, is the 18th anniversary of the signing of the
Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe
(CSCE) (hereafter referred to as the ``Helsinki Accords'');
Whereas the participating States have declared that ``the protection and
promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the
strengthening of democratic institutions continue to be a vital basis
for our comprehensive security'';
Whereas the participating States have declared that ``respect for human
rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of persons
belonging to national minorities, democracy, the rule of law, economic
liberty, social justice, and environmental responsibility are our
common aims'';
Whereas the participating States have acknowledged that ``there is still
much work to be done in building democratic and pluralistic societies,
where diversity is fully protected and respected in practice'';
Whereas the war in Bosnia-Hercegovina has resulted in organized,
systematic, and premeditated war crimes and genocide and threatens
stability and security in Europe;
Whereas growing ethnic tensions, civil unrest, and egregious human
rights violations in several of the newly admitted CSCE states, most
notably in Tajikistan, are resulting in significant violations of CSCE
commitments; and
Whereas the CSCE has contributed to positive developments in Europe by
promoting and furthering respect for the human rights and fundamental
freedoms of all individuals and groups and provides an appropriate
framework for the further development of such rights and freedoms and
genuine security and cooperation among the participating States: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. HELSINKI HUMAN RIGHTS DAY.
(a) Designation.--August 1, 1993, the 18th anniversary of the
signing of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation
in Europe, is designated as ``Helsinki Human Rights Day''.
(b) Proclamation.--The President is authorized and requested to
issue a proclamation reasserting America's commitment to full
implementation of the human rights and humanitarian provisions of the
Helsinki Accords, urging all signatory States to abide by their
obligations under the Helsinki Accords, and encouraging the people of
the United States to join the President and Congress in observance of
Helsinki Human Rights Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities.
(c) Human Rights.--The President is requested to convey to all
signatories of the Helsinki Accords that respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms continues to be a vital element of further progress
in the ongoing Helsinki process; and to develop new proposals to advance
the human rights objectives of the Helsinki process, and in so doing to
address the major problems that remain.
SEC. 2. TRANSMITTAL.
The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies of this joint
resolution to the Ambassadors or representatives to the United States of
the other 52 Helsinki signatory States.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
0