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103D CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. J. RES. 235

To designate August 1, 1993, as ‘‘Helsinki Human Rights Day’’.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

JULY 22, 1993

Mr. HOYER (for himself, Mr. PORTER, Ms. PELOSI, Mr. WOLF, Mr. SISISKY,

Mr. LIPINSKI, Mrs. KENNELLY, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. GILMAN,

Mr. SERRANO, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mrs. MORELLA, Mr. KING, Mr. FROST,

Mr. HUGHES, Mr. BONIOR, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. HALL of

Texas, Ms. NORTON, Mr. SWETT, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. VENTO, and Mr.

HASTINGS) introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred

jointly to the Committees on Post Office and Civil Service and Foreign

Affairs

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’’;
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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

1 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives

2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

3 SECTION 1. HELSINKI HUMAN RIGHTS DAY.

4 (a) DESIGNATION.—August 1, 1993, the 18th anni5 versary of the signing of the Final Act of the Conference

6 on Security and Cooperation in Europe is designated as

7 ‘‘Helsinki Human Rights Day’’.
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1 (b) PROCLAMATION.—The President is authorized

2 and requested to issue a proclamation reasserting Ameri3 ca’s commitment to full implementation of the human

4 rights and humanitarian provisions of the Helsinki Ac5 cords, urging all signatory States to abide by their obliga6 tions under the Helsinki Accords, and encouraging the

7 people of the United States to join the President and Con8 gress in observance of Helsinki Human Rights Day with

9 appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

10 (c) HUMAN RIGHTS.—The President is requested to

11 convey to all signatories of the Helsinki Accords that re12 spect for human rights and fundamental freedoms contin13 ues to be a vital element of further progress in the ongoing

14 Helsinki process; and to develop new proposals to advance

15 the human rights objectives of the Helsinki process, and

16 in so doing to address the major problems that remain.

17 SEC. 2. TRANSMITTAL.

18 The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies

19 of this joint resolution to the Ambassadors or representa20 tives to the United States of the other 52 Helsinki signa21 tory States.

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