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103D CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. J. RES. 393

To designate August 1, 1994, as ‘‘Helsinki Human Rights Day’’.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

JULY 25, 1994

Mr. HOYER (for himself, Mr. PORTER, Mr. FROST, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey,

Mr. WOLF, Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota, Mr . PASTOR, Mr. WAXMAN,

Mr. MORAN, Mr. BERMAN, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. HOCHBRUECKNER, Mr.

ORTON, Mr. RICHARDSON, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. LANTOS, Mr. BATEMAN, Mr.

TOWNS, Mr. WILSON, Mr. TORRICELLI, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. HASTINGS,

Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. GORDON, Mr. WALSH, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. GILMAN,

Ms. DELAURO, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. FISH, Mr. CLEMENT, Mr. SWETT, Mrs.

MEYERS of Kansas, Mr. LANCASTER, Mr. DELLUMS, Mr. HUGHES, Mr.

ACKERMAN, Mr. LEHMAN, Mr. MCCLOSKY, Mr. BILBRAY, Ms. NORTON,

Mr. MARKEY, Mr. APPLEGATE, Mr. DEFAZIO, and Mr. ROMEROBARCELO ́) 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, 1994, as ‘‘Helsinki Human Rights

Day’’.

Whereas August 1, 1994, is the 19th 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 their determination to fully respect and apply the Helsinki Principles Guiding Relations among participating States, in-
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cluding respect for human rights, the territorial integrity

of states, and the inviolability of frontiers;

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 has threatened stability and security in Europe;

Whereas ethnic tensions, civil unrest, and egregious human

rights abuses in several of the recently admitted CSCE

States continue to result 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
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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, 1994, the 19th 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’’.

8 (b) PROCLAMATION.—The President is authorized

9 and requested to issue a proclamation reasserting Ameri10 ca’s commitment to full implementation of the human

11 rights and humanitarian provisions of the Helsinki Ac12 cords, urging all signatory States to abide by their obliga13 tions under the Helsinki Accords, and encouraging the

14 people of the United States to join the President and Con15 gress in observance of Helsinki Human Rights Day with

16 appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

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

18 convey to all signatories of the Helsinki Accords that re19 spect for human rights and fundamental freedoms contin20 ues to be a vital element of further progress in the ongoing

21 Helsinki process; and to develop new proposals to advance

22 the human rights objectives of the Helsinki process, and

23 in so doing to address the major problems that remain.
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1 SEC. 2. TRANSMITTAL.

2 The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies

3 of this joint resolution to the Ambassadors or representa4 tives to the United States of the other 52 Helsinki signa5 tory States.

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