IA
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. ROMERO-
BARCELO´) 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 sign-
ing 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 deter-
mination to fully respect and apply the Helsinki Prin-
ciples Guiding Relations among participating States, in-
•HJ 393 IH
cluding respect for human rights, the territorial integrity
of states, and the inviolability of frontiers;
Whereas the participating States have declared that ‘‘the pro-
tection and promotion of human rights and fundamental
freedoms and the strengthening of democratic institutions
continue to be a vital basis for our comprehensive secu-
rity’’;
Whereas the participating States have declared that ‘‘respect
for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including
the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, de-
mocracy, 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 demo-
cratic and pluralistic societies, where diversity is fully
protected and respected in practice’’;
Whereas the war in Bosnia-Hercegovina has resulted in orga-
nized, systematic, and premeditated war crimes and
genocide and has threatened stability and security in Eu-
rope;
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 individ-
uals and groups and provides an appropriate framework
for the further development of such rights and freedoms
and genuine security and cooperation among the partici-
pating States: Now, therefore, be it
•HJ 393 IH
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, 1994, the 19th anni-
versary 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 Ameri-
ca’s commitment to full implementation of the human
rights and humanitarian provisions of the Helsinki Ac-
cords, urging all signatory States to abide by their obliga-
tions under the Helsinki Accords, and encouraging the
people of the United States to join the President and Con-
gress 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 re-
spect for human rights and fundamental freedoms contin-
ues 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.
•HJ 393 IH
SEC. 2. TRANSMITTAL.
The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies
of this joint resolution to the Ambassadors or representa-
tives to the United States of the other 52 Helsinki signa-
tory States.
Æ