IA
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 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 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’’;
•HJ 235 IH
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 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 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
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 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’’.
•HJ 235 IH
(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.
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.
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