Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 107 Part 1.djvu/309

 PUBLIC LAW 103-61—AUG. 2, 1993 107 STAT. 283 Public Law 103-61 103d Congress 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 Da/'. (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 Aug. 2, 1993 [S.J. Res. Ill]

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