Captive Nations Week, 2016

Proclamation 9469 of July 18, 2016

Captive Nations Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since our earliest days, the United States has worked
to uphold the rights enshrined in our founding
documents. The ideals that sparked our revolution find
their truest expression in democracy, and our enduring
belief in the right to self-govern is not limited to
our borders--we believe the human impulse toward
freedom is universal. During Captive Nations Week, we
recognize the inherent dignity of all people, and we
renew our support for those struggling under oppressive
regimes and striving to secure the blessings of liberty
for themselves and their posterity.

After World War II, America joined with other nations
to remake the world--to rebuild, to forge a new
international order, and to advance a more just and
lasting peace. And following a decades-long Cold War,
with strength and resolve and the power of our ideals,
we rejoiced as an Iron Curtain was brought down and a
new beginning was set in motion. But although more
people live in democracies today--and despite the fact
that we are witness to the most peaceful and prosperous
era in human history--such progress is not inevitable,
and dangerous forces threaten to pull the world
backward.

We must bolster our commitment to upholding freedom and
democracy wherever they are jeopardized. That means
ensuring the people of Ukraine have the right to choose
their own destiny and ensure their independence; it
means helping the millions of those displaced from
Syria seek a better and safer future, while continuing
our efforts to bring an end to this brutal conflict and
destroy ISIL. It also means discussing our differences
with nations more directly. And we have opened a new
chapter in our relationship with Cuba, which includes
direct engagement with their government on human rights
and steps to empower and create opportunity for the
Cuban people.

Around the world, a new generation of young people--
connected by technology and driven by idealism and a
willingness to stand up for their beliefs--is calling
for more accountability in government. As heirs to a
struggle for freedom that has long defined our
character, Americans must lead by example and chart new
paths to liberty and opportunity. We will continue to
stand for equality and dignity beyond our borders and
encourage economic and political reforms that foster
democracy. And we remain dedicated to leading and
working with others to build security, prosperity, and
justice, and to fighting for any person still suffering
under the grasp of tyranny.

This week, let us rededicate ourselves to broadening
democracy's reach and promoting its true pillars--the
rule of law, fair elections, a free press, and a
vibrant civil society. As we work to lift up the lives
of those whose governments still rule by fear and
intimidation, let us stay vigilant in defense of
democratic values and the ideals that keep us free.

The Congress, by joint resolution approved July 17,
1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the
President to issue a proclamation designating the third
week of July of each year as ``Captive Nations Week.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 17
through July 23, 2016, as Captive Nations Week. I call
upon the people of the United States to reaffirm our
deep ties to all governments and people committed to
freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-first.