Captive Nations Week, 2010

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8541 of July 16, 2010

Captive Nations Week, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In 1959, President Eisenhower issued the first Captive
Nations Proclamation in solidarity with those living
without personal or political autonomy behind the Iron
Curtain. Since that time, once-captive nations have
broken free to establish civil liberties, open markets,
and allow their people access to information. However,
even as more nations have embraced self-governance and
basic human rights, there remain regimes that use
violence, threats, and isolation to suppress the
aspirations of their people.

The Cold War is over, but its history holds lessons for
us today. In the face of cynicism and stifled
opportunity, the world saw daring individuals who held
fast to the idea that the world can change and walls
could come down. Their courageous struggles and
ultimate success--and the enduring conviction of all
who keep the light of freedom alive--remind us that
human destiny will be what we make of it.

The journey towards worldwide freedom and democracy
sought in 1959 remains unfinished. Today, we still
observe the profound differences between governments
that reflect the will of their people, and those that
sustain power by force; between nations striving for
equal justice and rule of law, and those that deny
their citizens freedom of religion, expression, and
peaceful assembly; and between states that are open and
accountable, and those that restrict the flow of ideas
and information. The United States has a special
responsibility to bear witness to those whose voices
are silenced, and to stand alongside those who yearn to
exercise their universal human rights.

In partnership with like-minded governments, we must
reinforce multilateral institutions and international
partnerships that safeguard human rights and democratic
values. We must empower embattled civil societies and
help their people connect with one another and the
global community through new technologies. And, with
faith in the future, we must always stand with the
courageous advocates, organizations, and ordinary
citizens around the world who fearlessly fight for
limitless opportunity and unfettered freedom.

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 18
through July 24, 2010, as Captive Nations Week. I call
upon the people of the United States to reaffirm our
deep commitment to all those working for human rights
and dignity around the globe.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.