ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 8608ProclamationObama · DCeremonial

Proclamation 8608

Helsinki Human Rights Day, 2010

President Obama proclaimed December 1, 2010 as Helsinki Human Rights Day to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act. The proclamation honors human rights activists, reaffirms U.S. commitment to OSCE principles, and calls on Americans to observe the day with ceremonies and activities.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 75615

Impact dates

  1. Helsinki Human Rights Day observance

Key directives

  • Proclaim December 1, 2010 as Helsinki Human Rights Day
  • Call upon all people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation of December 1, 2010 as Helsinki Human Rights Day

Near term (90d)

  • Day of observance on December 1, 2010

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Mild diplomatic signaling tension: 'recommit to calling on fellow participating states to reexamine their compliance' could irritate some OSCE members without naming them
  • Vague 'appropriate ceremonies and activities' leaves implementation entirely voluntary
Proclamation 8608: Helsinki Human Rights Day, 2010 · Executive Orders