Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to its principles and values.
Summary
This concurrent resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, reaffirming the United States' commitment to its principles and values. It highlights the Act's significance in establishing a comprehensive concept of security and its role in the creation of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The resolution also addresses concerns about violations of the Act's principles, particularly by the Russian Federation.
Expected Effects
The resolution primarily serves as a symbolic gesture, reaffirming the US commitment to the Helsinki Final Act and its principles. It encourages participating states to uphold their obligations, especially regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. The resolution also calls for public observance of the anniversary, potentially raising awareness of the Act's importance.
Potential Benefits
- Reaffirms commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- Encourages peaceful resolution of conflicts.
- Promotes cooperation among participating states.
- Supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
- Reinforces the importance of international law.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution is non-binding and has no direct legal impact.
- Its effectiveness depends on the willingness of other nations to adhere to the Helsinki Final Act's principles.
- It may be perceived as symbolic without concrete actions to address violations.
- The resolution does not allocate specific resources or funding for implementation.
- Potential for diplomatic tensions if the resolution is viewed as critical of specific nations.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the US Constitution by promoting principles of international cooperation and respect for human rights. While the Constitution does not explicitly address international agreements like the Helsinki Final Act, the promotion of peace and security aligns with the general welfare clause (Preamble). Furthermore, the emphasis on human rights is consistent with the Bill of Rights, particularly the First Amendment's guarantees of freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).