108 STAT. 692 PUBLIC LAW 103-258—MAY 25, 1994 Public Law 103-258 103d Congress Joint Resolution May 25, 1994 [S.J. Res. 168] Designating May 11, 1994, as "Vietnam Human Rights Day". Whereas May 11, 1994, is the fourth anniversanr of the issuance of the Manifesto of the Non-Violent Movement tor Human Rights in Vietnam; Whereas the Manifesto, which calls upon Hanoi to respect basic human rights, accept a multiparty system, and restore the right of the Vietnamese people to choose their own form of government through free and fair elections, reflects the will and aspirations of the people of Vietnam; Whereas the author of the Msuiifesto and thousands of innocent Vietnamese, including religious leaders, are imprisoned by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam because of their nonviolent struggle for freedom and human rights; Whereas the leaders of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam are seeking to expand diplomatic and trade relations with the rest of the world; Whereas the United States, as the leader of the free world, has a special responsibility to safeguard freedom and promote the protection of human rights throughout the world; and Whereas the Congress urges Hanoi to release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners, with full restoration of their civil and human rights; guarantee equal protection under the law to all Vietnamese, regardless of religious belief, political philosophy, or previous associations; restore all basic human rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, movement, and association; abolish the single party system and permit the functioning of all political organizations without intimidation or harassment and announce a framework and timetable for free and fair election under the sponsorship of the United Nations that will allow the Vietnamese people to choose their own form of government: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That May 11, 1994, is designated as "Vietnam Human Rights Day" in support
�
