WASHINGTON – The United States Helsinki Commission launched a newly updated Internet web site today allowing for greater ease in searching the Commission’s vast array of documents and information. The new Helsinki Commission web site uses some of the latest information technology making research easier and more thorough.
“Through the new Commission web site, we have increased our value to the public with some of the latest advances in technology,” said Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ). “The Commission continues to be a unique and valuable source of information regarding the ‘Helsinki process’ which was born out of the Final Act of the Helsinki Accords signed in 1975. Today, we can deliver information more timely and more effectively than ever before.”
Chairman Smith said the new Internet site is an invaluable research tool for students, academics, government officials and others interested in the issues pertaining to the Commission’s work in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the 55 participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
“Many of the design features were developed in response to requests from practitioners, government officials, human rights leaders and activists in the democracy field seeking Commission materials,” Co-Chairman Campbell said. “We’re pleased to have designed this new site to assist researchers, policy makers, legislators and others in their quest for information about the Commission and its mission over the past 25 years. The Helsinki Commission, through this re-designed web site, has increased its value to Non-Governmental Organizations and governmental officials involved in promoting the Helsinki Final Act.”
The Commission’s web site provides instant access to the agency’s latest press releases and reports on recent hearings and briefings in addition to an electronic subscription service. Using the Commission’s subscription page, readers with e-mail may choose to receive press releases, notices, reports and other documents on issues in which they are most interested.
“I’m confident that visitors will find the Helsinki Commission’s Internet home more user-friendly, easier to navigate and more conducive to research demands,” said Commission Ranking Member Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD). “From press releases to hearing transcripts and briefing reports, the new web site design allows for more efficient delivery of information.”
Through the wonders of today’s Internet, text material on the Helsinki Commission’s web site can be translated into German, Spanish, French and Italian through an unofficial, independent translation service.
