The commissioners gave testimony on the importance of the 35-nation conference which addressed “respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief,” The discussion centered on inconsistencies between the rhetoric of the United States on the subject of human rights and its actions. The focus of human rights covered the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and also Afghanistan. In response to human rights violations- recognizing the framework provided by the Helsinki accords- the witnesses discussed constructive measures to concentrate on human rights violations that could be corrected with relative ease and without effecting systemic change within the Soviet Union or the other states in the Soviet sphere.
Members
Hon. Alfonse D'Amato
Chairman
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Steny Hoyer
Co-Chairman
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Malcolm Wallop
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Gordon Humphrey
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Dennis DeConcini
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. John Porter
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Thomas Lantos
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hon. Sander Levin
Commissioner
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Moderators
Michael Hathaway
Staff Director
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Mary Sue Hafner
General Counsel
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Witnesses
Robie Palmer
Deputy Assistnat Secretary of State for European Affairs
Department of State
Ambassador Richard Schifter
Head of U.S. Delegation
Ottawa Human Rights Experts Meeting
Gary Matthews
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs
Department of State
Hon. Benjamin Gilman
Congressman
U.S. Congress
Relevant Issues
Relevant Countries
Leadership
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