Speech #970282857

Being refused opportunity to freely practice their faith. they would like to be permitted to move to a country where they can live with dignity. They are not trying to subvert the Soviet political system. they are only asking to be let out. The Soviet authorities are virtually closing the door on Jewish emigration. despite the fact that an estimated 500.000 Jews are actively seeking to leave Russia. Beginning in 1980. the number of Jews allowed to leave the Soviet Union began decreasing drastically. Whereas in 1979. 4.000 Jews were granted exit visas every monthfor a total of 51.331 for that year. in 1980 only 21.472 visas were granted and in 1981. 9.448. This year. 1982 appears to be shaping up as by far the worst year for Soviet Jewish emigration since the beginning of the Refuseniks movement in the early 1970s. If the present trend continues. the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews estimate less than 3.000 Jews will leave the U.S.S.R. this year. Harassment of those seeking emigration has also been mounting in the last few months. As an example. the Soviet Government is now stripping Jewish scientists of their doctorates and MA degrees. As quoted from testimony before the Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations. "Jewish scientists who have requested visas are summoned to the administration of the institutions where they are employed and are advised to withdraw their requests for exit visas. Each person refusing to do so is discussed at a meeting of the scientific council at his or her respective place of employment and usually fired." Mr. Speaker. I believe it is important to stress that repeated incidents of Soviet disregard of the rights of individuals to practice their religion and emigrate. as cited above. are in direct violation of the commitment to freedom of thought. conscience. expression. religion. and emigration made by the U.S.S.R. through its adoption and participation as a signatory to the U.N. International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights. the Final Act of Conference of Security and Cooperation in Europe at Helsinki. the U.N. Charter. and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.