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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen James P. McGovern and Joseph R. Pitts, Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, issued the following statement to mark World Refugee Day, observed on June 20^th of every year to raise awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress, we welcome last week's release from prison of Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova, her acquittal on appeal of two of four charges, and the reduction of her seven and half year sentence by the Azerbaijan Supreme Court. However, we are dismayed that Khadija's convictions on two other spurious charges still stand, and that she now faces a lengthy term of probation, a travel ban, and a ban on professional activities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, called on the government of Bahrain to release opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salman.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This weekend, in recognition of Solidarity Sabbath, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity with all those who affirm and support the fundamental human right to freedom of religion, conscience, and belief.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today a bipartisan group of 120 members of Congress, including 50 members of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, is calling on President Obama to re-prioritize peace, accountability and protection of civilians in Sudan during his final year in office. The letter is led by Congressmen Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Joseph Pitts (R-PA), Co-Chairs of the Commission, and the Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Sudan and South Sudan Issues Caucus: Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX), Mike Capuano (D-MA), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), and Barbara Lee (D-CA).