Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Co-Chairs Statement on Kobani, Syria

Washington, D.C. — Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission co-chairmen James P. McGovern (D-MA) and Frank Wolf (R-VA) today issued the following statement regarding the dire situation facing the city of Kobani in northern Syria:

"We are deeply alarmed and distressed by reports that thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands, of civilians may be in deadly peril as ISIS forces advance on the northern Syrian city of Kobani. We call upon the U.S. government, humanitarian agencies, the international community, and especially countries in the region to take the necessary and even extraordinary measures required to save and protect these civilians. This is a humanitarian crisis requiring urgent international coordination and action. It is unconscionable that in the 21st century the world might stand on the sidelines and leave these vulnerable individuals and families without help."

The mission of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission is to promote and advocate human rights in a nonpartisan manner both inside and outside of Congress.