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“All human beings are born free and equal

in dignity and rights.”

- Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Public Statements

Joint Statement on the Release of Khadija Ismayilova

Jun 1, 2016

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.

Co-Chair Jim McGovern Calls on Bahrain to Release Sheikh Ali Salman

May 27, 2016

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.

Co-Chairs Issue Joint Statement in Support of Solidarity Sabbath and Religious Freedom in China

May 20, 2016

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.

Members of Congress Urge Obama to Renew Sanctions on Burma

May 12, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A bi-partisan group of U.S. Members of Congress, including the Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, strongly urged President Barack Obama to extend for another year sanctions authority that has proven to be an effective source of leverage in support of democratic reforms in Burma.

Co-Chairs Urge Stay of Execution in Bangladesh Case for Lack of Due Process

May 6, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission reiterated their serious concerns over death penalty convictions handed down by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh, referring to the case of Motiur Rahman Nizami.

Members of Congress Urge Obama to Prioritize Sudan

May 4, 2016

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.

World Press Freedom Day

May 3, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On World Press Freedom Day, Congressmen James P. McGovern and Joseph R. Pitts, the Co-Chairmen of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, remembered the members of the press and citizens who have given their lives in service of the the freedoms of the press and expression, and called for the unconditional release of several imprisoned journalists.

Members of Congress Urge Obama to Meet with Civil Society in Saudi Arabia

Apr 20, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, 17 members of Congress, including the Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and ten other members of the Commission, strongly urged President Obama to meet with representatives of civil society and human rights advocates, including those who may be currently in prison or their families, during his trip to Saudi Arabia.

International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda

Apr 7, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda, Congressmen James P. McGovern and Joseph R. Pitts, the Co-Chairmen of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, joined the world in remembering the victims, and called on the international community to act to protect other communities and peoples at risk of genocide.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Mar 21, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC - On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Congressmen James P. McGovern and Joseph R. Pitts, the Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, recalled that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and are entitled to all rights and freedoms without distinction by color or race.

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