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“All human beings are born free and equal

in dignity and rights.”

- Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Public Statements

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.

In Recognition of International Women's Day

Mar 8, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On International Women's Day, Congressmen James P. McGovern and Joseph R. Pitts, the Co-Chairmen of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, called on the global community to redouble efforts to ensure that women and girls can participate fully in economic and social life, enjoy equal access to opportunity, and live free from violence.

Members of Congress Urge India to Protect Religious Minority Communities

Feb 26, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On February 25th, eight senators and twenty-six members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including the Co-Chairs and thirteen other members of the Human Rights Commission, wrote to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to relay their grave concerns about the increasing intolerance and violence experienced by members of that country's religious minority communities.

Co-Chair Pitts Sends Message of Hope and Solidarity to the People of North Korea

Feb 8, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, in recognition of the Korean New Year, TLHRC Co-Chair Joseph R. Pitts sent a message of solidarity to the people of North Korea, and to all people of good will to uphold the human rights of every single human being.

Co-Chairs Call on Chinese Authorities to Cease Criminalization of Relatives, Friends of Self-Immolators

Feb 4, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On February 1, TLHRC Co-Chairs Jim McGovern and Joseph Pitts wrote to the Chinese authorities to express their deep concern regarding the prosecution and labeling as “criminals” of the relatives, friends and communities of persons who self-immolate.

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