WASHINGTON – In recognition of International Human Rights Day, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following statement. Today marks the 67th anniversary of the United Nation General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

“While we’ve seen great progress in protecting and promoting human rights this past year in some parts of the world, countless women, children and religious minorities continue to live under the threat of violence and persecution," said Senators Coons and Kirk. "As Co-Chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we will continue to engage governmental and non-governmental leaders who have made it their mission to improve the lives of those who are suffering.  We will also continue to work with partners to advance human rights for religious minorities, LGBT communities, and vulnerable people around the world.”

Senators Coons and Kirk founded the Human Rights Caucus to build support in Congress for efforts to preserve and protect fundamental human rights around the world. In 2015, the Senate Human Rights Caucus highlighted the targeting of medical workers in Syria, persecution of religious minorities in Iran, and electoral integrity in Venezuela.