WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring Human Rights Day.
This resolution, introduced on the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizes the troubling rise in the number of violations of global human rights, stresses incidents of ongoing conflict around the world, and makes note of the one million political prisoners. This resolution also states that an awareness of human rights is critical to preventing conflict, promoting equality, and leading to more stable, secure, and safer communities.
“As human rights around the world continue to face increasing restrictions, it is crucial that we reassert Congress’s bipartisan priority to advocate for and support the human rights of all peoples,” said Senator Coons. “I would also like to call for the full and unconditional release of Ekpar Asat, a Uyghur entrepreneur who has been unjustly imprisoned for the past nine years. The United States must continue to be a leading voice in advocating for the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.”
“I am proud to introduce this resolution with Senator Coons condemning the use of political imprisonment and reiterating our support for the protection of civil liberties worldwide,” said Senator Tillis. “This is of critical importance, and we call on governments worldwide to release political prisoners like Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu and uphold their obligations to respect human rights.”
The resolution seeks to:
- Recognize the importance of Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
- Call on governments to immediately and unconditionally release individuals unjustly detained for their human rights and civil society advocacy work;
- Condemns the use of political imprisonment as a tool of repression to restrict civil liberties and human rights;
- Encourages the American people to continue a commitment to upholding freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Throughout the past year, Senator Coons and Senator Tillis have jointly called for the release of wrongfully imprisoned human rights defenders and for the protection and promotion of human rights around the world.
The full text of the resolution can be read here.