WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, and Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA-47) today introduced resolutions in the United States Senate and House of Representatives honoring Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the United Nations’ ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

“Today, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and honor those around the world who work tirelessly to advance fundamental rights like justice and equality,” said Senator Coons. “On this important anniversary, we remember all those around the world who suffer from violence and persecution, and recommit ourselves to advocating for their freedom.”

“I am proud to introduce the Human Rights Day resolution that honors the adoption of the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 affirming the rights of individuals and setting the standard for human rights protections,” said Senator Tillis. “As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I will continue to fight on behalf of those who advocate for basic human rights and ensure that the United States continues to be the standard for promoting freedom across the world.”

“Seventy years ago, the United States proudly signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today, the promotion of respect for human rights as embodied in the declaration continues to be a key component of our country’s foreign policy,” said Congressman Lowenthal. “Congress, and the world, must recognize that those who are denied basic human rights, such as the freedoms of speech, religion, and political expression, are also denied basic human respect and dignity. We must continue to universally protect human rights.”

Joining Senators Coons and Tillis in introducing the resolution were Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). 

The text of the resolution is available here. 

###