Ros-Lehtinen Says Global Human Rights Conditions "Unacceptable;' International Human Rights Day Recognized Saturday

Statement

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on Saturday's commemoration of Human Rights Day:

"All over the world, millions suffer everyday at the hands of oppressive governments and dictators.

"The current status of human rights around the world is unacceptable. Brutal regimes have embedded themselves in every corner of the globe. Too often, they are able to carry out their horrific practices in plain sight, with little or nothing said or done to stop it. One need look no further than the United Nations Human Rights Council, where the likes of China and Cuba serve as members, to know that the world is not fully united and committed to fighting oppression.

"As Americans, we must never be silent when countless victims around the globe are treated as a commodity, a scourge, a political threat, or a life to be arbitrarily taken. We must speak out when we see injustice, provide a voice to the voiceless, and challenge their oppressors.

"It is my hope that responsible democratic nations will renew their commitment to speaking up for victims of human rights abuse all over the world, and to holding their oppressors to account."

NOTE: Human Rights Day commemorates the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sixty-three years ago.

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