Pelosi Statement on UN Human Rights Day

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement marking the 73rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948:

"Seventy-three years ago today, the international community came together to declare its firm, united and enduring commitment to human rights, stating, ‘recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.' Solemnly, as we reaffirm our nation's pledge to uphold this truth on this day, we recognize and recommit to the work that remains to oppose the forces of oppression and abuse in the world – including by the Chinese Communist Party. Those of us who have long fought for human rights in China have seen a regime of repression that has only intensified: from its genocide against the Uyghurs, to its long campaign of repression against the Tibetan people and to its assault on basic freedoms in Hong Kong and on the mainland.

"As we mark this anniversary, the House continues a week of strong action to defend human rights in China and around the world. This week, we passed a package of strong, bipartisan legislation to address abuses committed by the Chinese Communist Party, including by countering the exploitation of forced labor by the Uyghur people, condemning the genocide against the Uyghur people and other minority groups and demanding the government immediately guarantee the safety and freedom of Peng Shuai. This legislation builds on Congress's bipartisan and bicameral action: including passage of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, all of which have been signed into law.

"If America does not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights any place in the world. The House will continue to demand that all nations and governments committing human rights abuses – in China and around the world – be held accountable and cease their abuse."