Pelosi Statement on UN Human Rights Day

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement marking the 74th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948:

"Seventy-four years ago, devastated by the horrors of World War II and the unfathomable atrocities of the Holocaust, humanity joined together to affirm, in one voice, ‘the inherent dignity' of all people. As the world celebrates the anniversary of this foundational declaration, let us renew our resolve to defend the right of every person, everywhere, to life, liberty and security.

"Guided by the leadership of President Biden, the world continues to condemn Putin's atrocious disregard for human rights – from war crimes carried out against Ukrainian women and children to the wrongful detainment of foreign nationals, including American citizens. On a bipartisan, bicameral basis, the United States Congress has fiercely opposed China's ongoing campaign of repression against its own people, recently enacting the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. Indeed, if we do 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. And as the women of Iran take to the streets in protest, the American people have proudly stood with them in their fight for fundamental freedoms.

"While leading on the world stage, our nation continues to forge progress at home. How fitting that Americans commemorate this anniversary as President Biden prepares to sign the Respect for Marriage Act into law: a glorious triumph for freedom and equality. As we celebrate this momentous achievement, House Democrats remain committed to upholding the inherent dignity of all Americans: combating the scourge of police violence, stamping out bigoted hate, defending the right to bodily autonomy, tearing down unjust economic barriers and building safer communities where every family can thrive."