Speaker-Designate Nancy Pelosi has, in a statement marking the world Human Rights Day this year, called for international support to the Dalai Lama’s efforts for negotiations with the Chinese Government and the doubling of efforts to bring freedom to the Chinese and Tibetan people. Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 every year.

The statement said, “It is fitting that this day also marks the 17th anniversary of his Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. The Dalai Lama has made the human rights situation in Tibet an issue of international concern. Under Chinese occupation, hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have died and religious and political expressions are severely curtailed. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has asked for international support for his efforts to engage the Chinese government. As global citizens, we must double our efforts to bring freedom to the Chinese and Tibetan people.”

“On International Human Rights Day we recommit ourselves to protecting and promoting human rights around the world,” the statement concluded.

Pelosi will be the Speaker of the House of Representatives when the 110th Congress convenes in January 2007.

Following is the full text of her statement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 08, 2006

CONTACT:
Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider
202-226-7616

Pelosi Statement on International Human Rights Day

Washington, D.C. Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi released the following statement in observance of International Human Rights Day, which is recognized on Sunday, December 10:

“This Sunday, we recognize International Human Rights Day, an opportunity to renew our call to protect and uphold the principles and ideals on which our country was founded. On this day, we must recommit our promise to protect and promote human rights around the world. We must take action to stop the genocide in Darfur, promote human rights in China, and eradicate extreme poverty and disease in the developing world.

“On this meaningful day, we must take time to remember the genocide in Darfur and pledge to redouble our efforts to bring this horror to an end. We cannot stand idly by as the Sudanese government continues its systematic destruction of the people of Darfur. We are compelled by the conscience of the world to put an end to this humanitarian disaster.

“It is fitting that this day also marks the 17th anniversary of his Holiness the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. The Dalai Lama has made the human rights situation in Tibet an issue of international concern. Under Chinese occupation, hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have died and religious and political expressions are severely curtailed. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has asked for international support for his efforts to engage the Chinese government. As global citizens, we must double our efforts to bring freedom to the Chinese and Tibetan people.

“This year the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has declared poverty as one of the gravest human rights challenges of our time. We cannot ignore the inextricable links between poverty and the breakdown of human rights. Access to food, health care, and education, opportunities for income, and freedom from discrimination should be universally known as the most basic human rights.

“On International Human Rights Day we recommit ourselves to protecting and promoting human rights around the world.”