American Jewish World Service (AJWS) Calls on State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights to Respect Rights of Vulnerable Groups

Global Human Rights Group calls for respecting the dignity of vulnerable people

Rori Kramer, Director of Government Affairs for American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the leading global Jewish human rights organization, issued the following statement:

“Today, as Secretary Pompeo’s Commission on Unalienable Rights holds its first open meeting, we continue to question the very creation of such a Commission and its purpose.  Touted by Secretary Pompeo as a commission that will explore the principles of human rights in U.S. foreign policy, we fear it is an effort to apply a dangerous religious ideology to curtail the human rights of individuals across the globe. Moreover, the commission will drain the resources of the State Department’s vital work on human rights. We remain steadfast in our opposition to any attempts to weaken the State Department’s admirable work across administrations of both parties on human rights.

We call upon the Commissioners to affirm the policy that the U.S. respects and protects all individuals— including vulnerable communities such as women and girls, LGBTQI people, indigenous and ethnic minorities. We urge the Commissioners to rigorously and transparently engage with civil society by holding consistent open meetings on this important work.

As a faith-based organization founded on the Jewish value of respecting the dignity and worth of every person, we are committed to the idea that the U.S. government uphold the human rights of the most vulnerable populations around the world. We oppose any attempts to further destroy this basic tenet of U.S. foreign policy.”

About American Jewish World Service (AJWS) 

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in the developing world. By supporting hundreds of social change organizations in 19 countries, we respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger, to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and bringing a more just and equitable world closer for all.

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