Responding to the election of federal, state, and local officials across the United States, Amnesty International USA’s Executive Director, Nadia Daar, said:
“The people of the United States have chosen their next slate of elected representatives at all levels of government, and their choices rang loud and clear. Those elected, from community representatives to federal lawmakers, now bear a heavy burden as many lives and livelihoods, both inside and outside the United States, depend on their willingness to defend and protect human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law. That includes fighting against the Trump administration’s authoritarian practices, against unchecked corporate power and corruption, and for the rights of all people.
“Faced with an administration devoted to a sweeping white supremacist agenda and the decimation of the human rights system itself, Congress’ duty to check abuses by the executive branch and reject impunity for the individuals responsible for those abuses is as consequential now as it has ever been.
“Lawmakers have their work cut out for them; urgent action needs to be taken to combat attacks across a range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights issues. But they have a host of tools at their disposal to do so – to reverse the administration’s course on human rights and begin to hold officials accountable – including investigations and legislation, as well as withholding or restoring funding. Just as the world was watching the results of the elections, it will now be watching what elected leaders do with the powers and responsibilities they’ve been given: they must work towards a future where people can live freely and have their needs met.
“It is time for a different approach to governing in the United States. All newly elected officials should choose accountability over impunity, equality over discrimination, and the full spectrum of people’s human rights over the arbitrary and unlawful exercise of power.”
Contact: [email protected]