Aderholt Elected Vice Chair of International Human Rights Committee

Contact: Darrell “DJ” Jordan
(202) 225-4876

CONGRESSMAN ADERHOLT ELECTED VICE CHAIR OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) was elected Vice Chair of the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions today while attending the 18th Annual Session of the “Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe” (OSCE) parliamentary assembly gathering in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Rep. Aderholt is in Lithuania as part of a Congressional delegation trip with Helsinki Commission Senators and Representatives from June 26th to July 3rd. In addition to visiting Lithuania, the delegation is meeting with the Presidents of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Belarus.

Among the resolutions being considered this week at the OSCE meeting in Vilnius is a resolution calling on the Iranian government to immediately release the British Embassy employees that have been held for the past several days.

As vice chair of the committee, Congressman Aderholt will provide leadership in setting the agenda on democracy and human rights issues before the 56 country Parliamentary Assembly. The Assembly helps steer the policy direction of the OSCE in monitoring and encouraging all of the 56 participating states to comply with international commitments on security, democracy, economic and environmental issues and human rights. The vice chairmanship term will last for one year.

“I am honored to be elected Vice Chair of this committee, and I look forward to representing U.S. interests and engagements,” said Congressman Aderholt. “History has shown us that during times of economic hardship, vulnerable minorities often pay the price. Therefore, now more than ever, it is imperative that the United States play an active role in promoting human rights, individual liberties and ethnic and religious freedom.”

The Helsinki Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental and military cooperation in 56 countries. Rep. Aderholt has been a member of the Commission since 2001.

Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, said, “I commend Congressman Aderholt for seeking a leadership position on the Human Rights Committee and am confident that Congressman Aderholt’s presence as Vice Chair will ensure the committee’s work remains relevant and responsive to the challenges our countries face in the years ahead.”

####