Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
@tlhumanrights.bsky.social
Official account for the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, U.S. House of Representatives. Co-Chairs Rep. James P. McGovern
(D-MA) & Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).
(D-MA) & Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).
Dong Yuyu remains unjustly incarcerated after the Beijing High Court rejected his appeal. Dong is a journalist who has been given a 7-year sentence on a politically motivated charge. PRC authorities should release him and respect the internationally recognized right of freedom of the press.
A Beijing court upheld the seven-year sentence on espionage charges of journalist and CPJ awardee Dong Yuyu on Nov. 13; CPJ urges Chinese authorities to immediately release himand, and allow him to reunite with his family.
Read more:
Read more:
China upholds harsh 7-year prison sentence for journalist Dong Yuyu on spy charges - Committee to Protect Journalists
New York, November 13, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists on Thursday urged Chinese authorities to immediately release journalist Dong Yuyu and allow him to reunite with his family, after a…
cpj.org
November 14, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Dong Yuyu remains unjustly incarcerated after the Beijing High Court rejected his appeal. Dong is a journalist who has been given a 7-year sentence on a politically motivated charge. PRC authorities should release him and respect the internationally recognized right of freedom of the press.
The Democratic staff of the TLHRC are accepting applications for the winter term (Jan-April) under the newly-established Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program (deadline Nov 6). For application information see: humanrightscommission.house.gov/about/intern...
October 23, 2025 at 4:33 PM
The Democratic staff of the TLHRC are accepting applications for the winter term (Jan-April) under the newly-established Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program (deadline Nov 6). For application information see: humanrightscommission.house.gov/about/intern...
The PRC's crackdown on Zion Church, an underground house church in multiple cities across China, is a horrible violation of religious freedom. Authorities should release Pastor Ezra Jin and dozens of others and let them freely practice their faith without fear of retribution.
China has detained church leader Ezra Jin, whose ties to the U.S. mean the move could further strain Beijing-Washington relations at an already sensitive moment.
China Detains Prominent Underground Pastor, Complicating Ties With U.S.
Ezra Jin, who built a vibrant church network spanning 40 cities across China, has faced years of intense pressure from authorities.
on.wsj.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:22 PM
The PRC's crackdown on Zion Church, an underground house church in multiple cities across China, is a horrible violation of religious freedom. Authorities should release Pastor Ezra Jin and dozens of others and let them freely practice their faith without fear of retribution.
The Democratic staff of the TLHRC are now accepting applications for the winter term (Jan-April) under the newly-established Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program (deadline Nov 6). For application information see: humanrightscommission.house.gov/about/intern...
October 10, 2025 at 4:14 PM
The Democratic staff of the TLHRC are now accepting applications for the winter term (Jan-April) under the newly-established Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program (deadline Nov 6). For application information see: humanrightscommission.house.gov/about/intern...
Dilnur Reyhan is a French-Uyghur scholar and activist. She is being prosecuted in France for exercising her freedom of expression. People in France should be able to freely protest China’s abuse of the Uyghur people. French authorities should drop the charges against her.
#France : Lundi prochain, le procès de Dilnur Reyhan, accusée d'avoir participé à un acte de protestation contre le gouvernement chinois à la Fête de l'Humanité en 2022 doit avoir lieu.
Personne ne devrait être poursuivi pour avoir manifesté pacifiquement.
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
Personne ne devrait être poursuivi pour avoir manifesté pacifiquement.
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
Une universitaire militante ouïghoure poursuivie en justice en France pour avoir critiqué Pékin
Le 13 octobre, le tribunal d’Evry, en région parisienne, jugera Dilnur Reyhan, éminente universitaire et militante française ouïghoure, présidente de l'Institut ouïghour d'Europe, pour « dégradation d...
www.hrw.org
October 10, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Dilnur Reyhan is a French-Uyghur scholar and activist. She is being prosecuted in France for exercising her freedom of expression. People in France should be able to freely protest China’s abuse of the Uyghur people. French authorities should drop the charges against her.
13 years ago, Khalil Maatouk, a Syrian human rights lawyer disappeared on his way to work. He has not been seen since 2013. At the time of his disappearance, his health was in poor condition.
Senator Ted Budd is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
Senator Ted Budd is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
October 2, 2025 at 6:06 PM
13 years ago, Khalil Maatouk, a Syrian human rights lawyer disappeared on his way to work. He has not been seen since 2013. At the time of his disappearance, his health was in poor condition.
Senator Ted Budd is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
Senator Ted Budd is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
#InternationalDayOfOlderPersons reminds us that the ability to exercise human rights do not diminish with age. We honor the wisdom & contributions of older persons. Protecting their rights means ensuring dignity, care & inclusion for every generation.
2025 UNIDOP On "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights" | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)
35th United Nations International Day of Older Persons Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action:Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights Wednesday, 1 October 2025 10:00 AM - 1:00 PMECOSOC…
social.desa.un.org
October 1, 2025 at 5:15 PM
#InternationalDayOfOlderPersons reminds us that the ability to exercise human rights do not diminish with age. We honor the wisdom & contributions of older persons. Protecting their rights means ensuring dignity, care & inclusion for every generation.
10 years ago yesterday, Buzurgmehr Yorov was arrested without just cause after representing political opposition in court. He is serving a 28-year prison sentence. Tajikistan must release him immediately & without conditions. #DefendingFreedoms
September 29, 2025 at 3:49 PM
10 years ago yesterday, Buzurgmehr Yorov was arrested without just cause after representing political opposition in court. He is serving a 28-year prison sentence. Tajikistan must release him immediately & without conditions. #DefendingFreedoms
Today, Ales Bialiatski celebrates his 63rd birthday in a Belarusian prison. He is serving a 10-year sentence on politically motivated charges for his work on human rights. Belarus must release him immediately & unconditionally.
@repcohen.bsky.social is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
@repcohen.bsky.social is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
September 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Today, Ales Bialiatski celebrates his 63rd birthday in a Belarusian prison. He is serving a 10-year sentence on politically motivated charges for his work on human rights. Belarus must release him immediately & unconditionally.
@repcohen.bsky.social is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
@repcohen.bsky.social is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
In 2008, Congress passed the authorizing resolution for the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, strengthening bipartisan efforts to defend human rights. Today, we continue that mandate by educating Congress & the public and advocating for those whose rights are under threat.
September 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
In 2008, Congress passed the authorizing resolution for the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, strengthening bipartisan efforts to defend human rights. Today, we continue that mandate by educating Congress & the public and advocating for those whose rights are under threat.
11 years ago today, economist and Uyghur rights defender Ilham Tohti was sentenced to life in prison for promoting cultural understanding between Uyghurs & Han Chinese. China must release him immediately & unconditionally.
@amo.house.gov is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
@amo.house.gov is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
September 23, 2025 at 5:15 PM
11 years ago today, economist and Uyghur rights defender Ilham Tohti was sentenced to life in prison for promoting cultural understanding between Uyghurs & Han Chinese. China must release him immediately & unconditionally.
@amo.house.gov is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
@amo.house.gov is his #DefendingFreedoms advocate.
Today marks 24 years since the arrest of Dawit Isaak in Eritrea for his journalism. He is the world’s longest-imprisoned journalist, held incommunicado without charges. Eritrea must immediately and unconditionally clarify his status and release him. #DefendingFreedoms
September 23, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Today marks 24 years since the arrest of Dawit Isaak in Eritrea for his journalism. He is the world’s longest-imprisoned journalist, held incommunicado without charges. Eritrea must immediately and unconditionally clarify his status and release him. #DefendingFreedoms
Today, Dr. Hatoon al-Fassi celebrates her birthday. Detained in 2018 for her women’s rights activism in Saudi Arabia, she remains at risk of imprisonment despite her temporary release. Saudi authorities must drop all charges against her immediately and without conditions.
September 18, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Today, Dr. Hatoon al-Fassi celebrates her birthday. Detained in 2018 for her women’s rights activism in Saudi Arabia, she remains at risk of imprisonment despite her temporary release. Saudi authorities must drop all charges against her immediately and without conditions.
5 years ago today, Crimean Tatar activist Timur Ibragimov was sentenced to 17 years in prison on fabricated charges. Detained for reporting on raids and trials in Crimea, his health is deteriorating in Russian custody. He must be released immediately & without conditions.
September 16, 2025 at 5:15 PM
5 years ago today, Crimean Tatar activist Timur Ibragimov was sentenced to 17 years in prison on fabricated charges. Detained for reporting on raids and trials in Crimea, his health is deteriorating in Russian custody. He must be released immediately & without conditions.
On #DemocracyDay, we affirm that democracy & human rights are inseparable. Protecting freedoms of expression, participation & equality is essential to ensure every voice is heard. Human rights are the foundation on which lasting democracies are built.
www.un.org/en/observanc...
www.un.org/en/observanc...
International Day of Democracy | United Nations
The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support…
www.un.org
September 15, 2025 at 3:15 PM
On #DemocracyDay, we affirm that democracy & human rights are inseparable. Protecting freedoms of expression, participation & equality is essential to ensure every voice is heard. Human rights are the foundation on which lasting democracies are built.
www.un.org/en/observanc...
www.un.org/en/observanc...
Democracy advocate Gubad Ibadoghlu celebrates his 54th birthday today under house arrest in Azerbaijan. Despite serious health concerns & international calls for his release, he remains unjustly held. We call on Azerbaijan to release him immediately and without conditions.
September 12, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Democracy advocate Gubad Ibadoghlu celebrates his 54th birthday today under house arrest in Azerbaijan. Despite serious health concerns & international calls for his release, he remains unjustly held. We call on Azerbaijan to release him immediately and without conditions.
On September 9th, a court in Baku unjustly denied the appeal of @rferl.org.web.brid.gy journalist Farid Mehralizada, who faces a nine-year prison sentence. We strongly condemn this decision and call for his immediate and unconditional release.
September 10, 2025 at 8:59 PM
On September 9th, a court in Baku unjustly denied the appeal of @rferl.org.web.brid.gy journalist Farid Mehralizada, who faces a nine-year prison sentence. We strongly condemn this decision and call for his immediate and unconditional release.
Materials from the hearing “Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs: Human Rights Implications” along with a recording of the hearing, are now available on our website:
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs: Human Rights Implications
Hearing NoticePlease join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on foreign NGO laws.
humanrightscommission.house.gov
September 10, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Materials from the hearing “Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs: Human Rights Implications” along with a recording of the hearing, are now available on our website:
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
TODAY: Please join us today, Tuesday, September 9 at 2:00 pm EST for a hearing on Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs.
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs: Human Rights Implications
Hearing NoticePlease join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on foreign NGO laws.
humanrightscommission.house.gov
September 9, 2025 at 3:07 PM
TODAY: Please join us today, Tuesday, September 9 at 2:00 pm EST for a hearing on Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs.
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
Please join us tomorrow, Tuesday, September 9 at 2:00 pm EST for a hearing on Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs.
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
September 8, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Please join us tomorrow, Tuesday, September 9 at 2:00 pm EST for a hearing on Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs.
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
Journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza celebrated his 44th birthday today. Once jailed for denouncing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he was freed in a prisoner swap in August 2024. Reporting is not a crime—We must protect journalists everywhere.
September 7, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza celebrated his 44th birthday today. Once jailed for denouncing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he was freed in a prisoner swap in August 2024. Reporting is not a crime—We must protect journalists everywhere.
Today marks the anniversary of the 2021 arrests of Nariman Celal & Asan Akhtemov. Nariman is now Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey, but Asan remains imprisoned on politically motivated charges. Russia must release him immediately and unconditionally. #CrimeaTatars #DefendingFreedoms
September 5, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Today marks the anniversary of the 2021 arrests of Nariman Celal & Asan Akhtemov. Nariman is now Ukraine’s ambassador to Turkey, but Asan remains imprisoned on politically motivated charges. Russia must release him immediately and unconditionally. #CrimeaTatars #DefendingFreedoms
Please join us Tuesday, September 9 at 2:00 pm EST for a hearing on Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs.
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs: Human Rights Implications
Hearing NoticePlease join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on foreign NGO laws.
humanrightscommission.house.gov
September 3, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Please join us Tuesday, September 9 at 2:00 pm EST for a hearing on Laws Regulating Foreign NGOs.
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
humanrightscommission.house.gov/events/heari...
Osman Arifmemetov turns 40 today. He is serving a 14-year prison sentence on politically motivated terrorism charges for reporting on Russia’s rights violations in occupied Crimea. Russia must release him immediately and unconditionally. #DefendingFreedoms
August 28, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Osman Arifmemetov turns 40 today. He is serving a 14-year prison sentence on politically motivated terrorism charges for reporting on Russia’s rights violations in occupied Crimea. Russia must release him immediately and unconditionally. #DefendingFreedoms
Today marks the eighth anniversary of the attacks on the Rohingya in Burma. Genocidal violence left thousands dead and more than 700,000 displaced. The crisis continues and urgent funding & support are needed to protect and assist affected communities.
news.un.org/en/focus/roh...
news.un.org/en/focus/roh...
Rohingya Refugee Crisis
Today, nearly one million Rohingya refugees continue to live in dire conditions … addressing the root causes of systematic discrimination, disenfranchisement and communal violence in Myanmar is…
news.un.org
August 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Today marks the eighth anniversary of the attacks on the Rohingya in Burma. Genocidal violence left thousands dead and more than 700,000 displaced. The crisis continues and urgent funding & support are needed to protect and assist affected communities.
news.un.org/en/focus/roh...
news.un.org/en/focus/roh...