Lawmaker Seeks Recognition of Worldwide Democracy and Human Rights Advocates
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) yesterday introduced the Liberty List Act (H.R. 4989), bipartisan legislation which will require the State Department to highlight the work of individuals and organizations – including members of the media – who promote the development of liberty, democracy, and respect for human rights. The Liberty List will draw attention to the conditions against which the honorees struggle and will offer some protection for honorees by identifying them to the international community.
“Leaders in the struggle for freedom and democracy around the world deserve recognition for the sacrifice,” Congressman Schiff said. “A few individuals and groups, such as Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD), are known around the world for their struggle. Yet, for every individual who is known to the international community, there are many other heroes who deserve recognition and support as they risk their own lives for the improvement of others.”
The Liberty List is fundamentally different from the existing State Department Report on International Religious Freedom and the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Current reports focus on the human rights records of national governments; they deal with the imposition of state power. The Liberty List, in contrast, will spotlight individuals and organizations who are working against that power to build freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights.
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.