[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 DEMOCRACY CAUCUS AT THE UNITED NATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend my co-chair of the 
Congressional Human Rights Caucus and ranking member of the House 
International Relations Committee, Tom Lantos, for introducing this 
important and timely legislation. I would also like to thank Chairman 
Hyde and Chairman Dreier for their leadership on this important issue.
  The strength of the United Nations has been declining in recent 
years. Corrupt dictatorships now hold many seats on the U.N. Human 
Rights Commission. It is incredible that the leading world body charged 
with protecting and exposing human rights has some of the worst human 
rights abusers sitting in judgment. I was extremely concerned when the 
United Nations Commission on Human Rights passed a watered down draft 
discussion on the slaughter occurring in Darfur, Sudan. I commend the 
administration for taking a stand on the importance on the commission 
passing strong resolution and applaud the U.S. delegation for walking 
out when the commission failed in its responsibility to expose and 
condemn the human rights abuses taking place in Darfur.
  It was unfathomable that on May 4 the commission allowed Sudan to 
renew its seat on the panel. Over one million people have now been 
displaced in Darfur. Thousands are dying. Women raped. Boys and men 
slaughtered. The rainy season has begun, and the roads will soon become 
impassable. Massive numbers face death while the Government of Sudan 
blocks humanitarian aid, continuing to worsen an already tragic 
situation. The Government of Sudan must be held accountable for what is 
occurring in Darfur.
  The United States must continue to take a leadership role in calling 
the world's attention to the human rights abuses occurring across the 
globe. The creation of a democracy caucus at the United Nations is a 
first step in reducing the power of abusive nations which sit at the 
United Nations. This caucus can help fill the seats on the Human Rights 
Commission with freedom loving democracies which respect and protect 
the human rights of their people.

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