[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 86 (Thursday, May 18, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE AMERICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL'S WORK TO PROTECT 
                     CITIZENS' INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American 
Human Rights Council for their advocacy and efforts. The AHRC has been 
a steadfast champion in ensuring that all Americans, regardless of 
background, are able to exercise their civil liberties.
  Founded in 2014, the AHRC brings together community leaders and civil 
rights activists to promote and defend human rights defined in the 
United States' Constitution and by the United Nations' Declaration of 
Human Rights. Initially focused on protecting and preserving the rights 
of prisoners, the AHRC has expanded its advocacy efforts to address 
pressing humanitarian issues in the United States and abroad. In 
addition to its work on prisoners' rights, the organization has also 
strongly pushed for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen and 
relief for the humanitarian issues facing the country's citizens, as 
well as opposed the Syrian government's attacks on innocent civilians 
during the Syrian civil war. The AHRC also recognizes outstanding 
individuals who work to further the group's mission during its annual 
Spirit of Humanity Gala event.
  The AHRC has played a critical role in protecting and advancing human 
rights both in the community and around the world. By working with 
state and local partners, the AHRC has been able to draw attention to 
human rights issues by hosting public forums and educational awareness 
events. In the past year, AHRC has investigated dozens of inmate 
inquiries relating to issues in prison facilities and participated in 
multiple community forums, including discussions about community 
policing initiatives and an annual Capitol Day visit to Lansing in 
order to highlight the organization's mission and its concerns with 
elected officials. These efforts have helped raise awareness while 
driving action to further the AHRC's mission of promoting human rights.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the American 
Human Rights Council for its work to protect and preserve Americans' 
civil liberties. The AHRC's work has helped safeguard our nation's 
fundamental rights.

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