Statement on the 2016 Presidential Election

Washington, D.C. – In the wake of yesterday’s historic election and in anticipation of President Obama’s scheduled Thursday meeting with President-Elect Donald Trump, Human Rights First issued the following statement:

“As Americans prepare for a peaceful transition of power to the next administration, Human Rights First remains committed to protecting the ideals that make America a strong and compassionate nation. We will spend the final days of the Obama Administration and the coming four years dedicated to pursuing policies that lift up the voices of tolerance, protect refugees, and build alliances in support of the rule of law and national security.

“In the wake of a divisive campaign season filled with troubling rhetoric and policy proposals that are out of step with the United States’ long history of being a world leader on human rights, we must move forward with renewed commitment, energy, and ideas. Human Rights First will not deviate from its mission. We will continue to work in coalition with all who are willing to come to the table in good faith to stand up for human rights and the rule of law, ideals that have sustained our nation for generations and must guide our future.

“Today we keep our focus not on making a point, but on making a difference. Nothing changes our core values and our commitment to living them through our work and making them real in people’s lives. We look forward to working with the incoming administration and Congress to do just that.”