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[Page H1442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
Oregon (Ms. Bonamici) for 5 minutes.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of
International Women's Day on March 8 to call attention to women around
the world who have risked their personal safety and freedom to speak
out for the rights of all women.
I am particularly inspired by the example of three brave Saudi women
who have spent nearly 2 years imprisoned or under house arrest because
of their fearless advocacy.
These three women, Loujain Al-Hathloul, Nouf Abdulaziz, and Eman Al-
Nafjan, are outstanding examples of the many Saudi activists who
bravely fought to stop Saudi Arabia's male guardianship, fought to end
its prohibition on women driving, and fought to open up female
participation in elections and public office.
And although the government ostensibly granted such freedoms in 2018,
these three women continue to face different injustices, including
torture or threats of murder and sexual violence and limited access to
family or legal representation.
Loujain has been particularly targeted for her courageous leadership
within this women's movement. Her selfless commitment has paved the way
for crucial social reforms, but unfortunately, the Saudi Government has
attempted to undermine her contributions with politically-motivated
criminal charges, a lengthy imprisonment, and inhumane abuse.
This incredible woman deserves to be honored, not jailed, which is
why I recently led several colleagues in nominating Loujain for the
Nobel Peace Prize and will continue to advocate for her through the Tom
Lantos Human Rights Commission's Defending Freedoms Project.
This Congress, we have already adopted a bipartisan resolution in the
House to urge for the release of these women and other activists.
Today, we call on Saudi Arabia once again to free these women and to
lift the threat of their continued persecution.
To maintain our international leadership, the United States has a
moral obligation to uphold democratic principles. The President, the
Secretary of State, and the entire Trump administration must increase
its diplomatic pressure to demand the release of these women and hold
the Saudi Government accountable for its appalling disregard of human
rights.
As we recognize this International Women's Day, we are reminded to
look beyond our borders; to continue to bring attention to the urgent
and ongoing human rights violations that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is
committing.
I ask that all women and their allies throughout the United States
and around the world and all men join me in standing with these amazing
Saudi feminists in demanding that they be freed.
____________________
