ResourcesPress Release

PHR Welcomes Tomasz Malinowski’s Confirmation as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

For Immediate Release

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) today welcomed the Senate confirmation of Tomasz Malinowski as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, the government’s highest position solely dedicated to human rights.

“At a moment when the United States is confronted with significant human rights challenges domestically and abroad, we are pleased to see the appointment of Mr. Malinowski, who brings decades of experience in human rights and advocacy to this critical position,” said Donna McKay, PHR’s executive director. “We are particularly pleased that he brings an expertise on Burma and Bahrain, two countries where U.S. leadership is crucial in order for human rights in those countries to improve.”

PHR welcomed the bipartisan appointment, and said it was important for Malinowski to integrate human rights into U.S. foreign policy. The organization said it looked forward to seeing Malinowski focus on areas identified in his nomination speech, including assistance for besieged Syrians, threats to civil society organizations around the world, and greater transparency and accountability.

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Learn more here.

Media Contact

Kevin Short

Deputy Director, Media & Communications1.917.679.0110

Get Updates from PHR