GJC Statement on the Inauguration of Donald Trump
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— January 20 2016
[NEW YORK] – Today, as Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, it is important to remember that no one—and no country—is above the law. Over the course of his presidential campaign, Mr. Trump has expressed his attitude on a range of issues, from abortion to immigration to torture, that are antithetical to the notion of human rights. Many of his proposed policies, if enacted, would put him or the US in violation of international law.
I founded the Global Justice Center [GJC] to move international laws from paper to practice so that they could have a real impact on the lives of women and girls around the world,” says Janet Benshoof, President of GJC. “Our work will only be more vital over the next four years, not only for women here in the United States, but those all over the world.”
At the top of the Trump administration’s agenda seem to be actions and policies to undermine women’s equality and rights. In December, Mr. Trump’s team made worrying inquiries into the State Department’s programs around the world on gender equality. Earlier this week, Rex Tillerson, Mr. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, refused to condemn war crimes in Syria, a conflict which has been marked by crimes against women, including systematic sexual violence. Just yesterday, documents revealed that the Department of Justice’s violence against women grants are on the chopping block in the name of reducing federal spending. According to a congressional staffer, Trump will reinstate the Global Gag Rule on Sunday, the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.
“These actions combined with Mr. Trump’s misogynistic views reducing women to objects, all point to the fact that this administration will likely be an active hindrance to women’s rights around the world,” says GJC’s Legal Director & Vice-President, Akila Radhakrishnan. “Where these actions violate the US’s human rights obligations, we will take action to hold the administration accountable.”
Under international law, heads of state are not immune from accountability, and have increasingly been held responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by those under their control. “Just like Mr. Trump can in fact have conflicts, he can also be in violation of the law” adds Radhakrishnan.
Today marks Mr. Trump’s first day in office. He still has the opportunity to show that his rhetoric was just that, and to uphold the ideals of a global rule of law founded on human rights and gender equality. However, if he doesn’t, we will not hesitate to monitor the activities of the Trump administration and hold it accountable when it violates human rights at home and around the world. “Respect for human rights isn’t overrated,” says Benshoof, “it’s vital to maintaining our democracy.”
For more information contact:
Stephanie Olszewski (New York), Global Justice Center, solszewski@globaljusticecenter.net +1.212.725.6530 ext 211
Banner photo by Gage Skidmore