AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on the Civil and Human Rights Front of Hong Kong (CHRF) obtaining the 2020 George Meany Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award.
We are proud to stand side by side with brave workers and allies around the world who challenge the erosion of democratic institutions, increasing authoritarianism and the concentration of corporate power. The courage and perseverance displayed by the unions and allied organizations working together under the CHRF has sparked an increase in worker organizing and broad-based support for democracy even as they face significant opposition both inside and outside Hong Kong. I am proud to stand with them as they fight to provide a broad platform for unions, civil and human rights organizations, and other allies to coordinate and advance an agenda for democracy and fundamental worker and human rights.
We call upon the government of Hong Kong to immediately drop the charges against the 15 democracy activists who have been criminally charged for their participation in peaceful protests in 2019 and could face years in prison, and to refrain from charging others for their participation in these demonstrations.
As has been the case throughout history, the struggle for democracy relies on a robust labor movement and civil society and their ability to freely associate and assemble.
Read the AFL-CIO Executive Council’s resolution presenting the Civil and Human Rights Front of Hong Kong (CHRF) obtaining the 2020 George Meany Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award: https://aflcio.org/about/leadership/statements/2020-george-meany-lane-kirkland-human-rights-award
Contact: Gonzalo Salvador (202) 637-5018