PHR Library

October 25, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Physicians for Human Rights on the Death of Sen. Paul Wellstone

Boston, MA—The staff of Physicians for Human Rights, along with its board and members, is grieved to learn of the tragic death of Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife, Sheila, daughter Marcia, and staff members. Senator Wellstone was a dominant leader for the human rights movement in the United States Congress. His was the leading voice on behalf of people with mental and physical disabilities, women and children, torture victims, political prisoners, the innocent victims of war, and all those oppressed, silenced, abused, and exploited.

"Senator Wellstone is irreplaceable," stated Holly Burkhalter, US Policy Director of Physicians for Human Rights and former congressional staffer. "Today the human rights community lost its closest ally, a dear friend, and a man of rare moral courage. Our deepest condolences go out to his surviving family and staff members."

Senator Wellstoneês leadership, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on South Asia, assured the people of Afghanistan that reconstruction of their country, support for the victims of war, and an end to discrimination against women would be at the forefront of the United States agenda in the region.

Physicians for Human Rights had the privilege to work in partnership with the Senator and his staff to advance the rights of Afghan women, landmine survivors, and women and children who are victims of human trafficking. Senator Wellstone was a strong supporter of the United States Campaign to Ban Landmines, which Physicians for Human Rights coordinates, and an advocate for immediate US accession to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty.

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) mobilizes the health professions to advance the health and dignity of all people by protecting human rights. As a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, PHR shared the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.