Thomas O Melia

Former diplomat & advisor to U.S. Senators, still a human rights & democracy activist, writer, reader, professor -- mainly husband & father

[McCain Institute @McCainInstitute]

Journalists are a cornerstone to a free press, free speech, and democracy—ensuring truth and accountability prevails. On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalism, the global community must remain determined to #protectjournalists.

[McCain Institute @McCainInstitute]

On this day in 1982, John McCain was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives representing AZ’s 1st congressional district. Building on a distinguished military career, he went on to serve decades in public office, working across the aisle, defending human rights, and promoting freedom for all at home and abroad.

[Protest 24 @protest_24]

#GeorgiaProtests - Day 153
Demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue welcome the march coming from the Public Broadcaster building.

[Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems]

"I look forward to seeing @ZelenskyyUa in Munich to discuss how the U.S. can continue to support the brave Ukrainians fighting on the front lines against Putin's illegal war and for freedom and democracy." -@SenatorShaheen

[BBC News (World) @BBCWorld]

US school teacher Marc Fogel released by Russia - White House https://t.co/s9M7L8XLKy

[U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine @USAmbKyiv]

Yesterday, I joined @ZelenskyyUa & members of the international community to remember the 6 million Jewish men, women, & children murdered by the Nazis & their collaborators, along with millions of others persecuted & killed. We renew our efforts to combat antisemitism & hatred.

[Senator Ben Cardin @SenatorCardin]

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act President Carter championed remains a cornerstone in the fight against corruption. @CarterCenter has set a global standard in advancing public health, election integrity and peacebuilding. This vision of a more just world continues to inspire us.

[Senator Ben Cardin @SenatorCardin]

Jimmy Carter reimagined how we could lead on the world stage, integrating human rights into foreign policy in ways that forever changed US diplomacy. Prioritizing universal values in natl security vs strictly transactional exchanges makes us a stronger &more compassionate partner

[Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems]

"Sudan is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis & the continuing conflict is slowly extinguishing the light of hope for tens of millions of Sudanese inside & outside the country."

-Chair @SenatorCardin to @SecBlinken, urging bold action on Sudan at #UNSC
https://t.co/W61dWGHPfg

[Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems]

Chair @SenatorCardin condemned the ruling Georgian Dream party’s continued violence against peaceful protestors following Saturday’s controversial presidential election, which has been widely challenged by Georgian society and int'l observers.

Read ⬇️
https://t.co/nxBIoz7POj

[Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems]

Chair @SenatorCardin joined @AlexWitt on @MSNBC to call out @realDonaldTrump's absurd claim that he is a "political prisoner," calling it an "affront to the #HumanRightsDefenders & political prisoners who've put their lives on the line to fight for democracy in their country." ⬇️

[Freedom House @freedomhouse]

Today's Spotlight🔆on Freedom:

🌐 Ahead of #COP29, the Intl Community Must Advocate for Human Rights
🇻🇪 TNR WATCH: Exile As Another Tool of Authoritarianism
🗒️ NEXT WEEK: #FreedomOnTheNet 2024 Report Launch

More: https://t.co/1M8XdfUKzt
Subscribe: https://t.co/NIkDGxHzCK

[Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems]

Chair @SenatorCardin sent a letter urging @SecBlinken to secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus; calling out Lukashenko’s use of prisoners to deter Belarusians from political and cultural actions that highlight his corrupt regime.

Read ⬇️
https://t.co/ZZQB3KlBBN

[Civil.ge @CivilGe]

U.S. President Joe Biden has disinvited Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze from a reception for world leaders at the #UNGA, the Georgian government has confirmed.
https://t.co/nHi1ZJA7w6

[peter pomerantsev @peterpomeranzev]

David Lammy on Russia’s ‘Mafia Empire’- the fusion of colonialism and kleptocracy, the model Russia is entrenching and inspiring other predator states.

[Richard Woodruff 🇺🇦 @frontlinekit]

People often ask me what made me come to Ukraine to help fight off this russian hoard; it was this video; till the day I die, I will remember this clip.

[Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems]

Exiled Russians & Belarusians promoting democracy in their home countries face many challenges:

▪️Legal status
▪️Physical threats
▪️Access to social media & communication tools

Learn how Chair @SenatorCardin's bill – the BRIDGE Act – can support them ⤵️
https://t.co/E52oMbp5MY

[Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems]

This week, @POTUS announced his intent to nominate Chair @SenatorCardin to be a U.S. Representative to the 79th Session of the @UN General Assembly, where he will proudly represent our country and core democratic values on the world stage. 🇺🇸 🇺🇳

[Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems]

Congrats to all of our @TeamUSA Paralympic athletes for an incredible showing in the #ParisParalympics. We were proud to watch you bring home 105 medals and represent our country with honor.

Now begins the countdown to the 2028 Olympics, coming to Los Angeles, California! 🇺🇸🏅

[Senate Foreign Relations Committee @SFRCdems]

"If Azerbaijan seeks to create a durable relationship with the Euro-Atlantic community, I urge President Aliyev to release those unjustly imprisoned by his government," said Chair @SenatorCardin.

Full statement urging #Azerbaijan to uphold #HumanRights ⤵️
https://t.co/5BcSm2om8I