WASHINGTON—Helsinki Commission Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) today welcomed the nomination of Robert A. Destro to serve as the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. The Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor traditionally also serves as the State Department’s representative on the Helsinki Commission.
“For more than 40 years, the bipartisan, bicameral Helsinki Commission has demonstrated the deep commitment of the U.S. Congress to robust American leadership on human rights and democracy. By nominating Mr. Destro, President Trump has taken a decisive step to ensure that the critical work of the State Department will keep pace with the challenges we are currently facing,” said Sen. Wicker. “I encourage my Senate colleagues to quickly confirm Mr. Destro, given the many human rights challenges we are seeing worldwide.”
“Following his confirmation, I also look forward to welcoming Mr. Destro to the Helsinki Commission. By serving together as commissioners, members of Congress and senior administration officials more effectively advance U.S. policies that promote security, human rights, and fundamental freedoms around the globe,” Sen. Wicker concluded.
Mr. Destro is a human rights advocate and a civil rights attorney with expertise in elections and employment law. He is also professor of law and director of the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America.
