He was also a strong advocate for human rights and for the fair treatment of all Ghanaians.

We need to come together behind a simple proposition that the Syrian President is waging a brutal, murderous campaign against his own people.

That right remains in peril in far too many countries.

Japan and the United States share a commitment to democracy, the rule of law, open societies, human rights, human security, and free and open markets.

This Administration recognizes that some oppressive governments seek to target their citizens for grave human rights abuses through the use of information and communications technology.

The measures in this order are designed primarily to address the need to prevent entities located in whole or in part in Iran and Syria from facilitating or committing serious human rights abuses.

I have determined that the commission of serious human rights abuses against the people of Iran and Syria by their governments... threaten the national security and foreign policy of the United States.

The measures in the order are designed primarily to address the need to prevent entities located in whole or in part in Iran and Syria from facilitating or committing serious human rights abuses.

I'll be interested in discussing with the President efforts to further expand democracy and human rights within Kazakhstan.

I am confident that we will one day end the scourge of modern slavery because I believe in those committed to this issue.

The United States is committed to eradicating trafficking in persons.

We believe in the inherent dignity of every human being.

The international community is united in its determination to end the repugnant practice of using child soldiers.

We will stand up for human rights, we will stand up for free speech, we will stand up for women's rights.

The victims here are overwhelmingly Syrians and the assault that Assad continues to wage against the Syrian people is heinous and unforgivable.

And now we cannot hesitate to stand squarely on the side of those who are reaching for their rights, knowing that their success will bring about a world that is more peaceful, more stable, and more just.

Today's award honors three extraordinary individuals and sends a powerful message that the struggle for universal rights and human dignity can only be fulfilled with the full participation of women around the globe.

I commend President Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, and Tawakkul Karman for showing the world that the rights and voices of half of humanity cannot and will not be denied.