In advance of Sen Marco Rubio’s confirmation hearing, Oxfam America President and CEO Abby Maxman said:
“Today's confirmation hearing for Marco Rubio presents a window into the Trump administration's foreign policy priorities -- which could contradict the U.S.'s global responsibilities and undermine critical institutions. We call on Senator Rubio to be steadying force and to ground his tenure as Secretary of State in his history of public service to continue important U.S. policy debates on human rights and humanitarian concerns. He must lead the United States in prioritizing policies that recognize the rights and dignity of the world’s most vulnerable over political pressures – and not down a destructive path of policies that turn a blind eye to our most pressing global challenges.
“The second Trump administration comes at time of growing inequality, instability, hunger, and humanitarian need that is stretching the global humanitarian response system beyond its limits. We are also seeing a dangerous trend of growing threats to humanitarians, human rights defenders and civil society at a time when their work and voices are most critical.
“The only way to effectively address these global challenges is through cooperation. International norms and institutions provide a framework for countries to coexist and work together to prevent conflict, bring about peace, and protect the lives and rights of those most at risk at times of crisis. In recent years, powerful countries - including the United States under both Democratic and Republican administrations – have shown alarming indifference to the most basic rules and it has led to a less effective system that puts lives at risk.
“As President Trump prepares to take office, he is already threatening to undermine the basic tenets of international law and order, threatening land grabs and to abandoning key agreements and allies. Incoming members of the Trump administration like Marco Rubio, Elise Stefanik, Mike Huckabee and others will hold great responsibility regarding how the US shows up to meet the global challenges we face, and lives are on the line. Our foreign policy must center good governance and democratic values to help deliver on the urgent humanitarian needs, human rights, and basic dignity of communities no matter where they are or which government or armed group governs them.
“With another ceasefire deal in limbo, we need to see bold, just, and principled leadership in addressing the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza – and for US leaders to do all in their power to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, insist on a massive influx of aid to reach Palestinians, and push for a sustainable peace for all Palestinians and Israelis. This includes a return for all hostages and illegally detained Palestinians, and justice and accountability for all parties.
“If President Trump’s foreign policy team choose the Trump-first approach to these critical issues, the most marginalized people around the world – and Americans - will all pay the price. Oxfam is prepared to fight and mobilize to hold this administration accountable to live up to its highest ideals in upholding the rights and dignity of communities facing crisis around the world.”
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