Dr. Gunisha Kaur — Appointed a Federal Commissioner

Here’s some exciting news: My way better half, Dr. Gunisha Kaur, has been appointed as a Federal Commissioner on the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). She is the first Sikh to serve in this role. USCIRF describes itself as “an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission, the first of its kind in the world, dedicated to defending the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad.” This mandate aligns with who Gunisha is and the mission of human rights to which she has devoted her career.

Gunisha is one of the smartest people I know. She’s also one of the most dedicated to addressing human rights violations. She’s a physician and medical anthropologist by training, and for years now she has been medical director for the Weill Cornell Center for Human Rights. She has traveled the world to work on and address these topics, and she has served people from around the world who have endured displacement, persecution, and torture.

Now, she’ll be representing the United States on these issues. It’s a win in so many ways, but none more than for the advancement of human rights.

Gunisha was appointed by Senator Chuck Schumer. The Commission reports to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. As part of her role, Gunisha will travel to other countries to investigate their human rights records.

There are a number of people who helped nominate her, advocate for her, and support her through the process. The list is too long to get into all the names, but there are many long-time friends in these spaces who went to bat for her. I’m grateful for all of them, and grateful for this larger community of people who care deeply about building a world where people can live into their conscience freely and fearlessly.

Here is Senator Schumer’s press release regarding her appointment.