By Guy Page
Yesterday, as reported by VDC, Lt. Gov. John Rodgers called on Democratic opponent Molly Gray to explain her role in establishing an international organization overseeing private military and security contractors, following renewed allegations that the organization lacked independence and failed to provide adequate protection for victims of human rights abuses.
VDC asked the Gray campaign for a response. Here it is:
“A decade ago, Molly Gray worked for the International Code of Conduct Association, a multi-stakeholder initiative set up by the U.S. Government, and other governments, as well as human rights organizations like Human Rights First in the wake of the Nisour Square incident.
“Her role was to help develop a human rights monitoring program to investigate companies and train human rights organizations. She led field missions into Iraq, East Africa and Nigeria.
“Throughout her career, Molly has never been afraid to push for state action to protect human rights, from calling for the termination of Vermont’s contract with out-of-state private prison company CoreCivic to calling out the human rights issues of our time: ICE’s unlawful attacks on our neighbors. As Lieutenant Governor, she will continue to hold security firms operating in Vermont or contracted by the State, including GardaWorld and Securitas, to human rights standards in the name of protecting Vermonter’s fundamental rights.
“By comparison, John Rodgers cast the tie-breaking vote to send an Acting Trump U.S. Attorney to the Vermont Supreme Court–an attorney who was willing to have a Vermonter deported for exercising their free speech rights.
“Vermonters deserve a Lt. Governor, who isn’t afraid to tackle tough issues and to ensure that the actions of the state align with our values.”
Feature photo from ICoCA website.