Human Rights Leaders Urge Congress to Take 'Open-Minded' View on Bitcoin

Human rights activists have urged Congress to learn about bitcoin and its use in nations suffering conflict and hyperinflation.

AccessTimeIconJun 7, 2022 at 1:44 p.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 3:42 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

A letter detailing the utility of bitcoin and stablecoins for people facing political repression and economic hardship has been sent to the U.S. Congress by 20 human rights activists.

  • The letter was addressed to the likes of House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and both the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, Charles E. Schumer and Mitch McConnell, respectively.
  • It outlines personal accounts of how bitcoin and stablecoins have been used by people in nations suffering conflict, like Ukraine, as well as those bit by hyperinflation, such as Venezuela.
  • "When currency catastrophes struck Cuba, Afghanistan, and Venezuela, Bitcoin gave our compatriots refuge," the letter states. "When crackdowns on civil liberties befell Nigeria, Belarus, and Hong Kong, Bitcoin helped keep the fight against authoritarianism afloat."
  • ‍ Lyudmyla Kozlovska, a Ukrainian activist, said bitcoin has directly assisted in fundraising for soldiers in the fight against Russia.
  • "For me, Bitcoin is not just technology. It has literally saved the lives of my friends and many Ukrainians," Kozlovska said. "Without it, we would not have been able to raise money so quickly to pay for protective equipment for soldiers in the early days of the Russian invasion."

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

Oliver Knight

Oliver Knight is a CoinDesk reporter based between London and Lisbon. He does not own any crypto.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.


Read more about