NDI mourns the passing of Patricia Derian, who served as the first assistant Secretary of State for human rights during the administration of President Jimmy Carter.

"Through Patt Derian's courageous and tireless efforts, thousands of lives were saved," said NDI President Kenneth Wollack. "She was a driving force in giving concrete expression to President Carter's human rights policy. NDI always will honor her legacy."

Derian served on NDI's Senior Advisory Committee.