John Kamm

John Kamm was awarded the Department of Commerce’s Best Global Practices Award by President Bill Clinton in 1997, recognizing his groundbreaking efforts in human rights advocacy in China. Prior to this, Kamm honed his expertise in international relations, serving as the Hong Kong correspondent and representative of the National Council for US-China Trade from 1975 to 1979. He further developed his business acumen managing Occidental Chemical Corporation’s operations in China and East Asia from 1981 to 1991. His early commitment to human rights was evident in 1990, when as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, he successfully advocated for a resolution condemning China’s suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests.

Building on his advocacy, Kamm initiated his first direct intervention on behalf of a Chinese prisoner in May 1990, which propelled his full-time dedication to human rights work. He has since undertaken over 100 trips to China, engaging in dialogue specifically focused on prisoner treatment and improving prison conditions, including submitting requests for information on numerous prisoners and conducting prison visits. In 1999, Kamm founded The Dui Hua Foundation, a non-profit humanitarian organization championing universal human rights in China through informed and respectful dialogue, primarily working to secure clemency and improved treatment for prisoners detained for nonviolent expression of their rights. His work continued to gain national recognition, with President George W.

Through The Dui Hua Foundation and his personal dedication, Kamm remains a leading figure in promoting respectful dialogue to achieve tangible human rights outcomes.