Bill > S3705

This bill aims to enhance the United States government's capacity to prevent, mitigate, and respond to reprisals against human rights defenders and democracy advocates. The key provisions of the bill include: 1) Establishing a comprehensive interagency strategy to support and protect human rights defenders globally, including measures to strengthen the ability of U.S. embassies and missions to prioritize the protection of human rights defenders and seek accountability for perpetrators of reprisals. 2) Creating a new nonimmigrant visa category for human rights defenders facing credible threats to their safety, allowing them to temporarily come to the U.S. with their families. 3) Increasing the number of U.S. foreign service officers dedicated to democracy and human rights issues, including by reclassifying positions to mid-level ranks. 4) Directing the U.S. to use its influence at international bodies to promote the participation and protection of human rights defenders and support the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. 5) Authorizing additional funding for implementing the strategy, training U.S. personnel, and supporting democracy advocates at risk through the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program. Overall, the bill aims to elevate and enhance U.S. support for human rights defenders facing increasing threats and reprisals around the world in order to advance human rights, democracy, and other U.S. policy interests.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3705/all-info