Bill > HR7175

This bill, the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2024, aims to enhance the United States government's capacity to prevent, mitigate, and respond to cases of reprisals against human rights defenders, individuals who use nonviolent means to promote or protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. The key provisions of the bill include: establishing a comprehensive "Global Human Rights Defenders Strategy" to support and protect human rights defenders abroad; creating a new nonimmigrant visa category for human rights defenders facing urgent threats; increasing the number of dedicated human rights officers at U.S. diplomatic missions; requiring training for U.S. foreign service officers on supporting human rights defenders; strengthening accountability for perpetrators of reprisals through diplomatic engagement and use of sanctions; and authorizing appropriations to implement these provisions. The bill also requires enhanced reporting on the treatment of human rights defenders in the State Department's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Additionally, it authorizes the National Endowment for Democracy to expand fellowships for "democracy advocates at risk" who face reprisals for supporting democracy, human rights, transparency, and the rule of law.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7175/all-info