International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023

This bill establishes in the Department of State a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex) Peoples who shall serve as the principal State Department advisor regarding human rights for LGBTQI+ people and represent the United States in diplomatic matters relevant to the human rights of LGBTQI+ people.

The special envoy shall periodically provide Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI+ people. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development may provide assistance to prevent and respond to such activities against LGBTQI+ people.

The bill also requires that specified annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Bill 118 hr 1833, also known as the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of promoting and protecting human rights around the world. The bill seeks to establish a new office within the Department of State, called the Office of International Human Rights Defense, which would be responsible for coordinating efforts to promote and defend human rights globally.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the authorization of funding for programs that support human rights defenders and organizations working to advance human rights in countries where they are under threat. The bill also calls for the imposition of sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses, including visa bans and asset freezes.

Additionally, the bill seeks to enhance the United States' ability to respond to human rights violations by requiring the State Department to report annually on the state of human rights around the world and to develop a strategy for promoting human rights in US foreign policy. Overall, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023 aims to strengthen the United States' commitment to promoting and defending human rights globally, and to hold accountable those who violate these fundamental rights.