International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021

1/11/2023, 1:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1201

Bill 117 HR 1201, also known as the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of promoting and protecting human rights around the world. The bill seeks to address human rights violations and abuses by foreign governments, particularly those that receive US assistance.

The key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a new office within the Department of State dedicated to monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses globally. This office would work closely with international organizations and foreign governments to address human rights concerns and advocate for the protection of basic human rights.

Additionally, the bill calls for the imposition of targeted sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations. These sanctions could include travel bans, asset freezes, and other measures designed to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of promoting democracy and the rule of law as essential components of human rights protection. It calls for increased support for civil society organizations and human rights defenders working to advance these principles in their countries. Overall, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021 aims to strengthen US leadership in promoting human rights globally and to ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into US foreign policy decisions.

Congressional Summary of HR 1201

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021

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 annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Current Status of Bill HR 1201

Bill HR 1201 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 22, 2021. Bill HR 1201 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on February 22, 2021.  Bill HR 1201's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights. as of April 2, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1201

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
302
Democrat Cosponsors
302
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1201

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Potential Impact Areas

Congressional oversightCrime preventionDepartment of StateDiplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroadExecutive agency funding and structureFederal officialsForeign aid and international reliefGovernment information and archivesHIV/AIDSHate crimesHuman rightsInternational organizations and cooperationJudicial procedure and administrationLaw enforcement administration and fundingLaw enforcement officersMilitary education and trainingPublic contracts and procurementRefugees, asylum, displaced personsSex, gender, sexual orientation discriminationViolent crimeWorld health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1201

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021To establish in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the Department of State a Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI Peoples, and for other purposes.International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021
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Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 1201

R
Jennifer Wexton
Virginia(Democrat)
R
Bonnie Watson Coleman
New Jersey(Democrat)
R
Frederica S. Wilson
Florida(Democrat)
R
Peter Welch
Vermont(Democrat)

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