Vietnam Human Rights Act

Hozzl · 2023-12-15T15:57:51Z

Explore the details of House Bill 3172 Vietnam Human Rights Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on International Affairs. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/15/2023, 3:57 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3172

Bill 118 hr 3172, also known as the Vietnam Human Rights Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to promote and protect human rights in Vietnam.

The bill includes provisions that call for the US government to take action to address human rights violations in Vietnam. This includes imposing sanctions on individuals and entities in Vietnam who are responsible for human rights abuses. The bill also calls for increased support for human rights defenders in Vietnam and for the promotion of democracy and freedom of speech in the country.

Additionally, the bill requires the US government to report annually on the human rights situation in Vietnam and to take steps to hold the Vietnamese government accountable for any violations. The bill also calls for increased cooperation with international organizations and other countries to address human rights issues in Vietnam. Overall, the Vietnam Human Rights Act aims to bring attention to and address human rights abuses in Vietnam and to promote democracy and freedom in the country. It is an important piece of legislation that seeks to uphold the values of human rights and democracy on a global scale.

Congressional Summary of HR 3172

Vietnam Human Rights Act

This bill requires actions related to human rights in Vietnam and addresses related issues.

The Department of State must assist eligible individuals and entities working to secure the release of political and religious prisoners in Vietnam.

The Office of Internet Freedom within the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor within the State Department shall prioritize (1) the immediate distribution of censorship circumvention tools for computers and smartphones in Vietnam; and (2) projects to ensure the safety and privacy of bloggers, journalists, and human rights defenders in Vietnam.

Foreign assistance may not be used to assist any unit of the Vietnamese government engaged in cyber espionage activities.

The State Department may establish programs to (1) monitor and halt sex trafficking of women from Vietnam and other Asian countries, and (2) address Vietnam's growing sex-ratio disparity.

The bill also requires various reports to Congress, including reports on (1) persons subject to U.S. sanctions for human rights violations in Vietnam, (2) a strategy to promote freedom in Vietnam, and (3) cyber espionage activities sanctioned by the Vietnamese government targeting Vietnamese dissidents and human rights advocates living outside of Vietnam.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 3172

Bill HR 3172 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 10, 2023. Bill HR 3172 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 10, 2023. Bill HR 3172's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of May 10, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3172

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3172

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3172

Vietnam Human Rights Act

To advance United States national interests by prioritizing the protection of internationally recognized human rights and development of the rule of law in relations between the United States and Vietnam, and for other purposes.