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Income and expense are whole-filing amounts associated with this lobbyist, not personal compensation or an allocated share.
No topic inference: each bill number appears in source LDA issue text assigned to this lobbyist.
Freedom through Renewable Energy Expansion (FREE) Act
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (S. 1175 and H.R. 3028) • Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) • UN Human Rights Council legislation (S. 1698) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. China: Advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged effective enforcement of human rights conditions on US military and demobilization aid to Colombia. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Ethiopia: Urged US to call for release of political detainees and deny assistance to abusive military units. Global: Urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iran: Urged US to refrain from tying allocation of funds to activists and reform programs with programs of regime change. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees; urged US to press Iraq to release 5 Iranian diplomats in Iraq or to provide adequate due process rights for these diplomats. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns that the Lebanese government avoid civilian casualties in clashes with armed groups; called on US to ensure that US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human right s violations. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Nepal Army. North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex and to include human rights issues in any dialogue with North Korea. Pakistan: Urged US to condition military aid on democratic reform; urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Philippines: Advocated for greater security in the Philippines, particularly for civilians targeted by radical armed groups; urged US to condition military aid on progress in the prosecution of members of the Philippine Armed Forces who have participated in human rights violations. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to urge the Sudanese government to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Advocated for fair treatment of Guantanamo detainees returned to Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. United Arab Emirates: Urged US to pressure the UAE to abide by international labor standards. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
Specific issues are shown only where the LDA source assigned them to this lobbyist. Targets apply to the associated filing.
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH via HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
2007 · mid_year · MA
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH via HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
2007 · year_end · YA
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS)
Source: Senate LDA
Freedom through Renewable Energy Expansion (FREE) Act
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Treaties and Legislation "Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) "Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1)
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Responsibility to Iraqi Refugees Act of 2007
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) • Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548) • Guantanamo closure bills (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • Habeas restoration bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Iraqi refugees legislation (H.R. 2265) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (S. 1348) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies • Admission of Iraqi refugees into the US
To amend titles 28 and 10, United States Code, to restore habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes.
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) • Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548) • Guantanamo closure bills (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • Habeas restoration bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Iraqi refugees legislation (H.R. 2265) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (S. 1348) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies • Admission of Iraqi refugees into the US
To amend titles 28 and 10, United States Code, to restore habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes.
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (S. 1175 and H.R. 3028) • Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) • UN Human Rights Council legislation (S. 1698) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. China: Advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged effective enforcement of human rights conditions on US military and demobilization aid to Colombia. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Ethiopia: Urged US to call for release of political detainees and deny assistance to abusive military units. Global: Urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iran: Urged US to refrain from tying allocation of funds to activists and reform programs with programs of regime change. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees; urged US to press Iraq to release 5 Iranian diplomats in Iraq or to provide adequate due process rights for these diplomats. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns that the Lebanese government avoid civilian casualties in clashes with armed groups; called on US to ensure that US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human right s violations. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Nepal Army. North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex and to include human rights issues in any dialogue with North Korea. Pakistan: Urged US to condition military aid on democratic reform; urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Philippines: Advocated for greater security in the Philippines, particularly for civilians targeted by radical armed groups; urged US to condition military aid on progress in the prosecution of members of the Philippine Armed Forces who have participated in human rights violations. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to urge the Sudanese government to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Advocated for fair treatment of Guantanamo detainees returned to Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. United Arab Emirates: Urged US to pressure the UAE to abide by international labor standards. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
To enact title 51, United States Code, "National and Commercial Space Programs", as positive law.
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (S. 1175 and H.R. 3028) • Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) • UN Human Rights Council legislation (S. 1698) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. China: Advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged effective enforcement of human rights conditions on US military and demobilization aid to Colombia. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Ethiopia: Urged US to call for release of political detainees and deny assistance to abusive military units. Global: Urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iran: Urged US to refrain from tying allocation of funds to activists and reform programs with programs of regime change. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees; urged US to press Iraq to release 5 Iranian diplomats in Iraq or to provide adequate due process rights for these diplomats. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns that the Lebanese government avoid civilian casualties in clashes with armed groups; called on US to ensure that US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human right s violations. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Nepal Army. North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex and to include human rights issues in any dialogue with North Korea. Pakistan: Urged US to condition military aid on democratic reform; urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Philippines: Advocated for greater security in the Philippines, particularly for civilians targeted by radical armed groups; urged US to condition military aid on progress in the prosecution of members of the Philippine Armed Forces who have participated in human rights violations. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to urge the Sudanese government to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Advocated for fair treatment of Guantanamo detainees returned to Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. United Arab Emirates: Urged US to pressure the UAE to abide by international labor standards. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
To extend the duty suspension on Titanium Mononitride.
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (S. 1175 and H.R. 3028) • Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) • UN Human Rights Council legislation (S. 1698) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. China: Advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged effective enforcement of human rights conditions on US military and demobilization aid to Colombia. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Ethiopia: Urged US to call for release of political detainees and deny assistance to abusive military units. Global: Urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iran: Urged US to refrain from tying allocation of funds to activists and reform programs with programs of regime change. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees; urged US to press Iraq to release 5 Iranian diplomats in Iraq or to provide adequate due process rights for these diplomats. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns that the Lebanese government avoid civilian casualties in clashes with armed groups; called on US to ensure that US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human right s violations. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Nepal Army. North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex and to include human rights issues in any dialogue with North Korea. Pakistan: Urged US to condition military aid on democratic reform; urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Philippines: Advocated for greater security in the Philippines, particularly for civilians targeted by radical armed groups; urged US to condition military aid on progress in the prosecution of members of the Philippine Armed Forces who have participated in human rights violations. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to urge the Sudanese government to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Advocated for fair treatment of Guantanamo detainees returned to Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. United Arab Emirates: Urged US to pressure the UAE to abide by international labor standards. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
A bill to require the President to close the Department of Defense detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes.
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
A bill to require the President to close the Department of Defense detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for other purposes.
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) • Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548) • Guantanamo closure bills (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • Habeas restoration bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Iraqi refugees legislation (H.R. 2265) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (S. 1348) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies • Admission of Iraqi refugees into the US
Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Closure Act of 2007
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) • Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548) • Guantanamo closure bills (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • Habeas restoration bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Iraqi refugees legislation (H.R. 2265) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (S. 1348) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies • Admission of Iraqi refugees into the US
Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Closure Act of 2007
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties "Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) "Material support legislation (H.R. 2764)
Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Treaties/Legislation Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548)
Department of Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) • Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548) • Guantanamo closure bills (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • Habeas restoration bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Iraqi refugees legislation (H.R. 2265) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (S. 1348) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies • Admission of Iraqi refugees into the US
Human Rights Council Funding Reform Act of 2007
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (S. 1175 and H.R. 3028) • Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) • UN Human Rights Council legislation (S. 1698) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. China: Advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged effective enforcement of human rights conditions on US military and demobilization aid to Colombia. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Ethiopia: Urged US to call for release of political detainees and deny assistance to abusive military units. Global: Urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iran: Urged US to refrain from tying allocation of funds to activists and reform programs with programs of regime change. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees; urged US to press Iraq to release 5 Iranian diplomats in Iraq or to provide adequate due process rights for these diplomats. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns that the Lebanese government avoid civilian casualties in clashes with armed groups; called on US to ensure that US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human right s violations. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Nepal Army. North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex and to include human rights issues in any dialogue with North Korea. Pakistan: Urged US to condition military aid on democratic reform; urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Philippines: Advocated for greater security in the Philippines, particularly for civilians targeted by radical armed groups; urged US to condition military aid on progress in the prosecution of members of the Philippine Armed Forces who have participated in human rights violations. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to urge the Sudanese government to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Advocated for fair treatment of Guantanamo detainees returned to Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. United Arab Emirates: Urged US to pressure the UAE to abide by international labor standards. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) • Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548) • Guantanamo closure bills (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • Habeas restoration bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Iraqi refugees legislation (H.R. 2265) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (S. 1348) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies • Admission of Iraqi refugees into the US
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
National Security with Justice Act of 2007
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
National Security with Justice Act of 2007
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) • Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548) • Guantanamo closure bills (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • Habeas restoration bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Iraqi refugees legislation (H.R. 2265) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (S. 1348) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies • Admission of Iraqi refugees into the US
National Security with Justice Act of 2007
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Treaties/Legislation Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548)
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (S. 1175 and H.R. 3028) • Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) • UN Human Rights Council legislation (S. 1698) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. China: Advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged effective enforcement of human rights conditions on US military and demobilization aid to Colombia. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Ethiopia: Urged US to call for release of political detainees and deny assistance to abusive military units. Global: Urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iran: Urged US to refrain from tying allocation of funds to activists and reform programs with programs of regime change. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees; urged US to press Iraq to release 5 Iranian diplomats in Iraq or to provide adequate due process rights for these diplomats. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns that the Lebanese government avoid civilian casualties in clashes with armed groups; called on US to ensure that US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human right s violations. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Nepal Army. North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex and to include human rights issues in any dialogue with North Korea. Pakistan: Urged US to condition military aid on democratic reform; urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Philippines: Advocated for greater security in the Philippines, particularly for civilians targeted by radical armed groups; urged US to condition military aid on progress in the prosecution of members of the Philippine Armed Forces who have participated in human rights violations. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to urge the Sudanese government to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Advocated for fair treatment of Guantanamo detainees returned to Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. United Arab Emirates: Urged US to pressure the UAE to abide by international labor standards. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
Effective Terrorists Prosecution Act of 2006
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Expanding Education for Military Families Act of 2003
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (S. 1175 and H.R. 3028) • Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) • UN Human Rights Council legislation (S. 1698) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. China: Advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged effective enforcement of human rights conditions on US military and demobilization aid to Colombia. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Ethiopia: Urged US to call for release of political detainees and deny assistance to abusive military units. Global: Urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iran: Urged US to refrain from tying allocation of funds to activists and reform programs with programs of regime change. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees; urged US to press Iraq to release 5 Iranian diplomats in Iraq or to provide adequate due process rights for these diplomats. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns that the Lebanese government avoid civilian casualties in clashes with armed groups; called on US to ensure that US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human right s violations. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Nepal Army. North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex and to include human rights issues in any dialogue with North Korea. Pakistan: Urged US to condition military aid on democratic reform; urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Philippines: Advocated for greater security in the Philippines, particularly for civilians targeted by radical armed groups; urged US to condition military aid on progress in the prosecution of members of the Philippine Armed Forces who have participated in human rights violations. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to urge the Sudanese government to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Advocated for fair treatment of Guantanamo detainees returned to Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. United Arab Emirates: Urged US to pressure the UAE to abide by international labor standards. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
Expanding Education for Military Families Act of 2003
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Expanding Education for Military Families Act of 2003
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties "Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) "Material support legislation (H.R. 2764)
Expanding Education for Military Families Act of 2003
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) • Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548) • Guantanamo closure bills (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • Habeas restoration bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Iraqi refugees legislation (H.R. 2265) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (S. 1348) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies • Admission of Iraqi refugees into the US
A bill to amend the material witness statute to strengthen procedural safeguards, and for other purposes.
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Legislation/Treaties • Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition. • Gang legislation. • Streamlined Procedures Act: restrictions on habeas corpus for criminal defendants. • Immigration legislation (H.R. 4437; S.2611; S.2454): mandatory and indefinite detention provisions, access to judicial review, expansion of aggravated felony definition. • Sex offender legislation. • Material witness warrant legislation (S.1739; companion House legislation). • Material support legislation (H.R. 5918; Senate amendment 4711 to S.22454). • Post-Hamdan: military commission legislation; legislation on Common Article 3. Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations. • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects. • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism. • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures. • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances. • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions. • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Juveniles sentenced to life without parole: advocated for legislation that would preclude children being sentenced to life with parole; sought relief for those subject to this sentence. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees. • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills. • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses. • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections. • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into U.S. • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws.
A bill to amend the material witness statute to strengthen procedural safeguards, and for other purposes.
Client: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH · Firm: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Civil Rights/Judiciary Legislation/Treaties • Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition • Gang legislation • Streamlined Procedures Act: restrictions on habeas corpus for criminal defendants • Immigration legislation (H.R. 4437; S.2611; S.2454): mandatory and indefinite detention provisions, access to judicial review, expansion of aggravated felony definition • Sex offender legislation • Material witness warrant legislation (S.1739; companion House legislation) • Material support legislation (H.R. 5918; Senate amendment 4711 to S.22454) • Post-Hamdan: military commission legislation; legislation on Common Article 3 • Military Commissions Act of 2006 (S.3930) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Juveniles sentenced to life without parole: advocated for legislation that would preclude children being sentenced to life with parole; sought relief for those subject to this sentence • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Military Commissions Act (S. 3930) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (H.R. 5966) • Central Asia Democracy Promotion Act (H.R. 5382) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. Cambodia: Called on US to press Cambodia not to return Montagnard refugees to Vietnam; urged US scrutiny of Cambodian government interference in the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. China: Urged US to develop a code of conduct for internet companies doing business in China; advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged US to oppose Colombian efforts to pass weak demobilization law for foreign terrorist organizations; urged conditioning funding for paramilitary demobilization process. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Global: Urged US to protect user privacy and to support the regulation of internet companies to prevent the violation of rights of expression and information; urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Advocated for US to press India to make human rights a priority in discussions around a constitutional assembly for Nepal; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged against US involvement in the creation or support of Iraqi “death squads” in combating insurgency; urged US to ensure adequate funding and resources for effective operation of Iraq Property Claims Commission; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups; urged US to press Israel to cease all illegal settlement activity and to set up US-led international mechanism to monitor settlement activity; urged the US to cut off the supply of cluster munitions to Israel because of misuse during the fighting in Lebanon. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Kyrgyzstan: Urged US to use its leverage with the Kyrgyz government to ensure it resists pressure from Uzbekistan to return Uzbek refugees after the May 2005 massacre in Uzbekistan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns about the formation of the Hariri Tribunal. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counter-terrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations; urged US to press Morocco not to mistreat criminal suspects. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged the non-certification of Nepal under US legislation conditioning military aid on human rights progress; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Royal Nepal Army (RNA). North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex. Pakistan: Urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to push for Saudi Arabia to register local human rights organizations; urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Urged US to monitor prison conditions, to encourage access for independent monitoring procedures, and to press Tunisia to bring prisons into compliance with international norms; urged US to speak out on crackdowns on media freedoms in Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
Civil Rights/Judiciary Legislation/Treaties • Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition • Gang legislation • Streamlined Procedures Act: restrictions on habeas corpus for criminal defendants • Immigration legislation (H.R. 4437; S.2611; S.2454): mandatory and indefinite detention provisions, access to judicial review, expansion of aggravated felony definition • Sex offender legislation • Material witness warrant legislation (S.1739; companion House legislation) • Material support legislation (H.R. 5918; Senate amendment 4711 to S.22454) • Post-Hamdan: military commission legislation; legislation on Common Article 3 • Military Commissions Act of 2006 (S.3930) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Juveniles sentenced to life without parole: advocated for legislation that would preclude children being sentenced to life with parole; sought relief for those subject to this sentence • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Military Commissions Act (S. 3930) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (H.R. 5966) • Central Asia Democracy Promotion Act (H.R. 5382) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. Cambodia: Called on US to press Cambodia not to return Montagnard refugees to Vietnam; urged US scrutiny of Cambodian government interference in the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. China: Urged US to develop a code of conduct for internet companies doing business in China; advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged US to oppose Colombian efforts to pass weak demobilization law for foreign terrorist organizations; urged conditioning funding for paramilitary demobilization process. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Global: Urged US to protect user privacy and to support the regulation of internet companies to prevent the violation of rights of expression and information; urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Advocated for US to press India to make human rights a priority in discussions around a constitutional assembly for Nepal; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged against US involvement in the creation or support of Iraqi “death squads” in combating insurgency; urged US to ensure adequate funding and resources for effective operation of Iraq Property Claims Commission; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups; urged US to press Israel to cease all illegal settlement activity and to set up US-led international mechanism to monitor settlement activity; urged the US to cut off the supply of cluster munitions to Israel because of misuse during the fighting in Lebanon. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Kyrgyzstan: Urged US to use its leverage with the Kyrgyz government to ensure it resists pressure from Uzbekistan to return Uzbek refugees after the May 2005 massacre in Uzbekistan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns about the formation of the Hariri Tribunal. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counter-terrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations; urged US to press Morocco not to mistreat criminal suspects. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged the non-certification of Nepal under US legislation conditioning military aid on human rights progress; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Royal Nepal Army (RNA). North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex. Pakistan: Urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to push for Saudi Arabia to register local human rights organizations; urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Urged US to monitor prison conditions, to encourage access for independent monitoring procedures, and to press Tunisia to bring prisons into compliance with international norms; urged US to speak out on crackdowns on media freedoms in Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Material support legislation (H.R. 5918; Senate Amendment 4711 to S.2454) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation • Military Commissions Act of 2006 (S.3930) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Military Commissions Act (S. 3930) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (H.R. 5966) • Central Asia Democracy Promotion Act (H.R. 5382) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. Cambodia: Called on US to press Cambodia not to return Montagnard refugees to Vietnam; urged US scrutiny of Cambodian government interference in the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. China: Urged US to develop a code of conduct for internet companies doing business in China; advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged US to oppose Colombian efforts to pass weak demobilization law for foreign terrorist organizations; urged conditioning funding for paramilitary demobilization process. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Global: Urged US to protect user privacy and to support the regulation of internet companies to prevent the violation of rights of expression and information; urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Advocated for US to press India to make human rights a priority in discussions around a constitutional assembly for Nepal; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged against US involvement in the creation or support of Iraqi “death squads” in combating insurgency; urged US to ensure adequate funding and resources for effective operation of Iraq Property Claims Commission; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups; urged US to press Israel to cease all illegal settlement activity and to set up US-led international mechanism to monitor settlement activity; urged the US to cut off the supply of cluster munitions to Israel because of misuse during the fighting in Lebanon. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Kyrgyzstan: Urged US to use its leverage with the Kyrgyz government to ensure it resists pressure from Uzbekistan to return Uzbek refugees after the May 2005 massacre in Uzbekistan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns about the formation of the Hariri Tribunal. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counter-terrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations; urged US to press Morocco not to mistreat criminal suspects. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged the non-certification of Nepal under US legislation conditioning military aid on human rights progress; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Royal Nepal Army (RNA). North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex. Pakistan: Urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to push for Saudi Arabia to register local human rights organizations; urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Urged US to monitor prison conditions, to encourage access for independent monitoring procedures, and to press Tunisia to bring prisons into compliance with international norms; urged US to speak out on crackdowns on media freedoms in Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH via HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
2007 · year_end · YY
Legislation/Treaties "Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) "Material support legislation (H.R. 2764)
Treaties/Legislation Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548)
Treaties and Legislation "Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) "Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1)
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS)
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH via HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
2007 · mid_year · MM
Legislation/Treaties • Department of Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition (S. 1548) • Comprehensive immigration legislation (S. 1348) • Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Amendments to the Military Commissions Act (S. 4060 and H.R. 1416) • Habeas Restoration Bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Close Guantanamo legislation (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • National Security with Justice Legislation (S. 1876) • Taping of Interrogations (H.R. 4951) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (S. 1175 and H.R. 3028) • Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) • UN Human Rights Council legislation (S. 1698) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. China: Advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged effective enforcement of human rights conditions on US military and demobilization aid to Colombia. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Ethiopia: Urged US to call for release of political detainees and deny assistance to abusive military units. Global: Urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iran: Urged US to refrain from tying allocation of funds to activists and reform programs with programs of regime change. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees; urged US to press Iraq to release 5 Iranian diplomats in Iraq or to provide adequate due process rights for these diplomats. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns that the Lebanese government avoid civilian casualties in clashes with armed groups; called on US to ensure that US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human right s violations. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counterterrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Nepal Army. North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex and to include human rights issues in any dialogue with North Korea. Pakistan: Urged US to condition military aid on democratic reform; urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Philippines: Advocated for greater security in the Philippines, particularly for civilians targeted by radical armed groups; urged US to condition military aid on progress in the prosecution of members of the Philippine Armed Forces who have participated in human rights violations. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to urge the Sudanese government to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Advocated for fair treatment of Guantanamo detainees returned to Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. United Arab Emirates: Urged US to pressure the UAE to abide by international labor standards. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Extraordinary rendition legislation (S. 1876) • Department of Defense Authorization Bill (S. 1548) • Guantanamo closure bills (S. 1469 and S. 1249) • Habeas restoration bills (H.R. 2826 and S. 185) • Material support legislation (H.R. 2764) • Iraqi refugees legislation (H.R. 2265) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (S. 1348) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies • Admission of Iraqi refugees into the US
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS)
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH via HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
2006 · year_end · YA
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH via HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
2006 · mid_year · MA
Civil Rights/Judiciary Legislation/Treaties • Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition • Gang legislation • Streamlined Procedures Act: restrictions on habeas corpus for criminal defendants • Immigration legislation (H.R. 4437; S.2611; S.2454): mandatory and indefinite detention provisions, access to judicial review, expansion of aggravated felony definition • Sex offender legislation • Material witness warrant legislation (S.1739; companion House legislation) • Material support legislation (H.R. 5918; Senate amendment 4711 to S.22454) • Post-Hamdan: military commission legislation; legislation on Common Article 3 • Military Commissions Act of 2006 (S.3930) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Juveniles sentenced to life without parole: advocated for legislation that would preclude children being sentenced to life with parole; sought relief for those subject to this sentence • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into US
Foreign Relations Treaties and Legislation • Advance Democracy Act (H.R. 1133) • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780) • Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act (H.R. 1) • Andijan Accountability Act (S. 2770) • Military Commissions Act (S. 3930) • Child Soldiers Prevention Act (H.R. 5966) • Central Asia Democracy Promotion Act (H.R. 5382) Policies/Issues Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for US to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for allowing access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in US custody. Bangladesh: Urged US to raise with Bangladesh concerns about the extra-judicial activities of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion. Burma: Called for increased US pressure for democratic change in Burma and renewed sanctions in Burma; advocated for US pressure on other countries to support the inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the UN Security Council; urged US to press the UN to establish a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. Cambodia: Called on US to press Cambodia not to return Montagnard refugees to Vietnam; urged US scrutiny of Cambodian government interference in the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. China: Urged US to develop a code of conduct for internet companies doing business in China; advocated for the US to press for access to justice for Chinese citizens attempting to file class action lawsuits. Colombia: Urged US to oppose Colombian efforts to pass weak demobilization law for foreign terrorist organizations; urged conditioning funding for paramilitary demobilization process. Egypt: Urged US to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counterterrorism operations and torture in detention. Global: Urged US to protect user privacy and to support the regulation of internet companies to prevent the violation of rights of expression and information; urged US to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries; advocated for a cut-off of certain categories of US military aid to countries that recruit and use child soldiers in violation of international law or support militias that recruit children. India: Advocated for US to press India to make human rights a priority in discussions around a constitutional assembly for Nepal; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in India-administered Kashmir. Indonesia: Supported the continued prohibition by the US on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged US to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and to press for amending the labor law to grant core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; urged US to raise with Indonesia concerns about human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iraq: Urged US to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged US to ensure that assistance to Iraq will not contribute to human rights violations; urged against US involvement in the creation or support of Iraqi “death squads” in combating insurgency; urged US to ensure adequate funding and resources for effective operation of Iraq Property Claims Commission; urged US military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in US custody; urged US to accept a higher number of Iraqi refugees and to support other countries in the region who have Iraqi refugees. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged US to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged US to inform Israel that continued US military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform the Palestinian Authority that any US security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups; urged US to press Israel to cease all illegal settlement activity and to set up US-led international mechanism to monitor settlement activity; urged the US to cut off the supply of cluster munitions to Israel because of misuse during the fighting in Lebanon. Jordan: Urged US to make clear to Jordan that its counterterrorism measures should comply with international human rights guarantees; urged US to support Iraqi refugees in Jordan. Kyrgyzstan: Urged US to use its leverage with the Kyrgyz government to ensure it resists pressure from Uzbekistan to return Uzbek refugees after the May 2005 massacre in Uzbekistan. Lebanon: Urged US to raise with Lebanon concerns about the formation of the Hariri Tribunal. Libya: Urged US to push for improvements in human rights practices in Libya. Malaysia: Urged US to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on US to ensure US counter-terrorism assistance is not used in the commission of human rights violations; urged US to press Morocco not to mistreat criminal suspects. Nepal: Urged US to encourage Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; urged the non-certification of Nepal under US legislation conditioning military aid on human rights progress; urged US to prioritize human rights, particularly the impunity of the Royal Nepal Army (RNA). North Korea: Urged US to raise with North Korea concerns about workers’ rights issues at Kaesong Industrial Complex. Pakistan: Urged US to advocate for women’s rights issues in Pakistan; urged US to support free expression for journalists and human rights activists in Pakistan; urged US to push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses in Pakistan administered Kashmir. Russia: Urged US to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international standards. Saudi Arabia: Urged US to push for Saudi Arabia to register local human rights organizations; urged US to protest Saudi restrictions on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression and association; urged US to discuss with Saudi Arabia the nature of diplomatic assurances for detainees who have been transferred from the detention center in Guantanamo Bay to Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka: Called on US to push for an international human rights monitoring mission in Sri Lanka to investigate issues brought about by increasing violence in the country; urged US to address with Sri Lanka issues of child recruitment by armed forces with Sri Lankan government complicity and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Sudan: Urged US to press for action in Darfur by asking the UN Security Council to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged US to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought US pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged US to condemn rights abuses by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Urged US to monitor prison conditions, to encourage access for independent monitoring procedures, and to press Tunisia to bring prisons into compliance with international norms; urged US to speak out on crackdowns on media freedoms in Tunisia. Uganda: Urged US to push for human rights improvements in northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture in Uganda. Uzbekistan: Urged US to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the May 2005 massacre in Andijan and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing repression; urged US to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Vietnam: Advocated for US to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Vietnam’s status as a Country of Particular Concern for its restrictions on religious freedom.
Homeland Security Treaties/Legislation • Material support legislation (H.R. 5918; Senate Amendment 4711 to S.2454) • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation • Military Commissions Act of 2006 (S.3930) Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorism suspects • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process, mandatory deportation policies
Filing targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS)
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH via HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
2006 · mid_year · MM
Legislation/Treaties • Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition. • Gang legislation. • Streamlined Procedures Act: restrictions on habeas corpus for criminal defendants. • Immigration legislation (H.R. 4437; S.2611; S.2454): mandatory and indefinite detention provisions, access to judicial review, expansion of aggravated felony definition. • Sex offender legislation. • Material witness warrant legislation (S.1739; companion House legislation). • Material support legislation (H.R. 5918; Senate amendment 4711 to S.22454). • Post-Hamdan: military commission legislation; legislation on Common Article 3. Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations. • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects. • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism. • Use of military commissions, combatant status review tribunals, and applicable fair trial procedures. • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances. • Applicability and definition of fair trial/humane treatment standards in the Geneva Conventions. • Death penalty: advocacy in favor of abolition and against expansion. • Juveniles sentenced to life without parole: advocated for legislation that would preclude children being sentenced to life with parole; sought relief for those subject to this sentence. • Access to courts for vulnerable populations: advocated against restrictions on court access for immigrants, criminal defendants, prisoners and enemy combatant detainees. • Mandatory minimum sentences: advocated against inclusion of such sentences in crime bills. • Material witness warrants: advocated in favor of legislation to ensure that suspects are not detained as material witnesses. • Immigration reform: advocated for reasoned enforcement policies that respect and incorporate due process and human rights protections. • Vulnerable refugees and material support restrictions: protecting victims of terrorism from being defined as “supporters” of terrorism and barred entry into U.S. • Immigration reform: advocated for fair recognition of homosexual couples under new immigration laws.
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH via HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
2005 · year_end · YY
Filing targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Security Council (NSC), Office of the Vice President of the United States, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS)
Treaties and Legislation • DOD Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee interrogation and legal status, rendition of detainees to foreign countries. • DOD Appropriations Bill (including detainee amendment). • Darfur Accountability Act. • Advance Democracy Act. • Security Assistance Legislation (HR 3057). • Global Online Freedom Act (H.R. 4780). • International Religious Freedom Act. Policies/Issues: Afghanistan: Advocated for greater support for security in Afghanistan, particularly for women; advocated for U.S. to support vetting of Afghan officials potentially involved in war crimes; advocated for access by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission to detainees in U.S. custody. Burma: Called for increased U.S. pressure for democratic change and renewed sanctions; advocated for U.S. pressure on other countries to support inclusion of Burma on the agenda of the Security Council. Cambodia: Called on U.S. to press Cambodia not to return Montagnard refugees to Vietnam. China: Urged U.S. to develop a code of conduct for internet companies doing business in China; advocated for President Bush to raise human rights concerns in dialogue with President Hu. Colombia: Urged U.S. to oppose Colombian efforts to pass weak demobilization law for foreign terrorist organizations; urged conditioning funding for paramilitary demobilization process. Egypt: Urged U.S. to raise with Egypt concerns about arbitrary and mass arrests of suspects in counter-terrorism operations and torture in detention; urged the State Department to include human rights provisions in the Free Trade Agreement with Egypt. Global: Urged U.S. government to protect user privacy and to support regulating internet companies so that they do no violate rights of expression and information; urged U.S. government to take a stronger stance on the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights in the extractive industries. India: Advocated for human rights protections for victims of the tsunami; advocated for support by India for placing human rights as a priority in discussions around a constitutional assembly for Nepal. Indonesia: Supported continued prohibition on International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to Indonesia given continued abuses by the Indonesian military; urged U.S. to focus on human rights in Aceh following tsunami; urged that relief work in Aceh target displaced populations both from the armed conflict and the tsunami disaster; urged the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Trade Representative to raise the issue of abuses against child domestic workers with Indonesia and press for amending the labor law to afford core labor rights to workers in the informal sector, including domestic workers; advocated for human rights language on security assistance to Indonesia under Foreign Operations Bill HR 3057; highlighted human rights abuses by the Indonesian military that are exacerbated by the lack of oversight over legal and illicit business practices. Iran: Urged Under-Secretary of State Nicholas Burns to withdraw funding to Iranian NGOs because such funding has elicited undue scrutiny from the Iranian government. Iraq: Urged U.S. to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by Iraqi security forces; urged U.S. Congress to ensure that assistance to Iraqi government will not contribute to human rights violations; urged against U.S. involvement in the creation or support of “death squads” in combating insurgency; urged U.S. to ensure adequate funding and resources for effective operation of Iraq Property Claims Commission; urged U.S. military to prevent and prohibit mistreatment of Iraqis in U.S. custody. Israel/Palestinian Authority: Urged U.S. to ensure that political agreements between the two parties be consistent with human rights norms; urged the U.S. to inform Israel that continued U.S. military assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations and to inform Palestinian Authority that any U.S. security assistance requires clear and measurable steps to halt serious rights violations by its security forces and by Palestinian armed groups; urged U.S. to press Israel to cease all illegal settlement activity and to set up U.S.-led international mechanism to monitor settlement activity. Kyrgyzstan: Urged Kyrgyz government to resist pressure from Uzbekistan to return Uzbek refugees after Andijan massacre. Malaysia: Urged U.S. to raise concerns about human rights abuses in the application of the Internal Security Act. Morocco: Called on U.S. to ensure U.S. counter-terrorism assistance is not used in commission of human rights violations and to press Morocco not to mistreat criminal suspects. Nepal: Urged U.S. to press Nepal to end “disappearances” and torture; advocated for human rights language on security assistance to Nepal under Foreign Operations bill HR 3057; urged U.S. to halt security assistance to Nepal until human rights conditions are met; urged non-certification of Nepal under U.S. legislation conditioning military aid on human rights progress; urged U.S. to prioritize human rights, particularly impunity of the Royal Nepal Army (RNA). Russia: Urged U.S. to pressure Russia to amend their NGO law to conform to international norms. Saudi Arabia: Urged Bush administration to take stronger steps to protest Saudi restrictions on the exercise of freedom of religion. Sudan: Urged U.S. to press for action in Darfur by asking the U.N. Security Council to end human rights abuses and hold violators accountable. Thailand: Urged U.S. to protest Thai restrictions on civil liberties; sought U.S. pressure on Thailand not to return Cambodian refugees to Cambodia and to help find durable solutions for Burmese refugees in Thailand; urged U.S. to condemn violations of humanitarian law by all sides in the conflict in southern Thailand. Tunisia: Urged U.S. to monitor prison conditions, encourage access for independent monitoring procedures, and press Tunisia to bring prisons into compliance with international norms; urged U.S. to speak out on crackdowns on media freedoms in Thailand. Turkmenistan: Urged that Turkmenistan be designated a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act (Public Law 105-292). Uganda: Urged U.S. to push for human rights improvements in war-affected northern Uganda and to press for an end to torture. Uzbekistan: Urged U.S. to condition its relationship with Uzbekistan on an independent, international inquiry into the massacre in Andijan, to close its military facility there absent progress, and to impose sanctions targeting President Karimov and government officials responsible for the Andijan massacre and ensuing cover-up; urged U.S. to help ensure protection from forced return and urgent resettlement of Uzbek refugees in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine; urged Defense Department to support efforts to press Uzbekistan on human rights. Vietnam: Advocated for U.S. to support the rights of Montagnards who have faced violent reprisals by the government in Vietnam; advocated for continuation of Country of Particular Concern status for religious freedom.
Treaties/Legislation: • Defense Authorization Bill: amendments on detainee status, interrogation and rendition. • Material support legislation (H.R. 5918; Senate Amm. 4711 to S.2454). • Comprehensive immigration reform legislation (House and Senate). Policies/Issues • Detention of and access to courts for enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay and other locations. • Torture and ill-treatment and interrogation policies of terrorist suspects. • Detention and treatment of aliens suspected of terrorism. • Use of military commissions and combatant status review tribunals. • Extraordinary renditions and use of diplomatic assurances. • Terrorism-related bars on admission jeopardizing resettlement and asylum status of vulnerable refugees. • Immigration policies: indefinite and mandatory detention, criminalization of low-level offenses, access to courts and due process.
Filing targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Security Council (NSC), Office of the Vice President of the United States, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS)