Requesting information on the Republic of South Sudan’s human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Summary
Senate Resolution 352 requests the Secretary of State to provide information on South Sudan's human rights practices, particularly concerning the treatment of individuals removed to South Sudan by the U.S. Government. The resolution mandates a report to the Senate and House Committees on Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs within 30 days. This report should detail alleged human rights violations by the South Sudanese government and steps taken by the U.S. to promote human rights in its dealings with South Sudan.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this resolution will compel the State Department to produce a detailed report on human rights in South Sudan, focusing on the treatment of individuals removed from the U.S. to South Sudan. This could lead to increased scrutiny of U.S. removal policies and potential adjustments to security assistance provided to South Sudan. The resolution aims to ensure accountability and transparency in U.S. foreign policy regarding human rights.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency regarding human rights practices in South Sudan.
- Potential for improved treatment of individuals removed to South Sudan by the U.S. government.
- Enhanced congressional oversight of U.S. foreign policy and security assistance.
- Reinforcement of U.S. commitment to promoting human rights internationally.
- Could lead to better-informed policy decisions regarding relations with South Sudan.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on diplomatic relations with South Sudan if the report is highly critical.
- Resource burden on the State Department to compile the requested information within the 30-day timeframe.
- Possible delays in security assistance if the report reveals significant human rights concerns.
- Risk of unintended consequences if the report is used to justify overly restrictive policies towards South Sudan.
- The resolution's focus on non-citizens removed to South Sudan might overshadow broader human rights issues within the country.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution aligns with the constitutional principle of congressional oversight of foreign policy, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to declare war. The resolution also implicitly supports the protection of individual liberties, although it primarily focuses on non-citizens, reflecting a broader concern for human rights, which is a value consistent with the spirit of the Constitution's emphasis on liberty and justice.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).