Implementation of Human Rights Treaties
Government Agencies Ordered to Implement International Human Rights Treaties
What it does
Agencies must track and implement U.S. human rights treaty obligations, designate a contact officer, and coordinate through the new interagency working group.
Real-world impact
- Requires agencies to assign a contact officer for human rights implementation.
- Creates a government-wide working group to coordinate treaty reporting and responses.
- Prompts review of proposed legislation and state laws for treaty conformity.
Topics
Summary
This order makes it government policy that the United States will fully respect and implement its international human rights treaty obligations, including treaties against torture and racial discrimination.
It requires federal agencies to stay aware of relevant treaty duties, designate a single contact officer, respond to complaints, and coordinate through a new interagency working group chaired by the President’s national security designee.
The group will prepare treaty reports, review proposed laws for treaty compatibility, run public education, and recommend changes to better meet U.S. human rights commitments.
Questions, answered
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