Search Results for keywords:"human rights"

The Department of State has implemented sanctions against fourteen individuals under Executive Order 13936 related to Hong Kong normalization. These individuals have been identified as leaders or officials involved in creating or enforcing China's National Security Law in Hong Kong. As a result, their property and interests within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and Americans are generally prohibited from doing business with them. The determination was made effective as of December 7, 2020, and they have been added to the Specially Designated and Blocked Persons List.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a Section 301 investigation into Nicaragua's actions concerning labor rights, human rights, and the rule of law. This investigation aims to determine if Nicaragua's practices are unreasonable or discriminatory, negatively affecting U.S. commerce. A public hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2025, and the USTR is inviting public comments and testimony on these issues until January 8, 2025. The investigation will examine evidence of violations and seek to determine the appropriate response.

The national security memorandum, issued by the Executive Office of the President, focuses on advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide. It directs U.S. agencies involved in foreign operations to promote and protect the rights of LGBTQI+ persons through diplomacy and foreign aid. The memorandum outlines specific actions such as combating criminalization, protecting LGBTQI+ refugees, and enhancing international coalitions. It also requires agencies to review and report on their progress in implementing these initiatives and rescinds inconsistent policies.

The President of the United States has decided to continue the national emergency concerning Venezuela for another year. This situation was initially declared in Executive Order 13692 in 2015 due to concerns about human rights issues, political persecution, restrictions on the press, and corruption in Venezuela. Since there has been no improvement in these conditions, the emergency status, which poses a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy, will remain in effect. The decision will be documented in the Federal Register and shared with Congress.

President Joseph R. Biden Jr. issued Executive Order 14140, which updates the measures against individuals contributing to instability in the Western Balkans. The order amends previous executive actions by blocking the property of people who engage in actions threatening peace and stability, democracy, or human rights in the region. It includes those involved in corruption, those who support such activities, and relatives of involved individuals. The order underscores that it aligns with existing laws and does not grant any legal rights to individuals against the U.S. government.

The President of the United States has issued a memorandum to extend and expand the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for certain residents of Hong Kong living in the U.S. This decision comes in response to actions by China, which have undermined human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. The memorandum allows eligible Hong Kong residents to stay in the U.S. for an additional 24 months and provides them with the opportunity to work. The memorandum excludes those who pose security concerns, have committed certain crimes, or recently returned to Hong Kong or China.