“Ten Critical Human Rights Challenges for the Next American President”
On Thursday, Freedom House published a new policy paper entitled “Ten Critical Human Rights Challenges for the Next American President.” The report, signed by a coalition of 22 prominent human rights organizations and individuals, outlines the top international human rights issues that a second Obama administration or a Romney administration will need to address in the coming years. Noting the importance of the promotion of human rights as an expression of the universal values that Americans share with the world and an integral component of the pursuit of American interests abroad, the paper urges the next administration to: “articulate clear priorities and implement credible policies on human rights, address human rights in its relations with all foreign governments that commit significant violations, and select senior officials who have the expertise and authority to carry out effective human rights policy.” The report also suggests that the next president “act to prevent genocide,” “protect people from the threat of terrorism while respecting human rights,” “proactively address the…challenges presented by the Arab Uprisings,” and “support international justice and accountability.”
As many have noted, Romney’s foreign policy inclinations – in terms of basic orientation – are not yet clear. Beyond strong support for Pentagon funding, we don’t know much. Let’s hope that he embraces an internationalist perspective along the lines of George H.W. Bush. Whoever is president from 2013 will need strong multilateral coalitions to address complex humanitarian crises and difficult human rights dilemmas. The worldview of China’s leaders cannot be opposed by the U.S. alone.