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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping [Updated May 14, 2019]
From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to U.N. peacekeeping activities. Congress authorizes and appropriates U.S. contributions, and it has an ongoing interest in ensuring such funding is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. The United States, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, plays a key role in establishing, renewing, and funding U.N. peacekeeping operations. For 2019, the United Nations assessed the United States share of U.N. peacekeeping operation budgets at 27.89%; however, since 1994 Congress has capped the U.S. payment at 25% due to concerns that the current assessment is too high. For FY2019, total enacted U.S. funding for U.N. peacekeeping is $1.6 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2019-05-14
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Millennium Development Goals: The September 2010 U.N. High-level Meeting [December 9, 2010]
"From September 20 to 22, 2010, heads of state and government convened at United Nations (U.N.) Headquarters for a High-level Plenary Meeting to review progress toward the U.N. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are a group of measurable development targets agreed to by 189 U.N. member states--including the United States--as part of the 2000 Millennium Declaration. [...] Since 2000, governments have worked to achieve the MDGs with mixed results. Experts generally agree that while some MDGs are on track to be met, the majority of Goals are unlikely to be achieved by 2015. Many have also found that progress toward the Goals is unevenly distributed across regions and countries. India and China, for example, have made considerable progress in achieving the MDGs, while many countries in Africa have failed to meet almost all of the Goals. President Barack Obama supports the MDGs and attended the September High-level meeting. In July 2010, the Administration published The United States' Strategy for Meeting the Millennium Development Goals, which identifies four 'imperatives' for achieving the Goals--innovation, sustainability, measuring outcomes, and mutual accountability. Members of the 112th Congress may be interested in the MDGs and the September High-level meeting from three primary perspectives. First, Congress may wish to consider the MDGs in the context of authorizing and funding broader U.S. development assistance efforts. Second, members may wish to be aware of the commitments made by the United States at the High-level meeting. Additionally, Congress may consider conducting oversight of international progress toward the MDGs, including U.S. efforts and the future of the Goals. While evidence of MDG effectiveness in advancing global development is uneven a decade after the Millennium Declaration, the international community--and many policymakers in the United States--continue to use the Goals as a paradigm for development assistance. This raises a number of overarching questions for Congress about the role and future of the MDGs, including 1) In what areas, if any, have the MDGs been successful? 2) Are the MDGs practical? 3) What is the role of U.S. foreign aid in the MDGs? 4) Who is accountable for MDG progress? This report will be not be updated further."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2010-12-09
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Millennium Development Goals: The September 2010 U.N. High-level Meeting [September 20, 2010]
"From September 20 to 22, 2010, heads of state and government will convene at United Nations (U.N.) Headquarters for a High-level Plenary Meeting to review progress towards the U.N. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are a group of measurable development targets agreed to by 189 U.N. member states--including the United States--as part of the 2000 Millennium Declaration. The MDGs, which governments aim to achieve by 2015, include (1) eradicating extreme hunger and poverty; (2) achieving universal primary education; (3) promoting gender equality and women's empowerment; (4) reducing the under-five child mortality rate; (5) reducing the maternal mortality rate; (6) combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases; (7) ensuring environmental sustainability; and (8) developing a Global Partnership for Development. Since 2000, governments have worked to achieve the MDGs with mixed results. Experts generally agree that while some MDGs are on track to be met, the majority of Goals are unlikely to be achieved by 2015. Many have also found that progress toward the Goals is unevenly distributed across regions and countries. India and China, for example, have made considerable progress in achieving the MDGs, while many countries in Africa have failed to meet almost all of the Goals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2010-09-20
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Millennium Development Goals: The September 2010 U.N. High-level Meeting [September 23, 2010]
"From September 20 to 22, 2010, heads of state and government will convene at United Nations (U.N.) Headquarters for a High-level Plenary Meeting to review progress towards the U.N. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are a group of measurable development targets agreed to by 189 U.N. member states--including the United States--as part of the 2000 Millennium Declaration. The MDGs, which governments aim to achieve by 2015, include (1) eradicating extreme hunger and poverty; (2) achieving universal primary education; (3) promoting gender equality and women's empowerment; (4) reducing the under-five child mortality rate; (5) reducing the maternal mortality rate; (6) combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases; (7) ensuring environmental sustainability; and (8) developing a Global Partnership for Development. Since 2000, governments have worked to achieve the MDGs with mixed results. Experts generally agree that while some MDGs are on track to be met, the majority of Goals are unlikely to be achieved by 2015. Many have also found that progress toward the Goals is unevenly distributed across regions and countries. India and China, for example, have made considerable progress in achieving the MDGs, while many countries in Africa have failed to meet almost all of the Goals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2010-09-23
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United Nations Human Rights Council: Background and Policy Issues [Updated April 20, 2020]
From the Summary: "Over the years, many Members of Congress have demonstrated an ongoing interest in the role and effectiveness of the United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Council (the Council). The Council is the primary intergovernmental body mandated with addressing human rights on a global level. The United States was a member of the Council for two three-year terms during the Obama Administration, and a third term during the first part of the Trump Administration. In June 2018, the Trump Administration withdrew from the Council, noting concerns with the Council's focus on Israel, overall ineffectiveness in addressing human rights issues, and lack of reform. Some of the Council's activities are suspended or being implemented remotely due to concerns about COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Weber, Michael A.
2020-04-20
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U.S. Funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) [April 30, 2020]
From the Document: "On April 14, 2020, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would suspend funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), pending a 60- to 90-day review, because of WHO's 'role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus.' The United States, the largest government contributor to WHO, is currently assessed 22% of the organization's core budget (an estimated $112.6 million for FY2020). The United States also provides voluntary funding to WHO, with amounts varying per year depending on U.S. priorities and global health needs. U.S. voluntary contributions from FY2012 to FY2018 averaged $254 million per year. Congressional views on the Administration decision to suspend funding are mixed. Some Members share the President's concerns regarding WHO and support the decision, while others oppose the action and have urged the Administration to fully fund WHO and its ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) efforts."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji
2020-04-30
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United Nations Issues: Cabinet Rank of the U.S. Permanent Representative [Updated December 22, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Permanent Representative is the chief representative of the United States to the United Nations. The President appoints the Permanent Representative with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the 30 individuals who have served since 1946, approximately two-thirds have been accorded Cabinet rank by Presidents. Some Members of Congress have demonstrated an ongoing interest in the Cabinet rank of the Permanent Representative in the context of the Senate confirmation process and broader U.S. policy toward the United Nations. On November 24, 2020, President-elect Biden announced his intent to nominate Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be Permanent Representative, with Cabinet rank. Biden stated that he will accord Cabinet status to Greenfield 'because I want to hear her voice on all the major foreign policy discussions we have.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Hogue, Henry B.; Chesser, Susan G.
2020-12-22
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United Nations Human Rights Council: Background and Policy Issues [Updated November 25, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Council (Council) is the primary intergovernmental body that addresses human rights worldwide. The United States is not currently a member; in June 2018, the Trump Administration announced that the United States would withdraw its membership. Administration officials cited concerns with the Council's disproportionate focus on Israel, ineffectiveness in addressing human rights situations, impact on U.S. sovereignty, and lack of reform. Presumptive President-elect Joseph Biden stated in December 2019 that the United States would rejoin the Council under his Administration. The United States is currently withholding funding to the Council under a provision in the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, FY2020 (Division G of P.L. 116-94). [...] This report provides background information on the Council, including the role of the previous U.N. Commission on Human Rights. It discusses the Council's current mandate and structure, as well as Administration policy and congressional actions. Finally, it highlights policy aspects of possible interest to Congress, including the debate over U.S. membership, U.S. funding of the Council, alternatives to the Council in U.N. fora, the Council's focus on Israel, and the possible increased influence of other countries in Council activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Weber, Michael A.
2020-11-25
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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping [Updated November 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping activities. Congress authorizes and appropriates U.S. contributions, and it has an ongoing interest in ensuring such funding is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. The United States, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, plays a key role in establishing, renewing, and funding U.N. peacekeeping operations. For 2020, the United Nations assessed the U.S. share of U.N. peacekeeping budgets at 27.89%; however, since 1994 Congress has capped the U.S. payment at 25% due to concerns that U.S. assessments are too high. For FY2021, the Trump Administration proposed $1.07 billion for U.N. peacekeeping, a 29% decrease from the enacted FY2020 level of $1.52 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2020-11-02
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [April 5, 2018]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and has continued to be a point of contention during the 115th Congress. These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of a broader domestic abortion controversy that began with the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade, which holds that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. Since Roe, Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2018-04-05
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Membership in the United Nations and Its Specialized Agencies [June 19, 2014]
From the introduction: "Membership in the United Nations (U.N.) has been an issue of ongoing interest for Congress. Over the years, Members have focused on the process and criteria for U.N. membership, as well as on U.S. policy and roles in determining membership. Currently, the United Nations has 193 members. The organization also has two non-member observer states, the Holy See (Vatican) and 'Palestine,' which have standing invitations to participate as observers in the sessions and work of the U.N. General Assembly. Each of the U.N. system's 15 specialized agencies--which are independent international intergovernmental organizations with their own constitutions, rules, and budgets--have different criteria and processes for membership. Examples of specialized agencies include the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), U.N. Educational Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and World Health Organization (WHO). Under Article 4 of the U.N. Charter, the U.N. Security Council and U.N. General Assembly are the primary bodies involved in the process for considering U.N. membership applications. […] This report highlights key steps in the process for attaining membership in the United Nations and its specialized agencies. It discusses the capacities associated with U.N. membership and observer status, as well as criteria for and implications of membership. It also examines related U.S. legislation and recent congressional and Obama Administration actions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Browne, Marjorie Ann
2014-06-19
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [January 31, 2014]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue to be a point of contention during the second session of the 113th Congress. These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of a broader domestic abortion controversy that began with the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in 'Roe v. Wade', which holds that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. Since Roe, Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad. Many of these provisions, often referred to by the name of the lawmakers that introduced them, have been included in foreign aid authorizations, appropriations, or both, and affect different types of foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2014-01-31
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [July 15, 2015]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of
abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these
activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue
to be a point of contention during the second session of the 114th Congress.
These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of a broader domestic
abortion controversy that began with the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in 'Roe v. Wade', which
holds that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. Since 'Roe',
Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the
federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad. Many of these provisions,
often referred to by the name of the lawmakers that introduced them, have been included in
foreign aid authorizations, appropriations, or both, and affect different types of foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2015-07-15
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2015 Leaders' Summit on U.N. Peacekeeping [October 5, 2015]
"On September 28, 2015, President Obama chaired the 2015 Leaders' Summit on United Nations (U.N.) Peacekeeping, part of his participation at the opening session of the 2015 U.N. General Assembly in New York. The summit outcome, as well as the President's new pledges for and guidance on U.S. support for U.N. peace operations, might elevate ongoing congressional interest in several policy issues related to U.N. peacekeeping, including U.S. assessed and voluntary contributions to U.N. peacekeeping costs, and concern over recent incidents of violence against civilians and sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated by U.N. peacekeepers. These new developments could prove important to Congress as it conducts oversight regarding U.N. peacekeeping generally, any reform efforts undertaken by the United Nations, and possible budgetary effects of the President's new pledges to support U.N. peace operations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weed, Matthew C.; Blanchfield, Luisa
2015-10-05
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [May 17, 2016]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue to be a point of contention during the 114th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2016-05-17
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2009 U.N. Durban Review Conference: Follow-Up to the 2001 U.N. World Conference Against Racism [November 20, 2008]
"In April 2009, U.N. member states will convene in Geneva, Switzerland, for the U.N. Durban Review Conference Against Racism (Review Conference) to examine possible progress made since the 2001 U.N. World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR), held in Durban, South Africa. At WCAR, participating governments, including the United States, sought to recommend ways for the international community to address racism. The United States withdrew from WCAR because of what it viewed as participating governments' disproportionate focus on Israel as a perpetrator of racism and intolerance in the Middle East. […] This report provides information on the 2001 World Conference Against Racism and the circumstances of U.S. withdrawal. It discusses preparations for the Durban Review Conference, including U.S. policy and reaction from other governments. It highlights possible issues for the 111th Congress, including the Review Conference preparatory process, U.S. funding of the Conference, and the political and diplomatic impact of U.S. engagement. For related information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33611, 'United Nations System Funding: Issues for Congress'. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-11-20
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Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Congressional Issues [Updated October 28, 2008]
"The U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women [CEDAW] calls for Parties to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including healthcare, education, employment, domestic relations, law, commercial transactions, and political participation. As of February 15, 2008, the Convention was ratified or acceded to by 185 countries. President Jimmy Carter submitted the Convention to the Senate in 1980. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held hearings on the Convention in 1988, 1990, 1994, and 2002, but the treaty was never considered for ratification by the full Senate. The George W. Bush Administration began conducting a full legal and policy review of the Convention in 2002. On February 7, 2007, the Administration transmitted a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stating that it does not support Senate action on the treaty at this time. U.S. ratification of CEDAW is a contentious policy issue that has generated considerable debate in Congress and among the general public. Supporters of U.S. ratification contend that the Convention is a valuable mechanism for fighting women's discrimination worldwide. They argue that U.S. ratification of the treaty will give the Convention additional legitimacy, and that it will further empower women who fight discrimination in other countries. Opponents of ratification contend that the Convention is not the best or most efficient way to eliminate discrimination against women. They believe ratification will undermine U.S. sovereignty and impact U.S. social policy related to family planning and abortion. This report provides background on CEDAW developments, including U.S. policy and congressional actions, and considers arguments for and against ratification. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-10-28
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [January 24, 2017]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue to be a point of contention during the 115th Congress. These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of a broader domestic abortion controversy that began with the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade, which holds that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. Since Roe, Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad. Many of these provisions, often referred to by the name of the lawmakers that introduced them, have been included in foreign aid authorizations, appropriations, or both, and affect different types of foreign assistance. [...] The executive branch has also engaged in the debate over international abortion and family planning. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued what has become known as the 'Mexico City policy,' which required foreign non-governmental organizations receiving USAID [United States Agency for International Development] family planning assistance to certify that they would not perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning, even if such activities were conducted with non-U.S. funds. The policy was [...] reinstated by President Trump on January 23, 2017. This report focuses primarily on legislative restrictions and executive branch policies related to international abortion and family planning."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2017-01-24
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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding to the U.N. System [Updated March 5, 2021]
From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) system. Congress has long debated the appropriate level of U.S. contributions to U.N. system activities and whether U.S. funds are used efficiently and effectively. From FY2017 to FY2021, the Trump Administration consistently proposed significant overall decreases in U.N. funding; however, Congress generally funded most U.N. entities at higher levels than the Administration requested. President Trump also withheld or halted funding to several U.N. entities. President Biden has voiced support for U.S. participation in the U.N. system and taken steps to resume U.S. funding to some U.N. bodies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2021-03-05
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United Nations Issues: Cabinet Rank of the U.S. Permanent Representative [Updated March 23, 2021]
From the Document: "The U.S. Permanent Representative is the chief representative of the United States to the United Nations. The President appoints the Permanent Representative with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the 31 individuals who have served since 1946, about two-thirds have been accorded Cabinet rank by Presidents. Some Members of Congress have demonstrated an ongoing interest in the Cabinet rank of the Permanent Representative in the context of the Senate confirmation process and broader U.S. policy toward the United Nations. On November 24, 2020, President-elect Biden announced his intent to nominate Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be Permanent Representative, with Cabinet rank. Biden stated that he will accord Cabinet status to Greenfield 'because I want to hear her voice on all the major foreign policy discussions we have.' Thomas-Greenfield was confirmed by the Senate on February 23, 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Hogue, Henry B.; Chesser, Susan G.
2021-03-23
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IAEA Budget and U.S. Contributions: In Brief [Updated April 2, 2021]
From the Introduction and Background: "The United States has been a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since the agency's 1957 founding. The IAEA Statute was approved on October 23, 1956, by the Conference on the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which was held at United Nations (U.N.) headquarters. Article II of the Statute, which came into force on July 29, 1957, describes the agency's purpose: The Agency shall seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. It shall ensure, so far as it is able, that assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control is not used in such a way as to further any military purpose. The IAEA, an autonomous intergovernmental organization that has a relationship agreement with the U.N., has 172 member states, including the United States. The agency's missions include promoting nuclear power, nuclear safety, nuclear security, and nuclear technology for medical and agricultural purposes, as well as implementing safeguards agreements in more than 180 countries. Countries that are not members of the IAEA may still be subject to agency inspections or receive IAEA technical assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kerr, Paul K.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham; Blanchfield, Luisa
2021-04-02
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Global Women's Issues: Background and Selected U.S. Efforts [April 5, 2021]
From the Document: "For several decades, Congress has considered or enacted legislation aimed at improving the rights and status of women and girls worldwide. These efforts, which may address a range of issues, including women's health, education, and security, are often grouped under the broad policy umbrella of 'global women's issues.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Blanchfield, Luisa; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji
2021-04-05
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Selected Trump Administration Foreign Aid Priorities: A Wrap-Up [Updated January 21, 2021]
From the Summary: "Congressional interest in and support for U.S. foreign aid has remained consistent throughout numerous Administrations. The Trump Administration pursued changes to foreign aid funding and policy priorities consistent with its 'America First' foreign policy orientation, a stated desire to reduce federal spending, and with goals identified in its December 2017 National Security Strategy, including ending the need for foreign assistance. Some initiatives built on the work of previous Administrations, while others conflicted with, and in some instances sought to dismantle, long-standing U.S. programs and policies. The Trump Administration pursued some policies that would have substantially reshaped the vast majority of foreign aid programs. These included proposals to reduce or rescind foreign aid funding; to consolidate appropriations accounts; and to reorganize, consolidate, or eliminate selected foreign aid agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgenstern, Emily M.; Brown, Nick M.; Blanchfield, Luisa . . .
2021-01-21
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International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [April 14, 2011]
"In the past three decades, the U.S. government and international community have increasingly recognized violence against women (hereinafter VAW) as a human rights problem with far reaching consequences. Prior to the 1970s, many in the international community viewed VAW as a private matter to be dealt with among individuals and not a public matter that merited a national or international response. In the late 1970s and 1980s, however, the international community began to focus on VAW as a global health problem and violation of human rights. This shift was driven, in part, by an increasingly effective and well-organized grassroots movement of local, national, and international women's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that brought international attention to the plight of VAW victims and created a more public forum for discussion of the issue. [...] This report identifies types of VAW and the direct and indirect consequences of these acts of violence. It provides examples of completed and ongoing U.S. government programs that--in whole or in part--work to reduce or eliminate international violence against women. It does not assess the scope of individual programs or a program's success in achieving its goal. The report also outlines possible policy considerations for the 112th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of current U.S. programs, further integrating VAW prevention and treatment into U.S. foreign assistance programs, coordinating among U.S. executive branch agencies and departments, and U.S. funding of international anti-VAW programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-04-14
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United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child: Background and Policy Issues [May 10, 2010]
"U.S. ratification of the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Rights of the Child (hereafter referred to as CRC or the Convention) may be a key area of focus during the 111th Congress, particularly if the Barack Obama Administration seeks the advice and consent of the Senate. CRC is an international treaty that aims to protect the rights of children worldwide. [...] The question of U.S. ratification of CRC has generated contentious debate. Opponents argue that U.S. ratification would undermine U.S. sovereignty by giving the United Nations authority to determine the best interests of U.S. children. Some are also concerned that CRC could interfere in the private lives of families, particularly the rights of parents to educate and discipline their children. Moreover, some argue that CRC is an ineffective mechanism for protecting children's rights. They emphasize that countries that are widely regarded as abusers of children's rights, including China and Sudan, are party to the Convention. Supporters of U.S. ratification, on the other hand, hold that CRC's intention is not to circumvent the role of parents but to protect children against government intrusion and abuse. Proponents emphasize what they view as CRC's strong support for the role of parents and the family structure. Additionally, supporters hold that U.S. federal and state laws generally meet the requirements of CRC, and that U.S. ratification would strengthen the United States' credibility when advocating children's rights abroad. This report provides an overview of CRC's background and structure and examines evolving U.S. policy toward the Convention, including past and current Administration positions and congressional perspectives. The report also highlights issues for the 111th Congress, including the Convention's possible impact on federal and state laws, U.S. sovereignty, parental rights, and U.S. family planning and abortion policy. It also addresses the effectiveness of CRC in protecting the rights of children internationally and its potential use as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2010-05-10
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International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [Updated August 10, 2009]
"This report addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of completed and ongoing U.S. activities that address [violence against women] VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It outlines possible policy considerations for the 111th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; and strengthening U.S. government coordination of anti-VAW activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Serafino, Nina M.; Blanchfield, Luisa; Seelke, Clare Ribando
2009-08-10
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International Family Planning Programs: Issues for Congress [February 21, 2013]
"Since 1965, the U.S. government has supported international family planning activities based on principles of voluntarism and informed choice that gives participants access to services and information on a broad range of family planning methods. U.S. family planning policy and abortion restrictions have generated contentious debate for over three decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs. Given the divisive nature of this debate, U.S. funding of these programs will likely remain a point of contention during the 113th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2013-02-21
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [February 12, 2013]
"This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and will likely continue to be a point of contention during the 113th Congress. These issues have been debated for over four decades in the context of a broader domestic abortion controversy that began with the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in 'Roe v. Wade', which holds that the Constitution protects a woman's decision to terminate her pregnancy. Since 'Roe', Congress has enacted foreign assistance legislation placing restrictions or requirements on the federal funding of abortions and on family planning activities abroad. Many of these provisions, often referred to by the name of the lawmakers that introduced them, have been included in foreign aid authorizations, appropriations, or both, and affect different types of foreign assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2013-02-12
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U.N. System Development Assistance: Issues for Congress [July 28, 2011]
"Members of Congress continue to demonstrate an ongoing interest in the efficiency and effectiveness of United Nations (U.N.) development activities, both in the context of U.N. reform and broader U.S. development and foreign assistance efforts. Thirty-two U.N. agencies, funds, programs, and offices play a role in development. These entities, collectively referred to as the U.N. development system (UNDS), are independent intergovernmental organizations with distinct mandates, rules, membership, and financial resources. [...] Many experts and policymakers recognize the unique role that the United Nations plays in development. In their view, the United Nations' universal membership provides it with a neutrality, legitimacy, and convening power not enjoyed by countries and other development organizations. At the same time, however, the United Nations has been criticized for lacking effectiveness and cohesion in its development activities, particularly at the country level. [...] The United States is the largest contributor to the U.N. system as a whole and is often one of the top financial contributors to UNDS entities. It holds leadership roles in U.N. governance mechanisms and annually appropriates funding to UNDS organizations. Given the extent of U.S. participation in and funding of the UNDS, the 112th Congress may raise questions regarding: (1) The overall effectiveness of the UNDS, particularly at the country level [...;] (2) The level and extent of U.S. contributions to the UNDS [...and] (3) The benefits and drawbacks of multilateral versus bilateral assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-07-28
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International Family Planning Programs: Issues for Congress [March 16, 2012]
"Since 1965, the U.S. government has supported international family planning activities based on principles of voluntarism and informed choice that gives participants access to services and information on a broad range of family planning methods. U.S. family planning policy and abortion restrictions have generated contentious debate for over three decades, resulting in frequent clarification and modification of U.S. international family planning programs. Given the divisive nature of this debate, U.S. funding of these programs will likely remain a point of contention during the 112th Congress. In 1984, controversy arose over U.S. family planning assistance when the Ronald Reagan Administration introduced restrictions that became known as the 'Mexico City policy.' The Mexico City policy required foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to certify that they would not perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning--even if the activities were undertaken with non-U.S. funds. Presidents Reagan and George H. W. Bush also suspended grants to the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) due to evidence of coercive family planning practices in China, citing violations of the 'Kemp-Kasten' amendment, which bans U.S. assistance to organizations that, as determined by the President, support or participate in the management of coercive family planning programs. President Bill Clinton resumed UNFPA funding and rescinded the Mexico City policy in 1993. In 2001, however, President George W. Bush reapplied the Mexico City policy restrictions. The Bush Administration also suspended U.S. contributions to UNFPA from FY2002 to FY2008 following a State Department investigation of family planning programs in China. In January 2009, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum rescinding the Mexico City policy. The President also stated that the United States would resume U.S. contributions to UNFPA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2012-03-16
