Bill Overview
Title: Fix the United Nations Human Rights Council Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress on U.S. policy towards China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, and other countries that violate human rights, specifically on the roles of such countries as members of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Sponsors: Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals impacted by the United Nations Human Rights Council's policies
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The bill focuses on countries with poor human rights records, specifically China, Russia, Cuba, and Venezuela. These countries have large populations, suggesting many citizens could be affected indirectly by increased international scrutiny and potential policy changes.
- The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a global body, and decisions or changes in policy formulated by the US concerning the UNHRC affect all member states and observers.
- The UNHRC has 47 member states that rotate on and off. At any time, their collective population exceeds 3 billion, meaning decisions could affect many global citizens in these states, directly through policy changes or indirectly by changing member state actions.
- U.S. policies and reports on countries that violate human rights could impact diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and international cooperation, indirectly affecting global markets and economic conditions.
Reasoning
- The policy impacts a relatively small portion of the U.S. population directly, such as those involved in international relations, diplomacy, and academics focused on human rights.
- The budgetary constraints mean only a few individuals or offices might undergo significant changes due to the policy.
- Any large-scale policy impact on trade, economic conditions, or diplomatic relations would affect the general American public indirectly.
- We should consider different demographics, including people who view the U.S. international role as significant, those in the involved sectors, and general citizens.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Service Officer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will directly shape my daily work as we coordinate efforts and reports for Congress.
- I believe strengthening our stance on human rights is beneficial but it could strain some international relations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
International Human Rights Lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy can potentially help provide more data and drive urgency in cases from countries like China and Russia.
- Elevating these issues in a global forum is crucial but its effectiveness depends on follow-up actions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tech Industry Worker (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our company may face changes due to shifts in international relations prompted by the U.S. policy.
- I'm concerned about potential impacts on business networks and profitability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
University Professor (Austin, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy represents a significant focus shift that will provide new teaching material and research opportunities.
- U.S. visibility on human rights issues is crucial but needs consistent policy backing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could enhance international pressure on Venezuela, which is positive for awareness but must result in action.
- I worry about the actual follow-through of U.S. foreign policies impacting lives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Import/Export Business Owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Heightened scrutiny could complicate trade relationships, potentially disrupting my business.
- While I support human rights, practical impacts on merchants aren't always considered.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Retired (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not directly affected but I'm glad to see the U.S. taking a stand on human rights.
- Policies like this underscore our values but need vigilance to truly make an international impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cuban-American Social Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our community could see more support through heightened awareness and pressure on Cuba.
- Skeptical about real change without substantive action following the reports.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Policy Analyst (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy adds necessary emphasis on accountability for human rights violators within the UN framework.
- Long-term change depends on sustained policy efforts and international cooperation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Journalist (Dallas, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More scrutiny on these countries means more stories and heightened interest which is vital for journalism.
- Hope this results in real change rather than just reports.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $5500000 (Low: $4500000, High: $6500000)
Year 3: $6000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $6500000 (Low: $5500000, High: $7500000)
Year 10: $7500000 (Low: $6500000, High: $8500000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $9000000, High: $11000000)
Key Considerations
- The primary cost factor is the administrative and staffing needs in the Department of State.
- The bill does not mandate significant policy changes or investments, limiting its direct fiscal impact.