Bill Overview
Title: AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to act in the United Nations to extend the mandate of the International Fact-Finding Mission in Venezuela and to provide technical assistance to the Fact-Finding Mission. The bill also authorizes the President to direct U.S. representatives to the United Nations to support actions addressing Venezuela's human rights violations.
Sponsors: Rep. Sires, Albio [D-NJ-8]
Target Audience
Population: People in Venezuela potentially affected by human rights violations
Estimated Size: 5000
- The bill is directly focused on extending and supporting the mandate of the International Fact-Finding Mission in Venezuela, which is aimed at monitoring and reporting on human rights conditions in the country.
- The primary population affected by the outcomes of this bill are Venezuelans who have been, or might be, subject to human rights abuses. This includes victims of government crackdown, political prisoners, and other vulnerable groups.
- The bill is intended to promote and protect human rights in Venezuela by seeking to maintain international scrutiny and accountability regarding human rights violations.
- The total population of Venezuela is approximately 28 million people, but not all of them will be directly impacted by the human rights mission.
- It is reasonable to estimate that a significant portion of the population, potentially including millions of citizens who are vulnerable to human rights abuses, would be indirectly impacted through improvements in human rights conditions and increased international attention.
Reasoning
- The policy mainly affects Venezuelans but involves U.S. resources and personnel, indirectly impacting some Americans.
- Most U.S. citizens will not experience a direct change in daily life from this policy, as it is largely internationally focused.
- Those likely to feel the impact are U.S. citizens involved in international relations, human rights advocacy, or Venezuelan immigrants in the U.S. concerned about their home country's conditions.
Simulated Interviews
Diplomat (Washington D.C.)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy strengthens our diplomatic stance on human rights.
- It is an important symbolic action and strengthens international legal frameworks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Human Rights Activist (Miami, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives us more support to advocate for human rights.
- It's a crucial step in making impactful changes.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Oil Industry Worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important to support human rights.
- It's good to hold other countries accountable, but I don’t see direct impact on me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
UN Employee (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This gives us more leverage in the international community.
- It's a positive development for accountability.
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 | 9 | 7 |
University Professor (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's essential for students to see effective international policy.
- This could enrich my teaching and research.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Journalist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy demonstrates U.S. commitment.
- It potentially offers more resources for reporting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Dallas, TX)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this brings more stability in Venezuela.
- It's good to see international support boosted.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Immigration Lawyer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see a commitment to human rights.
- This policy will help reinforce international norms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This mission is a vital component of international peace efforts.
- I feel it's crucial to support these initiatives, even post-retirement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This gives me hope that law studies can lead to real change.
- It's inspiring to see these kinds of commitments globally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 2: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 3: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 5: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 10: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 100: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill focuses on diplomatic and international efforts rather than direct domestic changes, limiting its impact on U.S. finances.
- Given the nature of international diplomacy, actual costs could vary based on geopolitical responses and changes in the international context regarding Venezuela.
- Potential leverage in human rights improvements might indirectly benefit regional security and economic stability.