News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci
(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: Human Rights and POW-MIA Provisions

Date: October 28, 1998

Thanks to Bear for passing this along.

"Subject: Human rights and MIA/POW provisions in Omnibus Appropriations Bill Dear friends, There are a number of provisions in that bill that we can and should take advantage of. Please note that the State Department is required to report to Congress every six months on the implementation of the HO program (to resettle Vietnamese former political prisoners and former U.S. government employees) and on Vietnam's progress towards releasing all political and religious prisoners.

I look forward to working with you on the issues summarized below.

Thang"

"Human Rights and MIA/POW Provisions relating to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill just passed by Congress and Enacted by Pres. Clinton

Secion 609 prohibits the use of appropriated funds to expand US consular presence in Vietnam unless the President certifies that Vietnam has cooperated in good faith with the accounting of MIAs/POWs.

United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. The Foreign Relations Authorization Act authorizes a $3 million annual contribution (double the present U.S. contribution).

US policy with respect to the involuntary return of persons in danger of subjection to torture. This provision declares U.S. policy to be contrary to the return by the U.S. of any person to a country in which he or she is in danger of subjection to torture, regardless of whether the person is or was physically present in the U.S. The provision also requires implementation of the U.S. obligation under the non-return provisions of the Convention Against Torture.

Eligibility for refugee status. Clarifies and extends the "McCain amendment," which allows the resettlement of adult children of long-term Vietnamese re- education camp survivors, and widows of long-term re-education camp detainees.

Enhancement of Radio Free Asia. The bill authorizes $22 million per fiscal year, plus an additional $8 million for capital expenditures in FY 1998, for 24-hour broadcasting to China and enhancement of other broadcasts to nations whose people do not enjoy freedom of expression.

Report on Relations with Vietnam. Requires periodic reports on Vietnam's record with respect to treatment of returned asylum seekers, religious and political prisoners, on the implementation of the ODP program, and other human rights issues.

Reports and policy concerning human rights in Laos. The Act also requires more thorough reporting on the treatment by the government of Laos of returned refugees and asylum seekers, political and religious dissenters, and members of ethnic minorities.

Lautenberg Amendment. A provision in the Labor-HHS section of the Omnibus Act extends these adjudication provisions (which provide generous evidentiary standards for certain refugee applicants from Southeast Asia and the former Soviet Union) through FY 1999.

CAMBODIA (The Secretary of the Treasury "should" instruct the United States executive directors of the international financial institutions to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose loans to the Government of Cambodia, except loans to support basic human needs)."