Support Funding for Domestic and International Agencies and Programs that Promote Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law
Promoting the international rule of law through both U.S. governmental policies and the ABA’s international technical legal assistance programs is important to ABA members and the international community. The international affairs budget is a key component in that effort. The ABA supports adequate funding for the overall U.S. international affairs budget and increased funding specifically for domestic and international agencies and programs that promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, including through the ABA Rule of Law Initiative and Center for Human Rights. The ABA also supports the prompt payment of the United States’ assessed dues and voluntary contributions to the United Nations and other critical international organizations. For the U.S. to renew its longstanding leadership role in the international community, we must devote adequate resources to our international affairs budget.
Support U.S. Engagement and Leadership in International Organizations and Agreements
In addition to funding support, U.S. engagement and leadership in multilateral and international organizations are critical to promoting the rule of law. The ABA supports the U.S.’s rejoining or remaining engaged with key international bodies, such as the World Health Organization, UN Human Rights Council, and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Some progress has been made in the last two years, with the U.S. rejoining the UN Human Rights Council and the Paris Climate Agreement.
The ABA supports U.S. ratification of international human rights treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as treaties that facilitate international business, including the Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation. The ABA also supports U.S. ratification of treaties and other agreements regarding climate change.
These organizations and agreements act as critical force-multipliers in promoting international peace and security, strengthening democratic governance, promoting sustainable development, and protecting human rights. While none is perfect, the United States can lead reforms from a stronger position when we actively engage and fully meet our financial commitments.
Combatting Corruption and Authoritarian Repression of Civil Society
High-level corruption threatens democratic governance and the rule of law around the world and often goes hand in hand with efforts to threaten judges and repress civil society actors, such as lawyers, human rights defenders, and journalists, seeking to hold governments accountable. In 2021, the Biden administration issued a “Memorandum on Establishing the Fight Against Corruption as a Core United States National Security Interest.” The ABA supports efforts to combat kleptocracy in countries where government institutions have been captured by corrupt actors, including supporting the efforts of national justice sectors and anti-corruption personnel, and using existing sanction authorities against those who threaten justice-sector personnel. In addition, the ABA has long supported efforts to support independence of the judiciary and to prevent the harassment of and attacks against judges, lawyers, and human rights defenders.