Joe Biden
What should be the role of human rights in U.S foreign policy? What should the United States do about human rights violations in places such as Burma, China, Pakistan and Russia?
Biden signed and supported the Treaty for the Rights of Women (CEDAW) in 2002 and attended the “Stop Human Rights Violations Against Women” event on Capitol Hill where he was quoted as saying, “The Treaty provides the United States with a tool to promote women’s rights around the world…and strengthens our voice in making it clear that ending violence against women is a basic right of women everywhere.”
He is also the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Relations and wrote the book “How Do We Promote Democratization, Poverty Alleviation, and Human Rights to Build a More Secure Future: Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Relations.” Regarding China, Biden would appoint a U.N. ambassador who would press China regarding human rights concerns and designate China as a human rights violator.
What should the United States do to stop the genocide in Darfur?
Biden advocates using military action through the hybrid U.N./AU force and has said that adding an extra 2,500 U.S. troops to the force could “radically change the situation.” The United States currently has no troops in Sudan. Biden also advocates a no fly zone and once told the Sudanese foreign minister that sanctions would remain on Sudan until violence was stopped.
When, if ever, should the United States engage in military action to stop genocide or ethnic cleansing?
Biden argues that we should be using force now and is quoted as saying, “I think it’s not only time not to take force off the table. I think it’s time to put force on the table and use it.”
Should the United States close the prison camp in Guantanamo? If so, what should be done with the prisoners there?
Biden has said he believes Guantanamo should be shut down and the prisoners we have been retaining without reason released. If there is a reason to keep individuals, they should be moved to a maximum security military prison. He voted against the Military Commissions Act.
He has also wanted an independent commission to investigate Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib, and the prison system and make a recommendation to shut it down so that there is “a rationale for it.”
Are there any circumstances for when torture or extreme techniques of interrogation is appropriate?
He has condemned the administration’s policy of permitting torture and wrote legislation prohibiting the torture, abuse, or mistreatment of any detainee in United States custody.
Biden has said that he would “not under any circumstances sanction torture.”
Should provisions about labor rights be included in future trade agreements?
In a questionnaire provided by the AFL-CIO, Biden stated he will not vote for any more trade agreements that don’t consider labor and environmental standards.
How can the United States best promote democracy around the world?
Biden introduced legislation for expanding international broadcasting to the Muslim World. He argued that the administration had “created the impression around the world that it believes democracy can be imposed by force.” But the United States has to realize that democracy can’t be imposed by force from the outside.
He also believes that elections do not equal real democracy but that the United States needs a comprehensive approach for grassroots governance, human rights, and education for girls and that the United States has to “work with moderates from the inside, and over the long haul.”
Position on ICC ratification.
Supports the ICC as stated at the World Economic Forum, January 28, 2005.
