Hillary Clinton
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?
Clinton believes it is important to form bipartisan relationships and that it is in our interest to stand for human rights to promote religious freedom, democracy, women’s rights, social justice, and economic empowerment.
She joined a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to President Bush calling for action by the U.N. Security Council against Sudan for its human rights violations, specifically multilateral sanctions focusing on the oil industry. Specifically regarding China and human rights, Clinton would “make it very clear what we expect from China and use every tool at our disposal to try to change behavior.”
What should the United States do to stop the genocide in Darfur?
Clinton has laid out a three point plan:
1. Move peacekeepers from the U.N. and A.U. into Sudan as soon as possible
2. Need to support the peacekeepers through airlift and logistical support from the U.S or NATO (prefers NATO)
3. No fly zone over Sudan to prevent the Sudanese government from bombing the villages before and after the Janjawid, making it very clear that planes will be shot if they fly into the zone.
She does not believe in putting U.S. troops on the ground, but she does advocate for divestment and sanctions on the Sudanese government and pressure on China.
When, if ever, should the United States engage in military action to stop genocide or ethnic cleansing?
Clinton has said she believes that the military is only one element in a comprehensive problem-solving strategy. She admits that diplomacy cannot always stop genocide and crimes against humanity but argues that soldiers should not be used to “carry out missions that they may not be trained or prepared for.” At this point, she does not believe American ground troops belong in Darfur, but she does support U.N. peacekeepers and A.U. troops.
Should the United States close the prison camp in Guantanamo? If so, what should be done with the prisoners there?
In a hearing at the Senate Armed Services Hearing, Clinton criticized the prison camp and said it should be closed because it “compromises our long-term military and strategic interests and it impairs our standing overseas.” She says that we should build a maximum security prison or special detention center, then prosecute those who need to be prosecuted and let the others go.
She voted against the Military Commissions Act.
Are there any circumstances for when torture or extreme techniques of interrogation is appropriate?
Clinton has said the United States should not use torture or extreme techniques of interrogation and that “as a matter of policy it cannot be American policy period.”
Should provisions about labor rights be included in future trade agreements?
Clinton has said she favors “enforceable labor and environmental standards.” “We’ve got the WTO that enforces financial and corporate rights; we need the International Labor Organization and other mechanisms that will be there to enforce labor rights and environmental rights,” she recently said. Without these standards, the United States would be at a disadvantage.
How can the United States best promote democracy around the world?
In regard to foreign policy, Clinton believes we need to renew internationalism and engage in diplomacy. More specifically, she introduced legislation, with Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) to create a public service academy that can improve civilian preparedness and response that would also be a place to learn about other cultures. In a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations, she said that she believes that support for global education is important to provide alternatives to incubators of religious extremism.
Position on ICC ratification?
She believes we should abide by the Geneva Conventions. In Foreign Affairs, she wrote that international institutions are important and that “international institutions are tools rather than traps.” But the United States “must be prepared to act on its own to defend its vital interests.” Specifically regarding the ICC, she has said she would wait until in office to evaluate the U.S. relationship with the ICC.