Christopher Dodd
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?
Dodd said in the December 4 debate that he would be tougher on China regarding human rights violations but would balance this by “working with them in various areas on energy policy, environmental policy as well.”
What should the United States do to stop the genocide in Darfur?
In a June debate, Dodd said that the United States should be able to take some unilateral action to protect civilians. He has also said that the United States should take action for divestment and support for hybrid force.
He has voiced concern that the military should be removed from Iraq in order to better be able to build coalitions that can respond to issues like Darfur.
When, if ever, should the United States engage in military action to stop genocide or ethnic cleansing?
Dodd said in the same June debate that, with regard to Darfur, “the United States should be able to take some unilateral action” to provide protection “where people are being slaughtered.”
Should the United States close the prison camp in Guantanamo? If so, what should be done with the prisoners there?
Dodd has argued that Guantanamo should be shut down. He cosponsored Sen. Harkin’s (D-IA) Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Closure Act of 2007. He also voted against the Military Commissions Act.
Are there any circumstances when torture or extreme techniques of interrogation are appropriate?
Dodd introduced a bill making changes to the Military Commissions Act of 2006 that would restore habeas corpus rights, ban torture, and uphold the Geneva Conventions. The bill was supported by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Human Rights First, the Center for Victims of Torture, Open Society Institute, and Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International.
Should labor rights provisions be included in future trade agreements?
Dodd has previously voted against trade agreements in the Senate, including CAFTA.
In 2002, he offered an amendment to Fast Track trade-promotion authority requiring U.S. trade negotiators to seek workers’ rights standards and enforcement provisions in future agreements, but the amendment did not pass.
How can the United States best promote democracy around the world?
Dodd has specifically discussed promoting democracy in Cuba by lifting trade and travel bans. He also told the New Yorker that he would “love to see a democratic Middle East but you’ve got to be a coherent society before you can be a democracy.” The senator sits on the Senior Advisory Committee for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs.
Position on ICC ratification?
Dodd advocated in 2002 that the United States should ratify the ICC. In an address to the Senate, he expressed his belief that Under Secretary of State John Bolton “un-signing” it was “irresponsible, isolationist, and contrary to our vital national interest.” He has also called for the Bush administration to support the ICC in prosecuting the individuals who have committed crimes in Darfur.