Duncan Hunter
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?
Hunter argues that he would advance human rights and religious freedom in foreign policy, but has not specified on how. Hunter is quoted as saying that, “The greatest protection of human rights in this decade has been the overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Religious freedom is part and parcel of any free society the U.S stands up.”
What should the United States do to stop the genocide in Darfur?
Hunter voted for both the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2005 and the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007. He also wrote a letter to President Bush urging him to upgrade and expand the Abeche airfield near the border of Chad and Sudan, which would ensure the continued existence of humanitarian aid through the corridor and potential NATO and UN action.
He argues we should also teach the civilians self-defense because the troops aren’t arriving until after the violence has happened.
When, if ever, should the United States engage in military action to stop genocide or ethnic cleansing?
No stated position found.
Should the United States close the prison camp in Guantanamo? If so, what should be done with the prisoners there?
Hunter believes that it is better to keep the prison open because it serves an important “national security function.” Hunter also denied that torture was occurring at Guantanamo and is quoted as saying “The inmates in Guantanamo have never eaten better; they’ve never been treated better; and they’ve never been more comfortable in their lives. … And the idea that somehow we are torturing people in Guantanamo is absolutely not true, unless you consider having to eat chicken three times a week is torture.”
When asked if he was prepared to hold terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay indefinitely if he felt we couldn’t convict them, but they were too dangerous to set free, Hunter replied “absolutely.”
Are there any circumstances for when torture or extreme techniques of interrogation is appropriate?
Hunter has said that he would get the information regardless of the price if it meant saving American lives; he would act on the information received and then take full responsibility for giving the orders.
Should provisions about labor rights be included in future trade agreements?
Hunter is against trade agreements in general, but does not discuss labor rights. He is a strong “Buy American” supporter and reportedly won’t get into a foreign made car.
He also voted yes to making future trade with China contingent on them “measurably improving their record on religious freedom and human rights, eliminating their unfair trade practices, slave labor and the substandard policies that poison our food, toothpaste and toys.”
How can the United States best promote democracy around the world?
Hunter believes that promoting democracy is a primary reason for military action in Iraq and supports Bush’s efforts to stimulate democracy in the Middle East.
Position on ICC ratification.
Hunter voted for an amendment that passed through Congress and would ban any funds that would support the ICC. He has said that “Treaties that infringe on basic U.S. sovereignty should be rejected while international treaties that reign in tyrants may be of value.”
