Dennis Kucinich
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?
As a Congressman, Kucinich supported foreign policy that “upholds the principles of human rights, peace and diplomacy.” He is an advocate for providing foreign aid to those in the greatest need to combat hunger, stop the spread of disease, assist in disaster relief, help with micro-enterprise loans, or build education.
He is a strong supporter of international treaties that promote peace and justice, and he co-sponsored H.R. 2330, which imposed greater sanctions on the ruling Burmese military junta.
What should the United States do to stop the genocide in Darfur?
Kucinich believes that the United States should focus on not “giving Sudan a pass,” and holding the government accountable.
He has co-sponsored a number of measures in the House relating to Darfur, including the Darfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007; Resolution 573, which recognized and commended the efforts of U.S and advocacy groups that raise awareness about and help end the human rights issues in Darfur; and Resolution 726, which called on the president and international community to take immediate steps to respond to and prevent acts of sexual violence against women and girls in Sudan, Eastern Chad, and the Central African Republic.
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?
Kucinich has said that closing Guantanamo is a good start, but it is not enough; he believes that the United States must end the occupation of Iraq, as well. He signed a letter to President Bush urging that the detainees be moved to military prisons in the United States.
Are there any circumstances for when torture or extreme techniques of interrogation is appropriate?
Kucinich is against torture and believes that “nothing is more misleading—or immoral—than the use of the 'ticking time bomb' scenario.” He also believes that danger does not justify wholesale torture and that “imminent” is “a convenient way to anaesthetize people’s consciences to agree that the ends do justify the means.”
Should provisions about labor rights be included in future trade agreements?
Kucinich argues that free trade is the root of why we have abusive working conditions abroad. He is a critic of almost every free trade agreement, and voted against both the Central America Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization. He wants to “get out of NAFTA and the WTO and go back to bi-lateral trade conditioned on workers’ rights, human rights, and the environment.”
Kucinich believes that free trade should be replaced with fair trade and that fair trade policies need to provide for living wages for workers and environmental safeguards. He tried to strengthen and expand the Social Protection sector of the International Labor Organization but amendment was defeated.
He is an active opponent of making permanent most-favored-nation trading status with China, arguing that granting the status “has cost the U.S. the best leverage we have to influence China to enact worker rights, human rights, and religious rights and protections.
How can the United States best promote democracy around the world?
No stated position found.
Position on ICC ratification.
Kucinich supports ICC ratification and specifically the Rome Statute.