Bill Richardson
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?
No stated position found.
What should the United States do to stop the genocide in Darfur?
Romney has said that the United States should have intervened as soon as the mass killings began, and should have sent a special enjoy to put pressure on Sudan and on other countries who had influence on the region.
When, if ever, should the United States engage in military action to stop genocide or ethnic cleansing?
Richardson is quoted as saying, “A regional crisis is worthy of military intervention. A true threat to our country’s security is worthy of war. But a struggle between a country’s warring factions, where both sides hate the United States, is not worthy of one more lost American life.” He has no other clear position on military intervention against genocide
Should the United States close the prison camp in Guantanamo? If so, what should be done with the prisoners there?
Richardson has said that the United States should close Guantanamo Bay.
Are there any circumstances for when torture or extreme techniques of interrogation is appropriate?
Richardson argues that there is no place for torture of any kind; he wants to stop extreme interrogation policies and follow the Geneva Conventions.
Should provisions about labor rights be included in future trade agreements?
Richardson believes that future free trade should have specific components as part of law and not as side agreements. These components are worker protections to compare work standards in the U.S with other countries abd the ability to address wage disparities.
He has also said that we need fair trade agreements that say no to slave and child labor and that we should use trade agreements to incentivize human rights improvements.
How can the United States best promote democracy around the world?
Richardson wants to promote democracy around the world by strengthening the U.S. commitment to international law and multilateral cooperation. Specifically, he wants to expand the UN Security Council’s permanent members to include Japan, India, Germany, one country from Africa, and one country from Latin America; enact ethical reform at the UN; and expand the G8 to include India and China.
Richardson also argues that the United States should join the ICC and respect all international treaties on human rights and re-engage in the Middle-East peace process.
Position on ICC ratification.
Richardson believes that it is important to respect the Geneva Conventions and join the ICC. He is quoted saying: “Beyond the United Nations, a commitment to international law means that the United States must be impeccable in its own human rights behavior. The U.S. government must join the International Criminal Court and respect all international treaties, including the Geneva Conventions. It should reward countries that respect the Universal Declaration on Human Rights—and it should negotiate, constructively but firmly with those who do not.”