Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR1278

Introduced
6/5/24  

Caption

Affirming the importance of the survival of Garífuna culture and identity, condemning the violent and illegal appropriation of Garífuna territory, urging the Department of State and multilateral development banks to respect the rights of the Garífuna people, and calling on the Government of Honduras to fully comply with the resolutions of multilateral human rights bodies which mandate the return of Garífuna land and territory, and for other purposes.

Impact

The resolution exists at a crucial intersection where U.S. foreign policy meets human rights advocacy. By affirming the rights of Garı́funa communities, HR1278 demonstrates an active engagement in international human rights discourse that could influence U.S. aid policies and funding decisions related to Honduras. These implications could lead to more stringent conditionalities associated with U.S. financial assistance, especially concerning human rights compliance.

Summary

House Resolution 1278 emphasizes the urgent need for the preservation of Garı́funa culture and identity, condemning the violent and illegal appropriation of their territory. The resolution calls upon the Government of Honduras to adhere to the mandates established by multilateral human rights bodies aimed at restoring land rights to Garı́funa communities. By urging the U.S. Department of State and international funding bodies to respect these rights, the resolution seeks to ensure that the historical injustices faced by the Garı́funa peoples are acknowledged and addressed effectively.

Contention

Despite the clear intentions of HR1278, contention remains around the potential repercussions of the resolution, especially regarding its implementation in U.S. foreign policy towards Honduras. Critics may argue that while the resolution seeks to highlight Garı́funa rights, it could complicate diplomatic relations, considering existing ties between the U.S. and Honduran governments. Some stakeholders might also raise concerns about the efficacy of legislative measures in a region where historical grievances regarding land and rights face significant political and economic opposition.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR288

Expressing the sense that there should be established a "National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month" in April to celebrate the great contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United States who have enriched the history of the Nation.

US HR344

Expressing the sense that there should be established a "National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month" in April to celebrate the great contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage in the United States who have enriched the history of the Nation.

US HR369

Supporting the United States-Thailand alliance and urging the Government of Thailand to protect and uphold democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression ahead of the 2023 general elections in Thailand, and for other purposes.

US HR554

Affirming the nature and importance of the support of the United States for the religious and ethnic minority survivors of genocide in Iraq.

US SR114

A resolution urging the Government of Thailand to protect and uphold democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and for other purposes.

US HB10537

To support and promote the human rights of Southern Mongolians in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

US SB908

A bill to oppose the provision of assistance to the People's Republic of China by the multilateral development banks.

US HR1221

Marking the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the ongoing and often brutal suppression of human rights and basic freedoms by the Government of the People's Republic of China and Chinese Communist Party, including in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and for other purposes.

US HB692

To amend the International Financial Institutions Act to provide instructions with respect to the U.S. policy on co-financing arrangements at the multilateral development banks, and for other purposes.

US HR616

Expressing support for the people of Afghanistan, condemning the Taliban's assault on human rights and the specific targeting of women, girls, and members of religious and ethnic minorities, and expressing support for any Afghans who assisted in the United States mission in Afghanistan.

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