Us Congress Senate Bill SJR46

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/29/23
• Refer: 9/29/23

Caption

A joint resolution commemorating the fifth anniversary of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and calling for accountability.

Impact

The impact of SJR46 extends to international human rights frameworks and the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. By calling for accountability for Khashoggi's murder and broader human rights violations, the resolution aims to elevate the issue of human rights within U.S. foreign policy. This resolution also reflects a commitment to ensuring that individuals responsible for human rights abuses are held accountable, thereby pressuring the Saudi government to adhere to international human rights standards. Additionally, the resolution could influence U.S. relations with other authoritarian regimes that engage in similar actions against dissidents and activists.

Summary

SJR46 is a joint resolution commemorating the fifth anniversary of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, calling for accountability and underscoring the human rights violations perpetrated by the Saudi government. The resolution acknowledges that Khashoggi was brutally murdered by agents of the Saudi government in October 2018, and highlights the ongoing repression of free expression in Saudi Arabia, which has since included enforced disappearances and unjust detentions aimed at silencing dissent. The resolution serves to reaffirm the United States' position on human rights and its strategic relations with Saudi Arabia while calling for more stringent measures against those responsible for such atrocities.

Contention

The resolution has generated discussion regarding the balance between maintaining diplomatic relations and advocating for human rights. Supporters argue that it is necessary to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions, thus promoting a more ethical foreign policy framework. In contrast, opponents express concerns that focusing on human rights could complicate the U.S.-Saudi relationship, particularly in areas such as security and economic cooperation. They fear that a confrontational stance may undermine ongoing dialogues that are essential for regional stability and partnership, especially regarding energy supply and combating terrorism.