Stricter Arms Export Control: Human Rights Protection and Ban on Sales to War Criminals.
This Act aims to tighten the rules for selling US arms and defense services abroad, making human rights and humanitarian law a key criterion. It mandates that the US government must halt arms sales to countries committing genocide or war crimes, unless they take steps to prosecute those responsible and provide compensation. For US citizens, these changes increase government accountability for how American military equipment is used globally, potentially reducing the risk that their taxes support regimes violating human rights.
Key points
Ban on Arms Sales: An absolute prohibition is introduced on the sale, export, or transfer of defense articles to countries whose governments commit genocide or war crimes.
Enhanced Congressional Oversight: Arms sales to countries that have experienced a coup or where security forces have committed gross human rights violations will be subject to mandatory Congressional review and disapproval, regardless of the transaction value.
End-Use Monitoring: Arms sale agreements must include a commitment that the equipment will not be used to violate international humanitarian law or human rights, and the US government must monitor this use.
New Sales Criteria: When considering arms exports, the State Department must assess the extent to which the recipient country protects human rights and supports democratic institutions.
Expired
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