Voicing concern about serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in most states of Central Asia, including substantial noncompliance with their Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commitments on democratization and the holding of free and fair elections.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (11 Nov 1999): Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2361-2362)
What this bill does
This resolution, H.Con.Res. 204, expresses concern from the U.S. Congress regarding human rights violations and a lack of free and fair elections in several Central Asian countries, specifically Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It asserts that leaders in these nations are attempting to remain in power indefinitely by manipulating their systems and failing to meet commitments made to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The resolution urges these countries to allow genuine political opposition, ensure equal participation in elections without intimidation, permit independent media, and repeal defamation laws that could silence dissent. It also calls on Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to stop the use of torture and allow independent parties to register. The U.S. Administration is encouraged to discuss these issues with other OSCE nations and to investigate the human rights situation in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
H.Con.Res. 204 was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 1999. As a concurrent resolution, it represents the sense of Congress. It has been referred to the Committee on International Relations. If passed by both the House and Senate, it would convey the U.S. Congress's position but would not have the force of law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Declares that Congress: (1) expresses concern about the tendency of Central Asian leaders to seek to remain in power indefinitely and their willingness to manipulate constitutions, elections, and legislative and judicial systems to do so; and (2) reminds the leaders of Central Asian states that elections cannot be free and fair unless all citizens can take part in the political process on an equal basis, without intimidation or fear of reprisal, and with confidence that their human rights and fundamental freedoms will be fully respected.Urges: (1) Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to come into compliance with Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) commitments on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, specifically the holding of free and fair elections that do not exclude genuine challengers, to permit independent and opposition parties and candidates to participate on an equal basis with representation in election commissions at all levels, and to allow domestic non-governmental and political party observers, as well as international observers; (2) Central Asian leaders to establish conditions for independent and opposition media to function without constraint, limitation, or fear of harassment, to repeal criminal laws which impose prison sentences for alleged defamation of the state or public officials, and to provide access to state media on an equal basis during election campaigns to independent and opposition parties and candidates; (3) the leaders of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to condemn and take effective steps to cease the systematic use of torture and other inhuman treatment by authorities against political opponents and others and to permit the registration of independent and opposition parties and candidates; and (4) Voice of America and Radio Liberty to expand broadcasting to Central Asia.Encourages the Administration to: (1) raise with the governments of other OSCE participating states the possible implications for OSCE participation of any participating state in the region that engages in clear, gross, and uncorrected violations of its OSCE commitments; and (2) seek formation of an OSCE Human Dimension Mission to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to investigate the human rights situation.
Timeline
11 Nov 1999
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2361-2362)
Common questions
- What does H.Con.Res. 204 do?
- This resolution, H.Con.Res. 204, expresses concern from the U.S. Congress regarding human rights violations and a lack of free and fair elections in several Central Asian countries, specifically Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It asserts that leaders in these nations are attempting to remain in power indefinitely by manipulating their systems and failing to meet commitments made to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The resolution urges these countries to allow genuine political opposition, ensure equal participation in elections without intimidation, permit independent media, and repeal defamation laws that could silence dissent. It also calls on Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to stop the use of torture and allow independent parties to register. The U.S. Administration is encouraged to discuss these issues with other OSCE nations and to investigate the human rights situation in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. H.Con.Res. 204 was introduced in the House of Representatives in October 1999. As a concurrent resolution, it represents the sense of Congress. It has been referred to the Committee on International Relations. If passed by both the House and Senate, it would convey the U.S. Congress's position but would not have the force of law.
- Has H.Con.Res. 204 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.Con.Res. 204. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.Con.Res. 204?
- H.Con.Res. 204 was sponsored by Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] (R-NJ), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.Con.Res. 204?
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2361-2362) (11 Nov 1999).
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