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 PUBLIC LAW 98-447—OCT. 4, 1984

98 STAT. 1721

Public Law 98-447 98th Congress Joint Resolution Regarding the implementation of the policy of the United States Government in opposition to the practice of torture by any foreign government.

Whereas international human rights organizations have investigated and reported on the use of torture in many countries throughout the world; Whereas the Department of State in its annual country reports on human rights practices has reported that torture is all too frequent in many countries of the world; Whereas torture knows no ideological boundaries and is practiced in countries in every region of the world; Whereas torture is absolutely prohibited by international legal standards; Whereas in those countries where torture is practiced systematically, it is possible to identify laws, institutions, and other forms of political organization that contribute to the practice and allow its continuation; Whereas legal, medical, religious, and other groups seeking to combat torture emphasize that access to detainees, the civil and criminal prosecution of torturers, and the rehabilitation of victims of torture are critical steps in reducing the practice and effects of torture; Whereas the United States Government has supported the work of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in developing the draft Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment which is intended to reduce the practice of torture and lead to its eventual abolition, and the United States Government is supportive of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture; and Whereas the good will of the peoples of the world toward the United States can be increased when the United States distances itself from the practice of torture by governments friendly to the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Congress reaffirms that it is the continuing policy of the United States Government to oppose the practice of torture by foreign governments through public and private diplomacy and, when necessary and appropriate, through the enactment and vigorous implementation of laws intended to reinforce United States policies with respect to torture. The United States Government opposes acts of torture wherever they occur, without regard to ideological or regional considerations, and will make every effort to work cooperatively with other governments and with nongovernmental organizations to combat the practice of torture worldwide. SEC. 2, (a) The President is requested—

Oct. 4, 1984 [H.J. Res. 605]

Human rights. Law 22 USC'2656 note.

22 USC 2656 note.

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