The Leahy Law On Human Rights

First enacted in 1997, the Leahy Law is an essential tool for protecting human rights. Although this is an important goal of U.S. foreign policy, too often, American diplomats have paid little more than lip service to stopping human rights crimes.

The Leahy Law makes it clear that when credible evidence of human rights violations exists, U.S. aid must stop. But, it provides the necessary flexibility to allow the U.S. to advance its foreign policy objectives in these countries. The law gives the Secretary of State the authority to determine when the law applies. In addition, it gives foreign governments an incentive to correct the problem: U.S. aid can resume if they bring to justice people who commit such crimes.

There are two slightly different versions of the Leahy Law – one that applies to U.S. foreign assistance programs and one that applies to the Department of Defense.  You can access the text of the amendments by using the links below.

The Leahy Laws

Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill Version of  "The Leahy Law"

Department of Defense Appropriations Bill Version of "The Leahy Law"