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Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy's ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something else. Some observers have perceived a breakdown in, or corruption of, the rules for naming Navy ships. Names for Navy ship types currently or recently procured for the Navy include the following: • The first and second SSBN-826 class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) have been named District of Columbia and Wisconsin. • Until 2020, Virginia (SSN-774) class attack submarines were named largely for states, but the most recent nine have been named for four earlier U.S. Navy attack submarines, a former Secretary of the Navy, an island, and (most recently) three cities, suggesting that the naming rule for the class might have shifted to naming the boats for cities. • Of the Navy's 15 most recently named aircraft carriers, 10 have been named for past U.S. Presidents and 2 for Members of Congress. • Destroyers are being named for deceased members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including Secretaries of the Navy. • The first six FFG-62 class frigates have been named for people and U.S. Navy ships of the Revolutionary War and the early republic. • Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) were named for regionally important U.S. cities and communities. • Amphibious assault ships (LHAs) are being named for U.S. Marine Corps battles, early U.S. Navy sailing ships, or aircraft carriers from World War II. • San Antonio (LPD-17) class amphibious ships are being named for major U.S. cities and communities and the cities and communities that were attacked on September 11, 2001. • John Lewis (TAO-205) class oilers are being named for people who fought for civil rights and human rights. • Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPFs) are being named for small U.S. cities and counties. • The first two Expeditionary Medical Ships (EMSs) have been named Bethesda and Balboa to honor Naval Support Activity Bethesda and the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. • Expeditionary Transport Docks (ESDs) and Expeditionary Sea Bases (ESBs) are being named for famous names or places of historical significance to U.S. Marines. • Navajo (TATS-6) class towing, salvage, and rescue ships are being named for prominent Native Americans or Native American tribes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the historical significance of Egypt in relation to U.S. national security and foreign relations. Topics include Egypt's strategic control of the Suez Canal, the complexities of U.S.-Egypt relations amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, and the implications of U.S. foreign aid, which is contingent on various political and human rights considerations.

The article focuses on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a crucial U.S. security partner, detailing its military relationships, economic ties, and regional dynamics, particularly concerning Iran and Israel. It highlights the complexities of U.S.-UAE relations, including arms sales and human rights concerns. It also addresses the UAE's humanitarian efforts in Gaza and its strategic initiatives amid growing ties with China.

The article focuses on the evolution of U.S. foreign policy regarding democracy and human rights, tracing congressional involvement since the 1970s. Topics discussed include the historical context, contemporary challenges, and various policy tools Congress employs to promote democracy and human rights globally.

The article focuses on the evolving the U.S.-Vietnam relationship since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1995. Topics include shared strategic and economic interests, regional security concerns, and the recent upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership. It discusses the influence of China, human rights issues, and Vietnam's economic ambitions.

The article focuses on the U.S. Department of State's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, detailing human rights conditions worldwide, primarily based on internationally recognized human rights standards. The reports for 2023, released in April 2024, highlight various human rights challenges across different countries, including China's actions against ethnic and religious minority groups.

The article focuses on human rights assessments in India, highlighting numerous serious abuses reported by the State Department and concerns about democratic backsliding. Topics include religious freedom violations, press freedom restrictions, and infringements on freedom of expression, with international organizations and reports detailing escalating concerns under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

The article focuses on Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's resignation from the Fine Gael party and forthcoming resignation as Taoiseach, in Irish politics. It highlights accomplishments such as achieving full employment and spearheading social reforms, including same-sex marriage and abortion legalization. it discusses Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos defiance of the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over human rights abuses.

The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program provided nonreciprocal, duty-free tariff treatment to certain products imported to the United States from designated beneficiary developing countries (BDCs). Congress first authorized the U.S. program in Title V of the Trade Act of 1974. The European Union and other developed countries have implemented similar programs since the 1970s. The U.S. GSP program expired on December 31, 2020 despite legislative efforts to extend the program in the 116th Congress. Although the program has expired, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has instructed importers to continue flagging GSP-eligible products on import documents so that it may automate duty refunds if Congress retroactively reauthorizes the program. Congress has typically applied the retroactivity from the day after the program expired to when the reauthorization came into effect. Prior to the program expiring, 119 developing countries and territories were eligible beneficiary developing countries (BDCs). The program provided duty-free entry into the United States for over 3,500 products (based on 8-digit U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule tariff lines) from BDCs, and duty-free status to an additional 1,500 products from 44 GSP beneficiaries designated as least-developed beneficiary developing countries (LDBDCs). In 2020, products valued at $16.9 billion (imports for consumption) entered the United States duty-free under the program, out of $152.0 billion worth of total imports from GSP-eligible countries. Total U.S. imports from all countries amounted to about $2.3 trillion in 2020. In 2022, $21.5 billion worth of imports (for consumption) would have been eligible for duty-free treatment under the program if it had been reauthorized. GSP was one of several trade preference programs through which the United States sought to help developing countries expand their economies. Other U.S. trade preference programs, which are built on GSP, are regionally focused, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI, includes preference programs for Haiti). There are also country-specific programs for Haiti and Nepal. Under GSP, developing countries would have to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as providing the United States with adequate market access, taking steps to maintain internationally recognized worker rights, and protecting intellectual property rights. GSP rules of origin required that at least 35% of the appraised value of the eligible product be the “growth, product, or manufacture” of the BDC. Certain “import-sensitive” products (e.g., most textiles and apparel) were specifically excluded, and limits were placed on the quantity or value of any one product imported from any one country under the program (except for products from LDBDCs and AGOA countries). GSP country and product eligibility were subject to annual review. There is bipartisan interest in reauthorizing GSP, though some Members of Congress have proposed changes to the program. Proposed amendments include adding new eligibility criteria (e.g., human rights, enforcement of environmental laws and international agreements, good governance, and digital trade), increasing reporting of annual review results, and amending the value limits placed on eligible products. This report examines, first, recent legislative developments, along with a brief history, economic rationale, and legal background leading to the establishment of GSP. Second, the report describes U.S. GSP implementation. Third, the report briefly analyzes the U.S. program’s effectiveness and stakeholders’ views, and discusses possible options for Congress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk's call for a multinational security support mission to combat escalating violence in Haiti. Turk emphasized the need to assist Haitian police in addressing armed gangs, organized crime and illicit trafficking, following the findings of designated human rights expert William O'Neill.

The article presents various international news. Topics include United Nation High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk advocating for a multinational security support mission in Haiti to combat rising violence, deploy hundreds more peacekeepers to Kosovo in response to violent protests sparked by ethnic Serbs boycotting local elections, and a terrorist attack outside Turkey's Interior Ministry building in Ankara on October 1, 2023 resulting in at least one death and two injuries.

The article provides an overview of Qatar's strategic importance, its bilateral relations with the U.S., and key issues for the 118th Congress. Topics include defense cooperation, arms sales, economic relations, human rights concerns, and Qatar's diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Iran, and Afghanistan.

The article focuses on issues related to U.S. policy concerning the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Topics include U.S.-UAE security partnership, concerns regarding the UAE's ability to secure advanced military equipment, the UAE's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its impact on relations. It mentions UAE's approach to Iran and its ties to Israel, its role in the Yemen conflict, human rights concerns, and climate change cooperation with the U.S.

The article focuses on the strained relationship between the U.S. and Cambodia due to issues related to democracy and human rights. It discusses U.S. interests, policy actions, and the influence of China in Cambodia. It also addresses the recent leadership succession in Cambodia and potential changes in U.S.-Cambodia relations.

The article highlights the main laws and policies in the U.S. that may limit the sale of defense articles to foreign countries on the basis of human rights concerns. Topics include background information on the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) that establish provisions governing Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) to foreign consumers, general limitations on FMS and DCS, and the human rights-related prohibitions of the FAA.

The article provides information on the Wagner Group's presence and activities in Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. In Mali, the Wagner Group's involvement in the fight against Islamic Jihadists has led to an increase in violence against civilians and human rights abuses. The group has been paid millions of dollars by Mali but has not effectively addressed the terrorism situation.

The article offers information about Kuwait's bilateral relations with the United States, focusing on defense and economic relations. It examines human rights issues in Kuwait, particularly women's rights, trafficking in persons, and religious freedom. It discusses Kuwait's foreign policy, specifically its stance on the war between Russia and Ukraine and its relationship with China.

Women labor activists in the US have joined the Fight the Heist campaign, led by the Global Labor Justice (GLJ) and the Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA), to demand justice in Nike's supply chain. The campaign calls on Nike to ensure fair pay for workers and address the alleged human rights crisis faced by garment workers during the pandemic. Unions representing Nike factory workers have also filed a complaint with the US National Contact Point, accusing Nike of contributing to severe human rights impacts without taking appropriate action. The activists are urging Nike to live up to its claims of championing equality and pay workers a decent wage. [Extracted from the article]

Human rights group Stop Uyghur Genocide has enlisted the help of human rights firm Leigh Day to block Shein's attempt to list on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Leigh Day argues that Shein's practices violate the UK's commitment to the International Labour Organization's minimum standards for workers. They are urging the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to request more information from Shein about its Modern Slavery statement, explain the measures in place to detect trade in goods produced through forced labor, and consider Stop Uyghur Genocide's submissions before allowing Shein to be listed. Amnesty International has also criticized Shein, calling a potential listing on the LSE a "badge of shame." Shein has not responded to requests for comment. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Sri Lanka's background and current issues for Congress, including its historical struggles with ethnic, religious, and economic divisions, concerns about growing ties with China, and the 2022 economic crisis. Topics include the impact of the economic crisis on the country, human rights and post-war reconciliation efforts, and Sri Lanka's relations with India and China.

The article details the public mourning for former President Alberto Fujimori, who died at 86. Topics include President Dina Boluarte's declaration of three days of national mourning, criticism of the government for honoring Fujimori despite his imprisonment for corruption and human rights abuses, and the historical context of Fujimori's controversial administration during the fight against the Shining Path rebels in the 1990s.

The article discusses the strained bilateral relations between America and Cambodia, due to Cambodia's alignment with China. It mentions American government's efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the country by imposing restrictions on foreign assistance to Cambodia, suspension of military assistance by America to Cambodian and discussed the decision of the Supreme Court of Cambodia to dissolved the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP).

The article focuses on Brunei Darussalam, a country located on the northwest coast of the Island of Borneo. It offers insights into its geography, political system, economy, regional role, and U.S. relations. It highlights Brunei's reliance on oil and gas, its maritime interests in the South China Sea, and concerns about human rights and the implementation of Syariah law.

The article provides an overview of Indonesia, highlighting its population size, economic status, democratic system, and its position in important sea lanes. It also discusses Indonesia's political background, its relationship with the U.S., security cooperation, issues related to militancy and terrorism, economic matters, human rights, and environmental concerns. It also mentions Indonesia is described as the most populous country in Southeast Asia, a robust democracy.

The article focuses on human rights assessments in India, particularly in relation to the government's actions and policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party. Topics covered include religious freedom; press freedom; freedom of expression; civil society; corruption; human trafficking; bonded labor; human rights in Kashmir, India; women's status and other human rights issues in India; and highlights concerns such as attacks on religious minorities.

The Fair Wear Foundation and the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve working conditions in supply chains. The organizations will collaborate on data convergence, policy engagement, and industry engagement. The goal is to eliminate duplication of assessments and use SLCP data as a source for facility-level information in Fair Wear's HRDD Facilitation Hub. They also aim to align on policy engagement and drive effective implementation of regulatory frameworks. The partnership is based on a joint recognition of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the 2023 presidential election in Egypt, highlighting President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's bid for re-election amid increased competition. Topics discussed include the limited competitiveness of the electoral process, Sisi's landslide victory, and ongoing concerns about political pluralism and human rights.

The article presents the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) report which provides an overview of the U.S.-Israel relations. Topics discussed include U.S.-Israel security cooperation; the U.S. President Joe Biden administration's diplomacy and human rights considerations; and investments in Israel and U.S. concerns.

The article focuses on the U.S. State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices are an annual U.S. government account of human rights conditions in countries around the globe. It mentions countries on the basis of their adherence to "internationally recognized human rights," which generally refer to civil, political, and worker rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights agreements.

The article focuses on the U.S. interest in promoting human rights through U.S. foreign policy, as well as the emphasis on religious freedom in U.S. domestic law and political culture. It mentions Protection of religious freedom is also affirmed in international law through the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It also mentions passage of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

The article presents overview of the main laws and policies that may limit such sales on the basis of human rights concerns. It mentions Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 establish provisions governing Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) to foreign consumers, including foreign governments. It also mentions sales to be for specific authorized military purposes and subject to end-use monitoring (EUM).

The article focuses on the relations of Saudi Arabia with the U.S. It mentions U.S. President Joe Biden visited Saudi Arabia in July 2022, ending a period in which some U.S. leaders limited engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abd al Aziz Al Saud amid human rights concerns. It also mentions Vision 2030 initiative of Saudi Arabia which seeks to transform the kingdom's economy by diversifying the government's sources of revenue and reducing long-standing oil export.

A country report for Sudan is presented from publisher Country watch, with topics including economic growth, reunification efforts, human rights, political stability and political structure.

The article focuses on the U.S. Congressional Research Service. It reports on global women's issues and the efforts made by the U.S. government to improve the rights and status of women and girls worldwide. It describes the background of gender inequality as a human rights issue and Topics includes selected international efforts, U.S. policy, and agency roles.

The article offers information on an overview of the political background, authoritarian rule, and human rights issues in Turkmenistan. Topics include information on the country's constitution which establish a democratic presidential republic; how executive power is largely unchecked; and how the legislature is viewed as a rubber-stamp body.

The article focuses on the objectives and activities of Survival International, a global movement for Indigenous and tribal peoples' rights. It mentions its activities that involve promoting good race relations, alleviating poverty and ill health among Indigenous peoples, advocating for their human rights, conducting research on tribal cultures, and supporting projects in tribal communities.

The article focuses on Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, enacted in December 2016, authorizes the President to impose economic sanctions on, and deny entry into the U.S. foreign individuals or entities identified as engaging in human rights violations or corruption. It mentions goals for Global Magnitsky sanctions, including disrupting or deterring serious human rights abuse or corruption. It also mentions advancing international human rights and anticorruption norms.

The article presents questions and answers related to U.S. arms sales and human rights considerations including the administration's arms transfer policy, Department of Defense guidance and verification of authorized use.

The article offers information on the upcoming presidential elections in Egypt, with incumbent President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi seeking re-election amidst criticism of the electoral process lacking competitiveness. Topics discussed include the candidates challenging Sisi; concerns about the fairness of the election; and the overwhelming victory of Sisi for a third term, raising questions about political pluralism and human rights in Egypt.

The article focuses on background of Saudi Arabia and its relations with the U.S. It mentions U.S.-Saudi differences have emerged over Saudi human rights policies and the war in neighboring Yemen, while shared concerns over Sunni Islamist extremist terrorism and Iranian government policies have provided renewed logic for continued strategic cooperation. It also mentions Saudi has centralized control over security forces, sidelined potential rivals, and implemented economic and social changes.

The article looks at the crises facing Cameroon and the U.S. policy towards the country. It describes the governance and security crises facing Cameroon. An overview of the historical background of and politics in Cameroon including its origin from the merger of colonized entities is presented. Also cited is the possibility that the U.S. Congress may debate the value of policy tools advancing U.S. interests in Cameroon amid security threats, global health and human rights conditions.

The article presents a report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service which describes background and U.S. foreign policy concerns in Afghanistan. Topics include the impact of U.S. military disengagement on Afghan forces and security dynamics; the impact of U.S. military disengagement on democracy and human rights in Afghanistan; and issues for Congress regarding the same.

The article discusses report of U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) on the police reforms and congressional concerns in the Colombia. Topics include reforms to the Colombian National Police (CNP); U.S. efforts to support the CNP with assistance programs, training, and equipment; and concerns of U.S. congress members regarding alleged human rights abuses committed by the Colombian police.

The article discusses a report of U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) on the relations of Latin American country Argentina with the United States. Topics Include political and economic environment of Argentina and its impact on relations with the United States; trade and investments made by the United States in the Argentina; and robust commercial linkages between the countries for collaboration on issues like human rights and civil nuclear cooperation.