Bill · S.Res. 350· Senate(119-SRES-350)
A resolution recognizing widespread decades-long human rights abuses in Eritrea, including indefinite imprisonment, inhumane prison conditions, and the absence of democratic institutions, and expressing support for the rights and freedom of the Eritrean people.
- Introduced
- 7/31/2025
- Last activity
- 7/31/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S5002)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution recognizes decades of widespread human rights abuses occurring in Eritrea. It highlights issues such as indefinite imprisonment, inhumane prison conditions, and the absence of democratic institutions. The document notes that President Isaias Afwerki maintains control without national elections or a functioning legislature. It further addresses systemic issues including religious persecution and forced labor through indefinite national service. Ultimately, the Senate condemns these systemic violations and calls for specific human rights reforms.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?+9
The resolution condemns the widespread religious persecution and imprisonment of those practicing unrecognized faiths.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+9
The resolution calls for the release of political prisoners and the implementation of the constitutional right to a fair and public trial.
Does this protect the right to vote?+8
The resolution calls for the Eritrean people to have the opportunity to democratically choose their leaders through elections.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Release of Political Prisoners: The resolution calls on the Government of Eritrea to release all unjustly and arbitrarily detained political prisoners, which would benefit those currently held without trial (Section 2, A).
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Restoration of Constitutional Rights: By calling for the government to provide for the fundamental freedoms and human rights outlined in its own Constitution, the resolution seeks to restore rights such as the right to vote and the right to a fair trial (Section 2, B).
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Democratic Empowerment: The resolution calls for the Eritrean people to have the opportunity to democratically choose their leaders, which would address the current lack of national elections (Section 2, C).
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International Oversight: The call to allow the United Nations Special Rapporteur access to the country could provide essential oversight of human rights conditions (Section 2, D).
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Support for Aspirations: The resolution expresses that the Senate stands with the Eritrean people in their pursuit of dignity, freedom, and democratic governance (Section 3).
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Improved Diplomatic Relations: The Senate welcomes the prospect of stronger ties with Eritrea if the country takes steps to open its political system and advance freedoms (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly identified within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Religious Freedom+9Improves Voting Access+8Improves Voting Rights+8
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+9Improves Privacy Rights+7
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Young Adults+7Good For Immigrants+6
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5
- 7/31/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S5002)
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California