Calling the move to normalize trade relations with Vietnam misguided and premature, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today voted against legislation to authorize the extension of normal trade relations treatment to the regime in Hanoi saying the bill “puts profits ahead of basic human rights.” Read more

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today expressed outrage at the Ethiopian government’s continued silence about the report linking their security forces to nearly 200 deaths during two waves of protests over election results in 2005, and called for immediate passage of his bill to promote human rights and democracy in Ethiopia when Congress reconvenes. Read more

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House International Relations Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations Subcommittee, today urged greater U.S. and international involvement in ending the brutal conflict that has killed thousands and displaced millions in northern Uganda and a halt to the use of child soldiers in that conflict and others around the world. Read more

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House International Relations Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations Subcommittee, today called on the Arab League to employ all diplomatic means available to influence the Government of Sudan to end its military offensive in the Darfur region and accept a UN peacekeeping force to bring peace and stability to the region. Read more

Faith-based organizations working to aid the people of Africa have been effective despite institutional barriers within U.S. government agencies that impede their ability to operate, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) said today after convening a hearing on the role of faith-based organizations in U.S. programming in Africa. Read more

Mr. Chairman, I join you in expressing deep concern over the proliferation of child pornography and the perpetration of other crimes against children through trafficking, prostitution and sex tourism. Each year thousands of American kids are victimized through pornography, many subjected to violence in the process. The shocking reality is that often the perpetrators and purveyors of these crimes are parents or relatives of the victim. According to experts, at least half of those victimized are boys. The emotional, physical, and psychological toll on our youth caused by these crimes is overwhelming. It is known that the heavy toll contributes to the measurable rise in depression and suicide. Read more

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today presided over a standing room only hearing of the House International Relations Committee where Grammy Award-winning recording artist Ricky Martin and officials from the Bush Administration said raising awareness of human trafficking at home and abroad is vital to bringing an end to these appalling crimes. Read more

With the newly-appointed special envoy to Sudan about to assume his responsibilities, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)--Chairman of the House International Relations Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations Subcommittee--called United Nations peacekeepers the next critical step toward bringing an end to the genocide in Darfur and peace and stability to all of Sudan. Read more

On Sunday, I spoke before tens of thousands who gathered in New York City's Central Park, united in their compassion and concern, to call for an immediate end to the genocide in Darfur. This rally, one of three dozen held worldwide, was an important and needed effort to help turn the world's collective attention to the plight of the people of Darfur Read more

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House International Relations Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations Subcommittee, today commended President George W. Bush for naming a special envoy to Sudan and said his Subcommittee hearing tomorrow will explore the challenges that the envoy will face in this position. Read more