Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2024

The Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2024 establishes a new U.S. government strategy to protect human rights defenders globally who face threats for their work. It creates a new visa category (101(a)(15)(W)) allowing human rights defenders facing urgent threats to the physical safety to enter the U.S. for up to 3 years, with a cap of 500 visas annually for principal applicants. The bill requires the President to develop a comprehensive strategy within 180 days that includes specific goals, metrics, and a timeline for implementation, along with increased staffing dedicated to human rights issues at diplomatic missions. It also mandates training for U.S. officials on supporting human rights defenders and amends country reports to include detailed information about threats faced by human rights defenders. The legislation aims to strengthen U.S. support for human rights defenders, reduce impunity for attacks against them, and improve coordination across U.S. agencies working on these issues.