International Relations
Representative Donald M. Payne—Supporter of Human Rights
Congressman Donald M. Payne is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Africa of the Committee on International Relations. Before Payne came to Congress, he was extremely active in fighting for the poor in developing countries as National President of the International YMCA, especially in Africa and the Caribbean. During his tenure as Chairman, he visited Uganda in 1973 where he met with Idi Amin to discuss human rights abuses, particularly the expulsion of the Asian community in December of 1972. Also, during the Ethiopian drought of 1982-3, then City Councilman Payne organized a fund drive for the U.S. Committee for UNICEF and raised over $100,000 for assistance to Ethiopia. He was later elected to serve as a member of UNICEF's board.
Africa Matters
As ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, Congressman Payne has both sponsored and authored legislation for the promotion of democracy and good governance, human rights, access to healthcare and education and for conflict resolution and sustainable peace throughout the continent. He is also dedicated to addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic – the most devastating war the people of sub-Saharan Africa have ever fought.
Legislative Initiatives in 2001:
The Sudan Peace Act - S 180
Passed in the House in June of 2001 by an overwhelming vote of 422-2, the Sudan Peace Act seeks to facilitate famine relief efforts and a reach a comprehensive solution to the war in Sudan. The key provision of the House bill is capital-market sanctions which would deny oil companies doing business in Sudan access to U.S. markets
The Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act - S 494
With the presidential elections swiftly approaching in March of 2002, the House voted in strong support of this legislation in December of 2001. It urges the government of Zimbabwe to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections, to respect human rights, implement a system for just and transparent land reform, and to allow independent press to exist. The bill provides incentives for these changes, including debt relief and AGOA eligibility.
For more information on the continent of Africa please follow these links:
Africaaction.org
Allafrica.com
BBC Africa
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