This legislation establishes a Special Envoy for Humanitarian Aid Workers within the Department of State, to be appointed by the President with the rank and status of ambassador. The Special Envoy's primary responsibilities include inquiring into the death, fatal injury, or detention of aid workers involved in U.S.-supported humanitarian missions, and advocating for robust coordination and deconfliction among humanitarian efforts and security forces. Furthermore, the Special Envoy will promote best practices for foreign countries to ensure the security of aid workers and enable non-governmental organizations to deliver humanitarian assistance freely. The Envoy is also tasked with developing guidelines for foreign countries to collaborate effectively with humanitarian NGOs and civil society organizations. An annual report to Congress will detail the working environment in conflict areas, security challenges, and policy recommendations. A significant provision of the bill prohibits security assistance and defense articles from being furnished to foreign countries that unlawfully kill or fatally injure humanitarian aid workers or refuse to provide relevant information. This prohibition can only be waived if the Secretary of State certifies that the country has taken sufficient action to investigate violations, bring responsible parties to justice, and ensure future aid worker safety. The bill also mandates the establishment of an Aid Worker Independent Inquiry Group , led by the Special Envoy and comprising representatives from various federal agencies. This interagency group will assess and analyze the death or detention of aid workers, submitting a detailed report to Congress within 90 days of an incident. The report must include the cause, circumstances, and an assessment of the foreign country's cooperation and adherence to international law.
To establish a Special Envoy for Humanitarian Aid Workers, and for other purposes.
USA119th CongressHR-4303| House
| Updated: 7/7/2025
This legislation establishes a Special Envoy for Humanitarian Aid Workers within the Department of State, to be appointed by the President with the rank and status of ambassador. The Special Envoy's primary responsibilities include inquiring into the death, fatal injury, or detention of aid workers involved in U.S.-supported humanitarian missions, and advocating for robust coordination and deconfliction among humanitarian efforts and security forces. Furthermore, the Special Envoy will promote best practices for foreign countries to ensure the security of aid workers and enable non-governmental organizations to deliver humanitarian assistance freely. The Envoy is also tasked with developing guidelines for foreign countries to collaborate effectively with humanitarian NGOs and civil society organizations. An annual report to Congress will detail the working environment in conflict areas, security challenges, and policy recommendations. A significant provision of the bill prohibits security assistance and defense articles from being furnished to foreign countries that unlawfully kill or fatally injure humanitarian aid workers or refuse to provide relevant information. This prohibition can only be waived if the Secretary of State certifies that the country has taken sufficient action to investigate violations, bring responsible parties to justice, and ensure future aid worker safety. The bill also mandates the establishment of an Aid Worker Independent Inquiry Group , led by the Special Envoy and comprising representatives from various federal agencies. This interagency group will assess and analyze the death or detention of aid workers, submitting a detailed report to Congress within 90 days of an incident. The report must include the cause, circumstances, and an assessment of the foreign country's cooperation and adherence to international law.