H.R. 4490: Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations Act

This bill, known as the Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations Act (or PARTNER Act), aims to amend the International Organizations Immunities Act to extend certain diplomatic privileges and immunities to several international organizations. Here are the key points of the bill:

Objective

The primary goal of the bill is to enhance diplomatic relations by officially recognizing and granting certain legal immunities to selected international and regional organizations.

Organizations Covered

The bill proposes to extend diplomatic privileges and immunities to the following organizations:

• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - A regional intergovernmental organization aimed at promoting political and economic cooperation in Southeast Asia.
• European Organization For Nuclear Research (CERN) - An international research organization that operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory in Europe.
• Pacific Islands Forum - A political grouping of 18 countries in the Pacific that aims to enhance cooperation among its members.
• Caribbean Community (CARICOM) - A regional grouping of Caribbean nations aiming for economic integration and cooperation.
• African Union (AU) - An organization aimed at promoting unity and cooperation among African countries.

Implementation

The extension of privileges and immunities to these organizations will be determined by the President of the United States, who will set the terms and conditions under which these benefits are granted. The diplomatic privileges and immunities will be in line with how they are accorded to other public international organizations in which the United States participates.

Additional Provisions for the African Union

The bill also includes specific provisions for the African Union, allowing it to extend privileges and immunities not only to its mission in the United States but also to its permanent observer mission at the United Nations. This aims to align the privileges of the AU's observer mission with those enjoyed by permanent missions of member nations to the UN.

Conclusion of Legislation Context

The bill is aimed at strengthening the United States’ relationships with these international organizations, making it easier for them to function within the U.S. by providing necessary legal protections and immunities.

Relevant Companies

• GOOGL (Alphabet Inc.) - Works with global organizations including CERN for research and development initiatives.
• MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) - Collaborates with international organizations for cloud and technology solutions.
• IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) - Engaged in various international scientific collaborations, including those involving CERN.