Chrysanthi Leon letter to the editor

Aug 2, 2011

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Congress Should Pass Human Rights Legislation

This summer I taught a course at UD on sex crime and punishment that included examination of rape as a tool of war. The discussion demonstrated how badly we need a global view: one student from Africa pointed out how easily we can demonize other nations through accusation of rape and other atrocities, while keeping our own responsibility at a distance.

But the US has a responsibility to help prevent rape and other war crimes. We have passed laws and made statements that speak our concern, but specific policies need to be developed that make good on our words. Senator Coons has shown integrity and courage on human rights issues, and now can make real change as Chair of the Africa Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. I hope Sen. Coons will show Delaware’s concern for this issue by introducing practical legislation that will address the policy gaps that fail to prevent genocide.

The 112th Congress should pass bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. civilian capacities to detect potential atrocities, rebuild the diplomatic corps, improve the methods of delivering development assistance, use security assistance to protect civilians, and improve international cooperation.

Chrysanthi Leon
406 Apple Road
Newark DE 19711