Senators Ben Cardin, Todd Young, joined by Senator Thom Tillis and several others, introduced the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act (S.1158). The bill:
1. Requires training for Foreign Service Officers in atrocities prevention–
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The legislation would mandate training in conflict and atrocities prevention for U.S. Foreign Service Officers who will be assigned to a country experiencing or at risk of mass atrocities.
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This training would ensure that personnel at relevant U.S. diplomatic posts will have the skills to recognize early warning signs of potential conflict or outbreak of mass violence, and they will be aware of the tools available to mitigate violence.
2. Requires a report to Congress by the President–
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The annual report by the President to Congress will include a review of countries that are at risk of mass atrocities and genocide.
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This report would also detail current U.S. government efforts to prevent and respond to atrocities as well as recommendations to further strengthen U.S. prevention capabilities.
3. Affirms the critical importance of strengthening U.S. efforts at atrocities prevention–
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The Sense of Congress emphasizes the importance of atrocities prevention through interagency coordination in the form of the Atrocities Prevention Board or its successor
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It details that the Board should monitor developments that heighten the risk of atrocities, identify gaps in U.S. efforts at atrocities prevention, provide recommendations to the President, conduct outreach with civil society, coordinate with the interagency, and ensure resources are made available for atrocities prevention.
4. Reinforces that preventing atrocities and genocide is a core national interest–
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The Statement of Policy specifies that preventing and addressing drivers of atrocities and violent conflict are part of U.S. humanitarian, development, and strategic interests.
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It states the United States should pursue a government-wide strategy that includes: strengthening the prevention capacities of the U.S. Government; improving the use of foreign assistance to address the root causes of violence; supporting transitional justice measures; strengthening local civil society; promoting financial transparency; and exercising the United States’ leadership role in efforts to end and prevent atrocities.