The Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act is now law of the land.
On January 14, President Trump signed the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act into law. The bill declares, for the first time, that the prevention of atrocities is in the U.S. national interest.
This bipartisan bill will improve the U.S. government’s ability to help other countries avert mass atrocities and genocide. By emphasizing early prevention rather than after-the-fact response, the bill will protect lives, save money, and strengthen U.S. national security.
FCNL, Friends, and advocates have lobbied for this peacebuilding legislation for more than six years.
The law supports training for U.S. Foreign Service Officers in atrocity prevention, providing our diplomats with the skills to identify early-warning signs of conflict and help resolve grievances before they turn violent.
The Elie Wiesel Act also holds our own government accountable for its performance. It mandates an annual report by the president to Congress on U.S. efforts to address atrocities and genocide, which will ensure these efforts become key pieces of our national security strategy.
The Elie Wiesel Act is a sign that Members of Congress from both parties can work together to promote peaceful solutions to violent conflict. FCNL urges Congress to continue and accelerate the momentum in 2019.
