Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution on Genocide Prevention

Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 71 (S.Con.Res.71) in support of genocide prevention.  The resolution was introduced by Senators Russell Feingold (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) this past August.

In a press release issued this morning, the Genocide Intervention Network/Save Darfur Coalition President Mark Hanis applauded the effort saying, “After years of advocating for an end to the genocide in Darfur and to prevent another civil war in Sudan, we recognize the critical need for a comprehensive policy that increases the U.S. government’s capacity to take action in the face of atrocities.”

Hundreds of Activists Make Successful Push for Co-Sponsors

By the time of passage, S.Con.Res.71 had the support of twenty-one co-sponsors. This strong showing is thanks to the efforts of hundreds of activists across the country.  Notably, the list of co-sponsors included the leadership of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) and Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN).  Other co-sponsors included long-time supporters of peace in Sudan and human rights like Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL).

Resolution is an Important First Step Toward Binding Legislation in the New Year

The passage of S.Con.Res.71 is a great success, but it is only the beginning of what we hope to accomplish next year.  We are working with various partners on plans to introduce binding legislation in 2011 that will increase the capacity of the United States to more effectively prevent and respond to genocide and mass atrocities in the future.  The continued support of activists across the country will be critical to these efforts.  We hope that you will join us.