Senators Introduce Resolution Marking 20 Years Since Rwandan Genocide

Press Release

U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) introduced a resolution on Monday night marking 20 years since the genocide in Rwanda, which claimed 800,000 lives in 100 days starting on April 7, 1994. The resolution honors the memory of those lost and expresses support for the people of Rwanda on this day of reflection. It also affirms that it is in the national interest of the United States to prevent and mitigate acts of genocide and mass atrocities, and condemns ongoing atrocities perpetrated against innocent civilians in Syria, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Sudan.

Senator Menendez chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Coons and Flake are the chair and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs.

"The United States Senate joins the people of Rwanda in mourning this tragic day and honoring the memory of all whose lives were taken," Senator Coons said. "Though no consolation to the families of those lost, the world has the responsibility to fulfill the promise of "never again.' It is my hope that the memory of the Rwandan genocide will continue to embolden world leaders to act decisively in the face of genocide and mass atrocities, compelling us to act to protect civilians and prevent the loss of innocent lives. As we consider the U.S. and international response to ongoing atrocities in the Central African Republic, Syria, South Sudan, and Sudan, I strongly support U.S. leadership, and close coordination with the international community, to prevent and mitigate mass atrocities."

"Through reconciliation and resilience, the Rwandan people have led their nation into a new phase of economic and social growth and are working to protect civilians in other countries through vital contributions to African Union and UN peacekeeping missions," Chairman Menendez said. "As Rwanda faces new challenges, the United States stands with its people and remains committed to their success."

"This week marks the 20-year anniversary of the Rwandan genocide," Senator Flake said. "This week, I join my colleagues in reaffirming the United States' commitment to working with the international community to prevent mass atrocities and protecting populations at risk of crimes against humanity."

The resolution affirms that it is in the national interest of the United States to work in close coordination with international partners to help prevent and mitigate acts of genocide and mass atrocities.

The resolution also urges President Obama to confer with Congress on an ongoing basis regarding the priorities and objectives of the Atrocities Prevention Board. Additionally, it supports ongoing U.S. and international efforts to strengthen multilateral peacekeeping capacities; build capacity for improving civilian protection in areas of conflict; ensure measures of accountability for perpetrators of mass atrocities and crimes against humanity; and strengthen the efforts of U.S. and international institutions working to prevent mass atrocities and genocide.

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