Twenty-five years ago this month the U.S. Senate ratified the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. Last month, the U.S. was significantly involved in efforts to prevent potential mass violence around the referendum in South Sudan. But how effective has that proven, and just how well is the U.S. government equipped to help prevent genocide and mass atrocities today? What new tools are available and effective in averting mass atrocities? What tools are lacking?
RSVPs/Questions: Mary Stata, Prevention and Protection Working Group, 202 903 2512, mary@fcnl.org
Please join us for this important off-the-record briefing to assess recent steps by the Administration and Congress to improve U.S. capacity to help prevent genocide and mass atrocities.
Light refreshments will be served.
· Andrew Loomis, Senior Advisor on Conflict Prevention, Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization, State Department
· Sarah Mendelson, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development
· Diane Orentlicher, Deputy, Office of War Crimes Issues, State Department
· Shannon Smith, Professional Staff Member (Majority), Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Special commentator Michael Gerson, Washington Post columnist
Moderated by Michael Abramowitz, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum