Panel Approves Darfur Peace and Accountability Act

On July 21, the House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations approved, by voice vote, a bill (H.R. 3127) that would impose sanctions against individuals responsible for genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Sponsored by full committee Chair Henry Hyde (R-IL), the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act finds that “on July 22, 2004, the House of Representatives and the Senate declared that the atrocities occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan are genocide.” The measure also notes that on February 1, 2005, the United Nations (UN) released the Report of the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur, which established that the “Government of Sudan and the Janjaweed are responsible for serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law amounting to crimes under international law;” that “these acts were conducted on a widespread and systematic basis, and therefore may amount to crimes against humanity;” and that Sudanese officials and other individuals may have acted with “genocidal intent.”

H.R. 3127 would grant President Bush the authority to block the assets of any individual responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Sudan, and deny visas and entry into the United States for any responsible individuals, their family members, or associates. The measure also would urge the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution seeking sanctions against the Sudanese government, while supporting efforts for peace in the region.

During consideration of the bill, the subcommittee approved, by voice vote, an amendment offered by Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) that would include the following findings in the bill:

• The genocide committed in the Darfur region of Sudan is the result of acts of terrorism, mass-murder, rape, and sexual violence committed by the Janjaweed with the support of the Sudanese government;
• The State Department should keep Sudan on its list of state sponsors of terrorism; and
• The State Department should designate the Janjaweed militia as a foreign terrorist organization.

The subcommittee also approved, by voice vote, a substitute offered by subcommittee Chair Christopher Smith (R-NJ) that would request President Bush to use all reasonable diplomatic means to ensure the involvement of the UN Security Council in achieving peace in Sudan, deny the Sudanese government access to oil revenues, and prohibit Sudanese cargo ships and oil tankers from entering U.S. ports.

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS) has introduced an identical bill (S. 1462) in the Senate.