New House Bill Would Require Sanctions for Sudan War Crimes
Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced a bill Dec. 3 that would require sanctions against those who commit "genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity" in Sudan.
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The U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act also would require sanctions against those who block humanitarian aid to civilians in the war-torn country or violate the U.N. arms embargo on Sudan’s Darfur region. The legislation also would prohibit sales of major U.S. defense equipment to countries that fuel the conflict by supporting the warring parties. Another provision would require the executive branch to give Congress a report on any U.S.-made weapons being used in Sudan.
“The conflict in Sudan has created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced, countless children traumatized, and survivors enduring unspeakable atrocities, including gender-based violence," Meeks said. The new bill "responds to the urgent need for action."
The legislation was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as the Financial Services, Judiciary and Oversight committees.
The bill’s introduction came the same day that Jacobs and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., told President Joe Biden that they will hold off on trying to derail a $1.2 billion arms sale to the United Arab Emirates if he can provide written assurances that the UAE has stopped supporting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces militia group, which is fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces. The two lawmakers introduced a joint resolution of disapproval last month that would block the arms sale (see 2411220003).