Draft Law to Protect Sudanese Introduced in the U.S. Senate

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Senators Chris Coons and Jim Risch have introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate titled the "Sudan Accountability Act," aimed at protecting the Sudanese people and holding those responsible for war crimes accountable.

The bill mandates the protection of human rights for all Sudanese, regardless of race, religion, gender, or geographical location. It also outlines the documentation of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

The bill includes provisions for establishing a strategy to ensure humanitarian aid access, prevent human trafficking, sexual violence, and child soldier recruitment, and provide assistance to support victims of atrocities. Additionally, it emphasizes enhancing civilian protection and assessing options to deter attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers.

It also calls for supporting dialogue mechanisms, conflict resolution efforts, and ensuring the participation of Sudanese women in these processes.

Senator Coons stated, "It is time for Congress to act on Sudan," emphasizing that inaction, while the Sudanese people are forced to flee or die in their homeland, is unacceptable. He added that "the Sudan Accountability Act will enhance and protect the rights of all Sudanese, hold war criminals and their supporters accountable, expand access to humanitarian aid, and support efforts to end this catastrophic conflict."

Senator Risch added, "The Sudanese people continue to suffer unimaginable atrocities, including genocide and war crimes. It is time to hold the perpetrators of these horrors accountable." He further noted that the U.S. Congress will oversee these efforts to ensure adequate accountability is achieved.