Last week, Congress gave
final passage to HR 390, the
Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act (
full text). The bill now awaits President Trump's signature. The Act provides in part:
Sec. 4... It is the policy of the United States to ensure that assistance for humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery needs of individuals who are or were nationals and residents of Iraq or Syria ... is directed toward those ... with the greatest need, including those ... from communities of religious and ethnic minorities ... that .... have been identified as being at risk of persecution, forced migration, genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes.
Sec.5.... The Secretary of State and [USAID] ... are authorized to provide assistance ... to support the efforts of entities, including nongovernmental organizations with expertise in international criminal investigations and law, to address genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes ... by ISIS in Iraq....
Sec. 7... Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that includes—... (2) an assessment of— (A) the feasibility and advisability of prosecuting ISIS members for whom credible evidence exists of having committed genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes in Iraq, including in domestic courts in Iraq, hybrid courts, and internationalized domestic courts; and (B) the measures needed— (i) to ensure effective criminal investigations of such individuals....
[Thanks to Blog from the Capital for the lead.]
