On Armenian Martyrs’ day, Urge Congress to do more to Prevent Genocide

In 2015 the General Synod of the United Church of Christ and the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) adopted resolutions (UCC resolution; Disciples resolution) Commemorating 100 Years since the Armenian Genocide. The catastrophe resulted in the death of one and a half million Armenians, Syrian Orthodox, and others. Another million people were forcibly expelled from Anatolia over the next few years, many of whom resettled in Aleppo, Syria.

The threat of large-scale violence targeting peoples and communities continues today. Over 60 million people are currently displaced by conflict worldwide – the highest number since World War II. In this time of instability and vulnerability, the U.S. must invest in strategies that address the root causes of genocidal conflict and displacement.

In February Senator Ben Cardin, along with eighteen colleagues, introduced the bi-partisan Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act (S.2551). The proposed legislation would enhance our Nation’s capacity to prevent and address the drivers of mass atrocities and violent conflict as part of its humanitarian, development and strategic interests.

The UCC and Disciples, through Global Ministries, honor the long ties we share with the Armenian community.  April 24th of every year is recognized as Armenian Martyrs’ Day. We urge the U.S. to do more to safeguard communities who are targeted and threatened with violence and forced dislocation, as the Armenians of Anatolia were one hundred years ago. We believe that the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act will help address the root causes and drivers of violent conflict, not only saving lives and resources, but protecting U.S. and global security.

Act now – Urge Congress to quickly consider and pass the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act.

[This action alert is available as part of the UCC’s Justice and Peace Action Network.  The link will take you to a UCC-specific action page.]