Letter
Letter to Senate in Support of GAPA, June 5, 2017
Letter from Bishop Oscar Cantu, Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace to the U.S. Senate in Support of GAPA, June 5, 2017
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops support Senate Bill 1158, the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2017 (GAPA), and urges funding for conflict management and mitigation programs.
The Church has long promoted justice, reconciliation, and human development to foster peace. The U.S. has historically led efforts to prevent genocide, with bipartisan support culminating in the creation of the Atrocities Prevention Board (APB). The APB has effectively coordinated responses to crises in countries like the Central African Republic and Burundi. The bishops commend the APB’s collaboration with State and USAID, and emphasize the need for continued support and funding, including for the Complex Crises Fund (CCF). They call for increased U.S. investment in conflict prevention to meet the growing global need and uphold America’s leadership in promoting peace and security.