We are excited to announce the convening of a high-level Experts Committee on Preventing Mass Violence to review current United States government prevention efforts. The final product will be a report with specific recommendations for the 45th President on advancing a comprehensive agenda to prevent mass violence.
The process entails a series of three half-day roundtables coupled with various follow-up consultations with current U.S. government officials. The final roundtable is being held today.
The Experts Committee is comprised of thirteen participants from across the political spectrum, including individuals with experience in atrocities prevention, countering violent extremism, humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and national security. The Committee is being convened by the Prevention and Protection Working Group that FCNL coordinates.
Policies to better prevent atrocities have gained significant traction since theGenocide Prevention Task Force Report was released in December 2008. Many of the recommendations have been adopted, including the creation of the Atrocities Prevention Board, funding to better prevent and respond to violent conflict like the Complex Crises Fund, training for Foreign Service officers, and an increased focus on intelligence gathering related to atrocities.
However, despite this progress, there is a need to solidify the positive developments to date, address key gaps, and tackle new challenges that have emerged.
However, despite this progress, there is a need to solidify the positive developments to date, address key gaps, and tackle new challenges that have emerged. The final report of the Experts Committee will outline a strong vision of the value of prevention and chart a clear path forward.
The Experts Committee represents a continued and reinvigorated commitment to the prevention of mass violence as an achievable goal that the U.S. government must prioritize. We look forward to sharing the final report this fall, and working with our partners and advocates across the country to implement recommendations focused on better preventing mass violence around the world.
