S.Res.151 - Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should recognize the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. (119th Congress)
Summary
Senate Resolution 151 expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should formally recognize the 1994 Rwandan genocide as "the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda." The resolution urges the Secretary of State to publicly affirm this terminology. It also acknowledges that other atrocities occurred during the same period, affecting Hutus and the Indigenous Twa community.
Expected Effects
The resolution, if adopted, would lead to a change in the official US government terminology regarding the Rwandan genocide. This shift aims to align the US with the United Nations, European diplomats, and the United Kingdom in using the phrase "genocide against the Tutsi."
Potential Benefits
- Strengthens the US commitment to accurately recognizing and condemning genocide.
- Aligns US terminology with international partners and organizations.
- Honors the memory of the Tutsi victims of the genocide.
- Counters genocide denial and revisionism by using specific language.
- Acknowledges the suffering of other groups affected by violence during the same period.
Potential Disadvantages
- May be perceived as excluding or diminishing the suffering of other groups affected by violence in Rwanda during the same period, despite the resolution's attempt to acknowledge them.
- Could potentially strain relations with individuals or groups who hold differing perspectives on the Rwandan genocide.
- The resolution is non-binding, so its practical impact depends on subsequent actions by the executive branch.
- Focuses on terminology rather than concrete actions to prevent future genocides.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the spirit of the Constitution's preamble, which seeks to "establish Justice" and "promote the general Welfare." While the Constitution does not explicitly address genocide recognition, the resolution supports international efforts to acknowledge and condemn such atrocities. The Senate's role in foreign relations, as implied by Article I, Section 8 (though not directly invoked here), provides a basis for expressing its sense on international matters.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).