Prevention of Genocide Task Force explained

On 8 December 2008, the Genocide Prevention Task Force, co-chaired by Madeleine Albright, a former US Secretary of State, and William Cohen, a former US Secretary of Defense, released its final report which concludes that the US government can prevent genocide and mass atrocities in the future.^[1]

In the words of Cohen, "This report provides a blueprint that can enable the United States to take preventive action, along with international partners, to forestall the specter of future cases of genocide and mass atrocities."^[2]

Recommendations include:

• a proactive role of the US president which would demonstrate to the US and the world that preventing genocide and mass atrocities is a national priority
• creating a body within the United States National Security Council to analyze threats and consider preventive action
• set up a fund of $250 million for crisis prevention and response
• help create an international network for the sharing of information and the coordination of preventive action^[3]

Notes and References

1. News: Bigger US role battling genocide? A task force's findings, urging US leadership, may dovetail with ideas of Obama administration.. Christian Science Monitor. December 9, 2008. LaFranchi. Howard. May 19, 2014.
2. Web site: PGTF press release. 2011-01-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20090509044009/http://www.usip.org/genocide_taskforce/release.html. 2009-05-09. dead.
3. http://www.usip.org/genocide_taskforce/pdf/FINAL%20REPORT.pdf Report of the Prevention of Genocide Task Force