NCJ Number
101555
Date Published
1985
Length
209 pages
Annotation
Testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee considers whether or not the Senate should consent to the ratification of the International Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Abstract
Supporters of ratification, including representatives of the State Department and the Justice Department, argue that the United States should ratify the convention in symbolic opposition to the mass killing and persecution of particular racial, ethnic, and religious groups. They maintain that failure to sign the convention will weaken the United States' advocacy of human rights throughout the world. Those who favor ratification, however, have reservations, most notably the convention's requirement that governments and individuals charged with genocide be subjected to extradition and trial before the World Court. Some witnesses fear the convention may be used for political purposes to embarrass the United States before the world community with groundless charges under the convention. Opponents of ratification, including representatives of the Eagle Forum, the Liberty Lobby, and the American Independent Party, argue that the wording of the convention, notably the inclusion of 'mental harm' as an element of genocidal harassment, could be used to challenge a multiplicity of U.S. domestic and foreign policies that displease foreign and domestic groups. Overall, opponents fear the convention will be used by foreign powers in a way that restricts the conduct of domestic and foreign affairs. Written statements and supplementary materials.