Ask Congress to Prevent Arms Sales to Human Rights Abusers
As people of faith, we believe that all people have been created in God’s image and are deserving of dignity and safety. Too often, however, corrupt actors violate human rights with the support of U.S. weapons. In order to better protect these rights, Congress should reclaim the power to review U.S. arms transfers to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of human rights abusers.
The Safeguarding Human Rights Arms Exports Act of 2021 (SAFEGUARD Act) seeks to prevent arms exports from being used in violation of international humanitarian law or internationally recognized human rights. The bill includes the complete prohibition of arms sales to countries committing genocide or war crimes. This legislation also empowers Congress and the president to review or recall arms sales if it is evident that the recipient is committing or enabling human rights abuses such as torture, rape, unjust incarceration, or extrajudicial killings.
We know that through arms sales the United States continues to aid human rights abusers around the world and that better oversight can help prevent these atrocities. Take action by urging your members of Congress to pass the SAFEGUARD Act today.
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