U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act
A BILL
To require the imposition of sanctions with respect to conflict in Sudan, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Statement of policy
It is the policy of the United States—
to support an inclusive diplomatic process, that meaningfully includes women and youth leaders, and marginalized communities, to establish a cease fire and a sustainable peace agreement in Sudan;
to support justice and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights abuses by armed actors in Sudan, especially those involved in the conflict that began on April 15, 2023, those who perpetrated the October 25, 2021, coup d’etat, and those who committed human rights abuses during and in the wake of the state of emergency declared by the military junta after the October 25, 2021, coup d’etat; and
to pursue a strategy on Sudan that includes—
leading and coordinating international efforts to establish and facilitate a comprehensive and inclusive peace process that meaningfully includes civil society and seeks a sustainable end to the country’s conflicts;
facilitating unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid throughout Sudan, across military lines and across international borders, including through local grassroots organizations;
developing and advancing a plan for the prevention of mass atrocities and for protecting civilians;
pursuing survivor-centered justice and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights abuses, including conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence; and
supporting an inclusive dialogue aimed at establishing a civilian-led transition to democracy, including by promoting mechanisms that ensure the meaningful leadership and inclusion of women, youth, and traditionally marginalized communities.
Sec. 3 Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that—
the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury, should—
sanction the leadership of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) responsible for strategic decisions that have directed or enabled the commission of atrocities, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity;
sanction adult family members of those in the leadership of the RSF and SAF unless such family member has condemned the sanctionable activity and taken tangible steps to oppose the activity; and
designate the RSF for sanctions;
the United Nations should expand its arms embargo to all of Sudan;
United Nations assessed contributions should be used pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) to fund an African Union force to protect civilians, support ceasefire monitoring, or secure humanitarian operations in Sudan if such a force is authorized; and
the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development should develop a plan to facilitate greater funding to emergency response rooms and other local mutual aid organizations providing humanitarian assistance in Sudan, including use of market-based assistance.