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Geospatial Support for Atrocity Accountability Act

12/30/2022, 12:04 AM

Summary of Bill HR 7758

Bill 117 hr 7758, also known as the Geospatial Support for Atrocity Accountability Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to enhance the United States' ability to prevent and respond to atrocities and human rights violations around the world.

The bill focuses on the use of geospatial technology, such as satellite imagery and mapping, to document and investigate human rights abuses. By utilizing these tools, the US government can more effectively gather evidence of atrocities, hold perpetrators accountable, and support justice and reconciliation efforts in conflict-affected areas.

Specifically, the Geospatial Support for Atrocity Accountability Act calls for the establishment of a Geospatial Analysis Center within the State Department. This center would be responsible for coordinating the collection and analysis of geospatial data related to human rights violations, as well as providing technical support to US government agencies and international partners working on atrocity prevention and response. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of training and capacity-building for US government personnel and foreign partners in the use of geospatial technology for human rights monitoring and accountability. It also calls for the development of best practices and guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of geospatial data in human rights investigations. Overall, the Geospatial Support for Atrocity Accountability Act aims to strengthen the US government's ability to identify, document, and respond to atrocities and human rights violations through the strategic use of geospatial technology. By leveraging these tools, the US can better support justice and accountability efforts in conflict-affected regions and uphold its commitment to promoting human rights and preventing mass atrocities.

Congressional Summary of HR 7758

Geospatial Support for Atrocity Accountability Act

This bill requires the Department of State to ensure that information and intelligence related to war crimes and atrocities are shared within the State Department and with certain other entities. For example, the State Department's Atrocity Warning Task Force must provide unclassified commercial geospatial imagery to domestic and international courts prosecuting persons responsible for crimes against humanity, if such imagery may provide evidence of such crimes.

Current Status of Bill HR 7758

Bill HR 7758 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 12, 2022. Bill HR 7758 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on May 12, 2022.  Bill HR 7758's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. as of May 12, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 7758

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
24
Democrat Cosponsors
8
Republican Cosponsors
16
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 7758

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 7758

Geospatial Support for Atrocity Accountability Act
Geospatial Support for Atrocity Accountability Act
To improve the intelligence received by the Secretary of State to identify, prevent, and respond to atrocities.

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