Atrocity Prevention (E.O. 13729)

Summary

Establishes the Atrocities Prevention Board to create a whole-of-government approach to prevent and respond to genocide and mass attacks on civilians.

What problem does this solve?

Government action against mass atrocities often comes too late, after the best chances for low-cost prevention have passed. This order creates a permanent interagency board to monitor risks and coordinate early, effective government-wide responses.

What does this order do?

Establishes the Atrocities Prevention Board

Formally continues the interagency Atrocities Prevention Board to coordinate a government-wide approach to preventing mass atrocities and genocide.

Defines 'mass atrocities'

Defines 'mass atrocities' for the purpose of this order as large-scale, deliberate attacks on civilians, including acts of genocide.

Outlines board responsibilities

Tasks the Board with monitoring global risks, analyzing threats, and identifying gaps in U.S. policy to prevent and respond to atrocities.

Specifies board membership and structure

Details the Board's structure as an interagency policy committee chaired by a National Security Council staff member, with members from various departments like State, Defense, and Justice.

Requires annual reporting

Mandates the Board's Chair to report to the President by April 30 each year and to provide annual written updates for the public on the government's work.

Integrates prevention into agency planning

Requires government agencies to include mass atrocity prevention and response in their strategic planning and budget processes.

Enhances intelligence gathering

Directs the Intelligence Community to prepare regular assessments on the global risk of mass atrocities and to increase intelligence collection for high-risk countries.

Strengthens accountability for perpetrators

Directs the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice to develop proposals to more effectively use immigration and other laws to deny entry to and prosecute perpetrators of atrocities.

Who does this affect?

U.S. government agencies
U.S. foreign policy and national security personnel
Civilian populations in at-risk countries

What is the real world impact?

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Formalizes a coordinated government response

Ensures that preventing mass atrocities is a permanent part of U.S. foreign policy by creating a formal interagency board to monitor threats and coordinate actions, rather than relying on ad-hoc responses.

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Strengthens U.S. moral and security standing

Acts on the belief that preventing genocide is a core moral duty and a national security interest, enhancing the U.S.'s role as a global leader in human rights.

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Centralizes decision-making on intervention

Creates a specific channel through the National Security Council for identifying crises and recommending actions, potentially streamlining the process for U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately as of May 18, 2016, and establishes several ongoing and annual requirements for government agencies.

Annual report to the President

The Board's Chair must report to the President on the government's work in atrocity prevention by April 30 of each year.

Annual public updates

The Chair must prepare written updates for the public on an annual basis.

National Security Council review

The Deputies Committee of the National Security Council will meet at least twice a year, and the Principals Committee at least once a year, to review the Board's work.

Board meeting schedule

The Board is required to meet on a monthly basis, and more often as needed for urgent threats.

Filling board vacancies

When a vacancy occurs on the Board, the relevant department or agency must designate a replacement within 60 days.