Austria Recognizes “Genocide” against Christians, Supports Key ACLJ Policy Proposals

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ACLJ.org

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June 20, 2017

2 min read

Persecuted Church

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In a major step forward in our aggressive legal advocacy campaign for Christians facing genocide, Austria has formally recognized the genocide against Christians and is advancing at least three steps of our 7-point plan to stop the genocide against Christians and protect the victims.

On June 7, 2017, the Austrian National Council passed a resolution formally recognizing that the heinous atrocities being committed by ISIS in Iraq and Syria constitute “genocide” against Christians and other religious minorities.

The Resolution specifically adopts the unanimous resolution of the European Parliament that recognizes the genocide against Christians. In addition, it calls for:

  • Formal declaration by the United Nations Security Council that the atrocities being committed by ISIS against Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities are acts of “genocide.”
  • Prosecution of these crimes and request for Iraq and Syria to submit them to the International Criminal Court.
  • Working with member states of the European Union to implement measures for combating radicalization.
  • Establishment of humanitarian corridors and safe zones to protect those in Iraq and Syria who are the victims of these genocidal acts.
  • Promotion of bilateral cooperation efforts within Europe and the international community to address these concerns and implement these actions.

Austria has become one of the first countries to take a decisive stand. Moreover, the resolution advances at least three steps of our 7-point plan to stop the genocide and protects Christians. It formally recognizes the genocide and specifically names Christians as a category of victims. It also forcefully calls for action from the U.N. Security Council and recommends prosecution by the International Criminal Court.  In addition, it urges the establishment of in-region safe zones. Finally, it calls on all European nations to do the same.

Each of these are key actions that the ACLJ has been aggressively advocating across the globe.

Austria has now joined a growing list of countries that have declared these atrocities as acts of genocide.  It is imperative that we continue to pressure the U.N. and the international community in order to provide the relief these victims so desperately need.

Join us as we continue to expand our largest global legal advocacy campaign in defense of Christians facing jihadist genocide.  Sign our petition today, and help us stand against and end the ISIS genocide against Christians.