Genocide Prevention Task Force

Statement from Madeleine Albright and William Cohen, Co-Chairs of the Genocide Prevention Task Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2008

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It is with great sadness that we learned this weekend of the passing of Julia Taft, a member of our Genocide Prevention Task Force. Julia Taft led a life of public service, dedicated to work inside and outside of our government, at the United Nations and throughout the world as a champion for improving the lives of others. She will be greatly missed. As a member of our Task Force, Julia brought intense focus and energy to the work of genocide prevention, even as she struggled with her own illness in the last few months. We hope we can honor her contributions with a good report, worthy of her name. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Taft family.

Madeleine Albright and William Cohen to Co-Chair Genocide Prevention Task Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2007

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(Washington, DC) — Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen today announced that they will co-chair a Genocide Prevention Task Force jointly convened by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the American Academy of Diplomacy, and the United States Institute of Peace. The Task Force will generate practical recommendations to enhance the U.S. government's capacity to respond to emerging threats of genocide and mass atrocities.

"The world agrees that genocide is unacceptable and yet genocide and mass killings continue. Our challenge is to match words to deeds and stop allowing the unacceptable. That task, simple on the surface, is in fact one of the most persistent puzzles of our times. We have a duty to find the answer before the vow of 'never again' is once again betrayed," said Secretary Albright.

"We are convinced that the U.S. government can and must do better in preventing genocide—a crime that threatens not only our values but our national interests," said Secretary Cohen.

The Task Force includes:

Senator John Danforth, Senator Tom Daschle, Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, Mr. Michael Gerson, Secretary Dan Glickman, Secretary Jack Kemp, Judge Gabrielle Kirk McDonald, Ambassador Tom Pickering, Ms. Julia Taft*, Mr. Vin Weber and General Anthony Zinni.

"The Task Force will harness tremendous expertise from across the spectrum and include distinguished Americans with experience in politics, diplomacy, economics, humanitarian and military affairs," said Ambassador Brandon Grove, Executive Director of the Genocide Prevention Task Force. "It is a unique partnership of organizations and individuals that care deeply about preventing genocide."

The Task Force will issue a report in December 2008.