Global Action to Prevent War and Armed Conflict

On March 5th, the House of Representatives introduced a resolution addressing the need for a United Nations Emergency Peace Service (UNEPS) to avert genocide and crimes against humanity. Introduced by Representatives Al Wynn (D-MD) and James Walsh (R-NY), the resolution regarded UNEPS as a national security interest, and called for its support to buttress UN peacekeeping. Addressing the millions of dollars spent on humanitarian catastrophes dealing with the aftermath of the scourges of genocide, the resolution called on the implementation of UNEPS as a necessary tool to strengthen the UN's preventive capabilities. “The United States,” it declared, “should use its voice, vote, and influence at the United Nations to facilitate and support the creation of a United Nations Emergency Peace Service (UNEPS).” The full text is as follows.
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Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a United Nations Emergency Peace Service capable of intervening in the early stages of a humanitarian crisis could save millions of lives, billions of dollars, and is in the interests of the United States.

Mr. WYNN (for himself, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. WALSH of New York, Mr. BLUMENAUER, and Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--

(1) the United States should use its voice, vote, and influence at the United Nations to facilitate and support the creation of a United Nations Emergency Peace Service (UNEPS); and

(2) UNEPS--

(A) should be a permanent entity based at designated sites of the United Nations, should include mobile field headquarters, and should be able to act immediately to address an emerging humanitarian crisis;

(B) should be comprised of individuals who are recruited from United Nations Member States and who are carefully selected, expertly trained, and coherently organized;

(C) should be a dedicated service with a wide range of professional skills within a single command structure, prepared to conduct multiple functions in diverse United Nations operations; and

(D) should be able to provide an integrated service encompassing 12,000 to 18,000 civilian, police, judicial, military, and relief professionals.

For the full text of the bill, please click here:

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To read the “Dear Colleague letter” in support of UNEPS by Rep. Wynn and Rep. Walsh, click here.
To view remarks by Rep. Wynn about UNEPS on the House floor, click here.

New! To read the letter of support for Resolution 213 signed by some 40 organizations, click here.
New! To read the press release, click here.

Citizens for Global Solutions, one of our UNEPS partners, is asking you to call your representative in support of the UNEPS resolution. To reach the House of Representatives, call their switchboard (202) 224-3121 to be connected with your representative.