Pallone Statement on Acts of Genocide by ISIL

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), released the following statement on Secretary Kerry’s determination that ISIS has committed genocide against groups in Syria and Iraq. Last fall, Pallone cosponsored H.Con.Res.75, which declares that “the atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) against Christians, Yezidis, and other religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.”

“I applaud Secretary Kerry for speaking the truth and rightfully condemning ISIL for its acts of genocide against Christians, Yazidis and Shiite Muslims in Syria and Iraq,” said Pallone. “The United States government and its partners in the region must work to protect religious minorities and to ensure that they are not targeted. We must remember that it is our duty to work with the international community to come up with a unified approach to stop ISIL’s atrocities against innocent civilians and its threats to the region and American security.”