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U.S. To Host Major Conference on At



Subject: U.S. To Host Major Conference on Atrocities Prevention 

 U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
Press Statement 
 

Notice to the Press
October 26, 1999 

U.S. To Host Major Conference on Atrocities Prevention 

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation and justice, the
United States will host a major Conference on Atrocities Prevention at the
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on Thursday, October 28th and Friday, October
29th. The Conference will bring together officials from numerous countries,
the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations to discuss how the
international community can work together to identify situations that could
lead to atrocities and take steps to prevent their occurrence. 

The Conference provides a rare opportunity for government, UN and
non-governmental officials to gather in an informal setting to discuss one
of the most pressing issues of our time: What can governments do to prevent
massive human rights abuses from happening? Are there warning signs that can
help the international community prevent atrocities? Are there mechanisms
that can forestall future Rwandas and Kosovos? 

Featured speakers will include Richard Holbrooke, U.S. Ambassador to the
United Nations; Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Harold
Hongju Koh, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights,
and Labor; David Scheffer, Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues; and
Miles Lerman, Chair of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. 

Among the governments scheduled to send representatives are; the United
States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
South Africa, Rwanda, Sweden, Nigeria, Australia, Japan, Argentina, Chile,
Guatemala, Italy, Israel, Switzerland, and the Vatican. 

Since space for breakout sessions is limited, the conference is open to the
press on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested in attending
should contact Shana Penn at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
(202-488-0400 ext. 442) to arrange participation. 

Contact: Robin Croft (202) 647-5072, or Anne Pham (202) 647-5043