Will the US stop investigating war crimes around the world?

According to information released by Reuters on June 26, the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has recommended halting the funding of nearly twenty programs aimed at analyzing war crimes and crimes against humanity globally. This decision is not yet final, but it signals a serious threat.

Which programs are at risk?

Among the projects that could be suspended are those being implemented in Afghanistan, Iraq, Nepal, Sudan, Colombia, Belarus, Gambia, Sri Lanka, and South Sudan. These programs mainly focus on analyzing war crimes committed during past and present conflicts, restoring justice for victims, and collecting international legal evidence through local partners.

Are Ukraine projects also at risk?

According to Reuters sources, at least two major projects in Ukraine—Global Rights Compliance and Legal Action Worldwide—are included in the list of programs that may have their funding cut. These programs involve gathering evidence of sexual violence, torture, and violations of the laws of war, as well as providing legal assistance to victims.

In addition, it is reported that an $18 million grant project conducted in cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine—the Georgetown University project—could also be canceled.

What could be the consequences?

Experts believe that if these programs are suspended, the process of establishing war crimes, identifying perpetrators, and ensuring accountability before international courts will be significantly slowed down. In particular, international investigations against Russia and the investigation of more than 1,400 cases opened in Ukraine may become more complicated.

What is the position of the US State Department?

So far, neither the State Department nor the Office of Management and Budget has officially commented on the matter. However, according to three sources spoken to by journalists, Secretary of State Marco Rubio may try to protect only the main programs, not all of them.

Conclusion:
Such decisions by the US seriously endanger the ongoing work to protect human rights and expose war crimes worldwide. In particular, the disappearance of international monitoring of conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Myanmar will complicate the fight for justice. The position of the international community on this issue is now of great importance. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!