Report insists ISIS is guilty of ‘genocide’ against Christians

A major report released Thursday by two US-based Christian organizations argues for including Iraqi, Syrian, and Libyan Christians as victims of genocide perpetrated by ISIS, ahead of a March 17 deadline for the US State Department to make a finding about whether, and to which categories of ISIS victims, the term “genocide” applies.

Although experts say a finding of genocide would not immediately trigger changes in US foreign policy or the acceptance of refugees and asylum seekers, it’s nevertheless important since both domestic and international law require that acts of genocide be investigated and those responsible indicted and prosecuted.

The 278-page report was released by the Knights of Columbus in partnership with “In Defense of Christians,” a US-based research and advocacy organization devoted to protecting Christians in the Middle East.

Last October, State Department officials suggested that a designation of “genocide” would be forthcoming for ISIS, but indicated that it might apply only to the Yazidi minority and not to Christians, prompting protest from religious groups, human rights advocates, and various political forces.

As the controversy mounted, Congress voted to require the State Department to issue a finding by mid-March. Read it all here.............

HT : BCF