All Initiatives
Justice & Accountability
High Priority

War Crimes Accountability

Support ICC prosecution and the Special Tribunal for Aggression

Overview

Russia has committed documented war crimes including targeting civilians, deportation of Ukrainian children, and attacks on protected sites. We call on Congress to support U.S. cooperation with the ICC, fund the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and pass legislation enabling U.S. courts to prosecute war crimes against Americans in Ukraine.

Your Ask

Urge Congress to pass legislation supporting the Special Tribunal for Aggression and to fund international accountability mechanisms for Russian war crimes.

Why It Matters

Accountability deters future atrocities and is a prerequisite for lasting peace. Impunity for war crimes invites repetition.

Current Status

The U.S. has not joined the ICC, limiting direct cooperation. Congressional resolutions supporting accountability have been introduced but not passed. The Ukraine War Crimes Accountability Act is pending in committee.

Key Supporters

Human rights caucus membersSenate Judiciary Committee

Related Legislation

5 bills
S. 2592criticalIn Committee

Supporting Ukraine Act of 2025

Bipartisan Senate package authorizing weapons sales to NATO allies for transfer to Ukraine, holding corrupt Russian officials accountable, and strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities through allied coordination.

S. 2119criticalIn Committee

Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act

Establishes a comprehensive U.S. policy to recover Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia and Russian-occupied territories. Authorizes sanctions against Russian officials responsible for child deportations, funds international recovery efforts, and creates a special envoy for abducted Ukrainian children.

H.Res. 564criticalIn Committee

Calling for Return of Abducted Ukrainian Children Before Any Peace Agreement

House resolution calling for the return of all abducted Ukrainian children as a precondition before finalizing any peace agreement to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Recognizes the forced deportation of Ukrainian children as a war crime and demands Russia's full compliance with international law.

S.Res. 236criticalIn Committee

Resolution Calling for Return of Abducted Ukrainian Children Before Peace Agreement

Senate companion resolution to H.Res. 564. Calls for the return of all abducted Ukrainian children before the U.S. endorses or facilitates any peace agreement with Russia. Affirms that child deportations constitute a war crime under international law.

H.Res. 16mediumIn Committee

Recognizing Russian Actions in Ukraine as Genocide

Formally recognizes Russia's systematic killing, deportation, and cultural erasure of Ukrainians as genocide under international law. Calls on the U.S. government to officially designate Russia's actions as genocide and to support international accountability mechanisms.