HR-5962 : Still Just a Bill
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The "Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act," H.R. 5962, seeks to bolster United States support for Ukraine in its efforts to recover forcibly transferred children, release civilian detainees, and achieve the exchange of prisoners of war. The bill outlines a structured approach to assist Ukraine by:
- Authorizing Technical Assistance: The Department of Justice and the Department of State are authorized to provide law enforcement and intelligence technical assistance, training, capacity building, and advisory support to the Government of Ukraine. This includes aid with biometric identification technologies, open-source intelligence analysis, secure communications, and database management for investigations related to abductions and trafficking.
- Facilitating Rehabilitation and Reintegration: The Secretary of State is authorized to provide support to Ukraine and non-governmental organizations for medical and psychological rehabilitation services, family reunification, and reintegration services for Ukrainian children who have been abducted or forcibly transferred.
- Supporting Accountability for Atrocity Crimes: Both the Department of State and the Department of Justice (through its Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training) are authorized to provide technical assistance and advisory support to the Government of Ukraine's Office of the Prosecutor General and other relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute cases involving abducted children and other atrocity crimes.
- Promoting Coordination: The bill allows for coordination with non-governmental organizations, including through grants, and with other Federal agencies, to effectively implement the authorized assistance.
- Requiring Reports: The legislation mandates reports to Congress on the assistance provided, current and planned foreign assistance programs for child rehabilitation, and an analysis of discrepancies between US, UK, and EU sanctions regimes targeting those responsible for the abduction of Ukrainian children.