Bill Text: NJ AJR156 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges Congress to pass legislation for investigation and appropriate prosecution of Russian Federation relating to invading Ukraine.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-03-21 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee [AJR156 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-AJR156-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman RONALD S. DANCER
District 12 (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Urges Congress to pass legislation for investigation and appropriate prosecution of Russian Federation relating to invading Ukraine.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution urging Congress to pass legislation supporting an investigation and appropriate prosecution of the Russian Federation relating to its invasion of Ukraine.
Whereas, Since February 24, 2022, when the Russian Federation began a large scale invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations estimates that at least 596 Ukrainian civilians have died and 1,067 others have been injured during the conflict as of March 12, 2022, although the figures may be higher; and
Whereas, News reports have stated that the Russian Federation has been striking schools, kindergartens, and residential buildings; and
Whereas, The World Health Organization has documented 31 attacks by the Russia Federation on health facilities, including a maternity hospital, health workers, and ambulances as of March 13, 2022; and
Whereas, War crimes include, but are not limited to, murder, rape, torture, unlawful confinement, and deliberate attacks on civilian targets.
Whereas, Liz Throssell, a spokeswoman for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has said that, "Civilians are being killed and maimed in what appear to be indiscriminate attacks, with Russian forces using explosive weapons with wide area effects in or near populated areas"; and
Whereas, Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nation's Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, has said that, "Ukraine's cities are being devastated. Civilians are dying. Indiscriminate attacks, including those using cluster munitions, of a nature to strike military objectives and civilians or civilian objects without discrimination are prohibited by international law"; and
Whereas, With the foregoing and additional information, there is ample evidence warranting an investigation of the Russian Federation for committing war crimes; and
Whereas, Upon request of 38 governments, the International Criminal Court prosecutor has launched an investigation that could target senior Russian officials believed to be responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide during the invasion of Ukraine; and
Whereas, Ukraine and its allies have also called on the United Nations to investigate the potential war crimes committed by the Russian Federation; and
Whereas, New Jersey condemns the Russian Federation for its invasion of Ukraine, and urges Congress to pass legislation supporting the investigation and appropriate prosecution of the Russian Federation for its actions; now, therefore,
Be It
Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:
1. The Legislature and the Governor of the State of New Jersey condemn the Russian Federation for its invasion of Ukraine and related acts causing civilian deaths, injuries, terror, and the loss of or evacuation from their homes, and urge Congress to pass legislation supporting an investigation and appropriate prosecution of the Russian Federation and responsible Russian government or military officials.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and every member of Congress elected from New Jersey.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution condemns the Russian Federation for its invasion of Ukraine and related acts causing civilian deaths, injuries, terror, and the loss of or evacuation from their homes, and urges Congress to pass legislation supporting an investigation and appropriate prosecution of the Russian Federation for its actions.
Since February 24, 2022 when the Russian Federation began a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, there have been at least 596 Ukrainian civilians who have died and 1,067 others injured. There have been attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian schools, kindergartens, residential buildings, health facilities, health workers, and ambulances.
