Us Congress House Bill HCR26

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/25
• Refer: 4/10/25

Caption

Calling for the end of impunity of unpunished Serbian sexual war crimes during the 1999 Kosovo war in the case of United States citizen and sexual war crime survivor Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman and other survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

Impact

This resolution addresses broader implications for U.S. foreign policy as it commits to countering gender-based violence globally. By pressing for accountability and rigorous investigation into past war crimes, HCR26 may influence how similar cases are handled in the future, not just in Kosovo but also in other contexts where sexual violence is used as a weapon of war. Furthermore, it reinforces the concept that states must be held responsible for war crimes, potentially impacting international law and commitments made by governments concerning human rights violations.

Summary

HCR26 is a concurrent resolution calling for an end to the impunity surrounding unpunished sexual war crimes committed by Serbian forces during the 1999 Kosovo War. It specifically highlights the case of U.S. citizen Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, a survivor of sexual violence, demanding justice for her and other victims. The resolution underscores the importance of investigations into gender-based war crimes and calls for accountability from both the Serbian government and international bodies. The bill recognizes the significance of the United States in advocating for justice and human rights, emphasizing the need for continued attention to this issue in bilateral engagements with Serbia.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the claim that justice has not been served for the numerous sexual violence cases that occurred during the Kosovo War, with statistics revealing that around 20,000 individuals suffered sexual violence without sufficient legal reckoning. Critics may argue that enacting such resolutions without effective mechanisms for change can lead to tokenistic gestures that fail to address systemic issues. The government of Serbia is also under pressure to confront its past actions, which could affect diplomatic relationships depending on how they respond to these demands.