Massive violations of fundamental human rights continue to occur around the world. In Afghanistan women are treated inhumanely; in Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Democratic Republic of the Congo continued fighting is wreaking havoc on the civilian population, often resulting in kidnappings, torture, and mass refugee movements. Mass murder was committed in East Timor this past year. Political and military officials responsible for ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo — most prominently Serb leader Slobodan Milosevic — continue to roam freely. Leaders indicted for mass murder in Rwanda remain at-large as well.

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has described the United States as "the indispensable nation." Many decision-makers and opinion-molders throughout the country are debating the meaning and implications of that assertion. Should the United States always take the lead in defending human rights around the world? How narrowly should we define our national interests? If the United States fails to act in these situations, will anyone else? The JCPA believes that the protection of human rights should be an integral part of United States foreign policy and will continue to urge effective American involvement in this area, on a multilateral basis when possible and a unilateral basis when necessary. Further, as preparatory discussions on the International Criminal Court near completion, the JCPA continues to support refinements in the rules and procedures under which the tribunal would operate that would enable both the United States and Israel to participate.

Thirteen Iranian Jews were imprisoned in spring 1999 on baseless charges of spying for Israel and the United States. The organized Jewish community has been encouraging world leaders and religious dignitaries to intervene on their behalf, particularly in demanding that the Jews receive an open and fair trial. The JCPA has been monitoring their situation closely throughout this ordeal and has shared appropriate recommendations for action as needed.

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