Today marks five years of devastating conflict in Syria.  The Assad regime’s bloody crackdown on peaceful protests, and the subsequent struggle has claimed more than 400,000 lives.  Millions more have been forced from their homes.  Meanwhile, ISIS has expanded its control in the country, committing genocidal acts against Christian, Yezidi and other religious minorities.

In remarks this afternoon at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Chairman Royce honored those first victims – peaceful protestors seeking only to build a better future for Syria.  Chairman Royce condemned the Assad regime’s use of barrel bombs and firing squads on his own people.  And he highlighted two measures, passed overwhelmingly by the House last night, that seek accountability and justice for war crimes and genocide.

“We will not be silent,” Chairman Royce said.  “And we will not accept these terrible atrocities.”