| Ambassador-at-Large of the United States for War Crimes Issues |
|
|---|---|
Seal of the United States Department of State |
|
| Nominator | Barack Obama |
| Inaugural holder | David Scheffer as Ambassador |
| Formation | 1997 |
| Website | U.S. Office - WCI |
The United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues is the head of the Office of War Crimes Issues in the United States Department of State. The ambassador-at-large advises the United States Secretary of State directly and formulates U.S. policy responses to atrocities committed in areas of conflict and elsewhere throughout the world. As the President’s envoy, this ambassador travels worldwide engaging heads of state and international organizations to build bilateral and international support for U.S. policies. As part of this, the ambassador visits affected countries and uses a range of diplomatic, legal, economic, military, and intelligence tools to help secure peace and stability and build the rule of law.
Since September 11, 2001, this ambassador has played a key role in the War on Terror and has been the Secretary of State’s lead diplomat in engaging nations regarding their nationals captured in the field of combat. The ambassador also has primary responsibility for policy on Iraqi war crimes.
David Scheffer served as the first U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues (1997–2001). He was followed by Pierre-Richard Prosper (2001–2005) and John Clint Williamson (2006–2009)[1].
In July 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama nominated Stephen Rapp, a former United States Attorney and prosecutor for the United Nations Special Court for Sierra Leone, to succeed John Clint Williamson as Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues. The Senate confirmed him on September 8, 2009, making Rapp the fourth person to hold the title.[2]