Biden signs executive order on safety, justice for Native Americans

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - US President Joe Biden on Monday signed an executive order to improve public safety and justice for Native Americans.

The order directs US federal agencies and departments to develop a coordinated law enforcement strategy that would prevent and respond to violence against Native Americans, including the missing and murdered Indigenous people where the federal government has jurisdiction.

"My Administration will work hand in hand with Tribal Nations and Tribal partners to build safe and healthy Tribal communities and to support comprehensive law enforcement, prevention, intervention, and support services," the executive order said.

"The safety and well-being of all Native Americans is a top priority for my Administration," it added.

Biden later said during the first-ever Tribal Leaders Summit held at the White House that the federal agencies and departments' jurisdiction will expand to include sex trafficking, sexual assault and child abuse involving Native Americans.

The White House said in a statement that the Biden administration has prioritized Tribes in economic recovery, devoting $32 billion to tribal communities and Native people, which included $20 billion in emergency funding to help tribal governments rebuild economies devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.