Humanity United

The widespread loss of innocent civilian life from extreme cases of deadly conflict continues to plague us today. Facilitated by an unresponsive international system, and fuelled by misplaced nationalism, ideology, religious conviction, or quests for power and riches, tens of millions of innocent people have become victims of mass atrocities in the last 100 years alone. Technological innovations in weapons of war have made mass killing faster and easier than ever before.

While the challenge is great, there are signs that the tide can turn. Recently, although core challenges remain to be resolved, Kenya pulled back from the brink of near-certain disaster through skillful diplomacy. And Liberians have emerged from the brutal regime of Charles Taylor to elect President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - the first democratically elected female head of state in Africa - and today there is a palpable sense of optimism for a peaceful future for Liberia. Humanity United is part of a new and growing global movement of activists, researchers, and policymakers working to create a world where mass atrocities are no longer possible. We believe we can build such a world in our lifetime.

What Are Mass Atrocities?

The term mass atrocity broadly encompasses a variety of morally reprehensible crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. These acts display the very worst of what humanity is capable of.

The rise of mass atrocities - as witnessed in the genocides in Nazi Germany, Cambodia, Rwanda, the Balkans, and the massive government-sponsored ethnic cleansing campaigns in Sudan's western region of Darfur - poses a fundamental challenge to the international system for peace and security and the rules by which countries govern themselves and each other. The frequent, deliberate, and consistent targeting of innocent civilians, often by leaders of their own governments, has far exceeded the ability of other nations and international institutions to respond in a timely and effective manner. And though the world has struggled with the prevention of mass atrocities throughout history, modern advancements in arms and technology are dramatically expanding the potential for large-scale loss of life.

What Causes Mass Atrocities?

While there is no single universal answer to what allows mass atrocities to occur, historical patterns can help identify commonalities and improve the chances for successful prevention in the future.

Within fragile societies, intolerance and the systematic marginalization of racial, political, religious, or cultural minorities often foreshadow a resort to more violent tactics. The most brutal perpetrators often share a unique combination of extreme ideological beliefs and deadly pragmatism. Mass atrocities are typically undertaken by extreme, unstable regimes - or sometimes by rebel movements sharing similar characteristics - but there is no single political system associated with the practice.

External factors also play a part. In many cases, outside actors fuel the flames of atrocity crimes to further their own political, economic, or social objectives. Of equal importance is the lack of political will to intervene and stop atrocities as they are occurring. Individual governments and international institutions, such as the United Nations, often have the knowledge, influence, and resources to prevent and stop these human tragedies. Even so, world leaders and the global public have often been unwilling to prioritize human life over other interests - even when the evidence of current atrocities cannot be denied.

What Can Be Done to End Mass Atrocities?

Mass atrocities can be stopped in our lifetime. The challenge is tremendous, but we have a critical opportunity to come together with other organizations and individuals who share our values and resolve to build a world where mass atrocities are no longer possible.

Since the Nuremberg Tribunal in the years following World War II, there has been slow but steady progress toward a common framework of international norms to hold accountable perpetrators of mass atrocities. The 2002 creation of the International Criminal Court - which has jurisdiction over crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide - and the 2005 adoption of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine are more recent and essential steps toward an adequate international legal framework.

As important as this international framework is, it is also crucial to strengthen rule of law and support good governance in particularly fragile states. Likewise, a fair, independent, and well-developed media sector can help citizens access and share accurate and timely information, which can protect against dangerous propaganda intended to incite violence. Robust domestic and international civil society can multiply the spread of good information, and can help hold governments accountable to their citizens and the international community.

Working together, grassroots advocates, researchers, and policymakers are building bridges between their traditionally separate worlds, while an increasing number of private citizens and organizations from around the globe are choosing to become a part of the solution. One step at a time, we are moving forward to a better future.