Organizations and Institutes
Preventing atrocities requires structured planning, continuous funding, and effective implementation.
As such, policymakers, advocates, researchers, and activists tend to operate through governmental organizations, NGOs, institutions, and research centers.
Governmental organizations:
UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (UNOSAPG)
UN Office focused on the prevention of atrocities. It holds the power to advocate for further consideration of atrocity prevention through outreach, participation during official UN meetings, and advocacy through official channels. As a smaller office, its power and influence are somewhat limited, but its position within the New York UN building provides strategical advantages for advocacy.
NGOs:
Global Center for the Responsibility to Protect (Globalr2p)
International center founded upon the establishment of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine. Its mandate focuses on advocacy, research, and consultancy regarding atrocities and their prevention. The center monitors situations of (in)security.
Advocacy group for the prediction, prevention, cessation, and punishment of genocide and mass murder. The group raises awareness on genocides and their prevention through education and research, influences public policy, coordinates support work, and seeks justice for victims and survivors. The group’s levels of Genocide Alerts are used to ascertain whether a genocide is in its early stages, stage of preparation, or is actively ongoing. Click here for more in-depth information.
UK-based charity and advocacy NGO that aims to mainstream a “prevention approach”. It focuses on community initiatives, education, advocacy, research, training, and producing briefings and reports.
Institutes:
The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies (HL-senteret)
Center affiliated with the University of Oslo, focused on research and education on topics related to the Holocaust, genocide, racism, antisemitism, and minorities. Researchers at the center also carry out educational initiatives and research projects addressing atrocities, their prevention, and their impact on societies.
The Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide
Center affiliated with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, aiming to prevent, respond to, and punish mass atrocities. The center carries out country case studies, monitors and identifies atrocity risks globally, and advocates for education and training on mass atrocities and their prevention.
The Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG)
Institute working to prevent genocide and mass atrocities, located in Poland and operating internationally. The institute carries out multiple education, training, assistance, and collaboration programs, advocating and informing experts, leaders, and officials on atrocity prevention strategy and knowledge.
Documentation Center of Cambodia
Center documenting the crimes and atrocities perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. The center acts as a research institution and an information hub, aiming to use its collected information to record and preserve history as well as to organize it for legal accountability efforts.
Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies
Canadian research institute focused on human rights, conflict prevention and emerging technologies. The institute develops projects and initiatives, carries out research, promotes training and education programs, and provides consultations to policymakers and diplomats.
Academic and scholarly center dedicated to the issues of human rights, genocide, and diasporas. The institute is founded upon the recognition and study of the Armenian genocide, and educates academics, artists, and governments through publications, conferences, and academic programs.
Budapest Centre for Mass Atrocities Prevention
Hungary-based center focused on the study, education, and prevention of atrocities. Founded in 2011, the center organizes educational initiatives and webinars, carries out and publishes research, and acts as a platform for atrocity prevention experts and diplomats to connect.