UN Issues Conference: Developing a Global Mechanism for Atrocity Forecasting and Prevention

Over the past several years, both governments and NGOs have begun to explore whether it is possible to develop mechanisms that can anticipate and prevent the outbreak of mass atrocities and genocide.  Examples include the US government’s Atrocities Prevention Board, an informal “coffee group” of like-minded governments working on atrocity prevention, the state-led Global Alliance Against Mass Atrocity Crimes, the Latin American Network for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention, and the Global Responsibility to Protect Focal Point Network.

Additionally, at the global level, there exists a broad range of tools on inhibitors of atrocity violence, frameworks, and forecasting tools for prevention efforts, and positive progress in understanding many triggers for atrocities. However, despite these initiatives and learning progress, there has been no consolidated effort to establish a collaborative, coordinated, and international mechanism prepared to actively and continuously apply such tools and information to prevent atrocities.

As such, the foundation will convene a discussion on the development of a multistakeholder mechanism, comprised of international actors, to:

• Make use of preexisting prevention tools and expertise to scan the horizon.
• Identify where credible threats for atrocity crimes are likely to be committed.
• Serve as a clearinghouse for new ideas and techniques.
• Prompt coordination and push for early action to prevent mass atrocities.
• Regularly brief key UN and regional bodies.