International Conference on Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity

Background
The global community continues to face the grim reality of genocides and crimes against humanity. From historical atrocities to contemporary crises, the need for prevention, accountability, and justice is more urgent than ever. Northern Justice Watch (NJW), a non-political, non-profit international movement based in Toronto, Canada, is committed to combating these heinous crimes and advocating for the rights and freedoms of victims worldwide. NJW has been at the forefront of raising awareness and seeking justice for various atrocities, including the Yazidi genocide. Our mission is to deliver justice for victims of atrocity crimes, challenge impunity, and uphold human rights across multiple countries.

Objectives
The International Conference on Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity aims to:
– Raise Awareness: Highlight ongoing and historical genocides and crimes against humanity, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy for the victims.
– Promote Accountability: Develop actionable strategies to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future atrocities.
– Foster Collaboration: Encourage international cooperation among nations, organizations, and civil society to combat these crimes effectively.
– Shape Policy: Contribute to the development of robust policy recommendations to guide global efforts in protecting human rights and preventing atrocities.

Theme
Prevention and Accountability

Key Highlights
– Global Expertise: Featuring speakers with firsthand experience and deep insights into current crises in regions such as Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Gaza, China, Iran, and Turkey.
– Collaborative Solutions: Engaging discussions aimed at fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, and innovating strategies for the prevention of future genocides and crimes against humanity.
– International Response: Sessions exploring the global response to crimes against humanity, emphasizing collaboration among nations, international organizations, and civil society to ensure accountability and justice.
– Case Studies and Testimonies: Highlighting powerful survivor accounts and pivotal case studies, showcasing the pursuit of justice, reparations, and the importance of accountability.
– Policy Recommendations: Contributing to shaping actionable policy recommendations to guide global efforts in protecting human rights and preventing atrocities.

Structure
The two-day conference will be structured into eight sessions, four each day, with thematic sessions, panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive workshops. Each session will focus on specific aspects of genocide and crimes against humanity, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the issues.

Day 1: Focus on Specific Genocides and Crimes Against Humanity
– Session 1: Tigray, Hazara, Uyghur Genocides
Examining the crises in Tigray (Ethiopia), the Hazara community (Afghanistan), and the Uyghurs (China), focusing on the root causes, ongoing issues, and international responses.
– Session 2: Victims of War: Ukraine, Gaza, Syria
Analyzing the humanitarian crises and crimes against humanity in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria, highlighting the impacts of war and the need for international intervention and justice.
– Session 3: Crimes by Oppressive Governments: Turkey, Kurds, Rohingya
Addressing the atrocities committed by oppressive governments, including Turkey’s treatment of various groups such as Kurds, and the persecution of the Rohingya community in Myanmar, focusing on accountability and international responses.
– Session 4: Yazidi Genocide
Detailed discussions on the Yazidi genocide, survivor testimonies, and ongoing efforts for justice and accountability.

Day 2: Broader Themes and Collaborative Strategies
– Session 5: Role of International Organizations and Governments
Exploring how international organizations and governments can effectively collaborate to prevent and respond to genocides and crimes against humanity.
– Session 6: Legal Frameworks and Accountability Mechanisms
Discussing national and international legal frameworks and mechanisms for holding perpetrators accountable for crimes against humanity.
– Session 7: Media and Public Awareness Campaigns
Analyzing the role of media in raising awareness and shaping public opinion on genocides and crimes against humanity, and how to effectively combat misinformation.
– Session 8: Developing Policy Recommendations
Collaborative development of policy recommendations to guide global efforts in protecting human rights and preventing future atrocities.

Participants
The conference will bring together a diverse group of participants, including:
– Human rights advocates
– Legal experts
– Scholars and academics
– Policymakers
– International journalists
– Survivors and victim representatives
– Representatives from international organizations and NGOs

Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes of the conference include:
– Enhanced awareness and understanding of genocides and crimes against humanity.
– Development of actionable strategies for prevention and accountability.
– Strengthened international cooperation and collaboration.
– Comprehensive policy recommendations for global efforts in combating these crimes.
– A reinforced commitment to upholding human rights and delivering justice for victims.

Conclusion
The International Conference on Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity represents a pivotal opportunity to unite voices against atrocities and forge a path towards a more just and humane world. By bringing together experts, advocates, and policymakers, NJW aims to catalyze meaningful change and ensure that the principles of prevention and accountability are upheld globally.