International Conference on Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
The International Human Rights Conference on Genocide and Crimes Againts Humanity organized by Northern Justice Watch took place in the city of Toronto, Canada, on 2-3 December. Twenty speakers from five different countries participated in the conference. Held in collaboration with four human rights institutions at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus, the conference addressed recent and historical genocides, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Experts in their presentations detailed the causes of these shameful crimes in human history, how they were perpetrated, how perpetrators could be brought to justice, and ways to prevent ongoing genocide.
During the two-day conference consisting of nine panels, discussions revolved around what states and international organizations need to do to prevent these crimes and ensure accountability. Presentations particularly emphasized urging the international community and organizations to take action in prosecuting and preventing atrocities, war crimes, and other crimes against humanity in Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Ethiopia, China, Myanmar, East Turkestan, and Turkey.
Key themes of the event included conceptual discussions on genocide, conflicts, and war crimes in the Middle East, regional case studies and pathways to genocide, highlighting early warning systems and intervention strategies. The conference underscored the significance of academic and legal perspectives in understanding and preventing genocide and crimes against humanity, featuring speakers with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
Among the speakers were notable figures such as:
- Alex Neve, former Director of Amnesty International in Canada
- Mukesh Kapila, a physician and human rights advocate recognized for drawing attention to the Darfur crisis through roles in organizations like the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross
- Sameer Zuberi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities in the Canadian Federal Government
- Dr. Ewelina Ochab, an international law attorney, human rights advocate, writer, and founding partner of the Coalition for Genocide Response
- Peter Stoett, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Ontario Tech University
Visit https://northernjusticewatch.org/event/international-genocide-conference/ for the complete list of speakers.
At the end of the event, numerous congratulatory and celebratory messages from speakers, attendees, and those following the event either in person or online were conveyed to the organizers.
Northern Justice Watch is a prominent Canadian non-profit organization that provides support to victims of crimes against humanity and genocide.
This important conference aimed to create awareness and encourage information sharing on genocide and crimes against humanity for the purpose of strengthening global justice, human rights, and peace. The conference provided a unique platform for in-depth discussions and understanding of these crimes, while also emphasizing the challenge against the impunity often associated with them and highlighting the mission to protect the rights of victims in numerous countries.
The conference was streamed on NJW’s YouTube channel for 2 days, which can be accessed via https://www.youtube.com/live/OxDyk_nGTeU?si=pt54VNlZFr3NUSqc .
Following this successful conference in Toronto, Northern Justice Watch underscores its determination to continue its advocacy in the field of human rights. The organization aims to sustain continuous awareness about genocide and crimes against humanity by organizing similar events and aiming to raise awareness among the international community on these issues.
Through such events, Northern Justice Watch plans to strengthen and expand its efforts in pursuing justice and protecting human rights, aiming for a more effective and lasting global change.
