Loading...








Mobilizing Legislators as Champions for
Human Rights, Democracy, and a Sustainable World

The Role of Parliamentarians in Atrocity Prevention

PGA co-sponsored an event with Concordia University's Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights
PGA co-sponsored an event with Concordia University's Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights

Montreal, New York 13 May 2021

Atrocity crimes include the most serious crimes of international concern, namely genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and, as explained in the Handbook for Parliamentarians on Preventing Violent Extremism and Mass Atrocities , also the crime of aggression. Its status as an international crime is based on the belief that the acts associated with it affect the dignity of human beings (UN Responsibility to Protect, 2005) and deeply shock the conscience of humankind (Preamble, Rome Statute of the ICC, 1998).

This event brought together experts to discuss, reflect and review current thinking on atrocity prevention approaches. Furthermore, the panelists explored ways to strengthen global action, spur new collaborations, improve our understanding and complement ongoing global efforts on addressing atrocity prevention.

Speakers

  • Alice Nderitu, UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide
  • General Roméo Dallaire, former Canadian Senator, MIGS Distinguished Senior Fellow.
  • David Donat Cattin, Secretary-General, Parliamentarians for Global Action
  • Kyle Matthews, Executive Director of the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (moderator)

Latest News

Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Photo credit: Pexels.

Escalating violence in the DRC: PGA calls for accountability

PGA expresses its deep concern over the current escalating violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and its devastating effect on the civilian population, who has been exposed to atrocities for an excessive period of time.

Photo credit: Ms. Frederika Schweighoferova

First World Congress on Enforced Disappearances: PGA Stands Against Impunity

On 15 and 16 January 2025, Geneva hosted the first World Congress on Enforced Disappearances, convening survivors, civil society organizations, States, international bodies, and experts.

Abrget47j, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Global Parliamentary Declaration for the Protection of the High Seas

The high seas belong to all people as a common heritage of humankind, and cover 43 percent of our Earth’s surface with life-sustaining rich biodiversity.