Erased Crimes: The Global Struggle for Recognition and Justice

<p dir="ltr">Genocide often remains unrecognized due to political, legal, and societal barriers, allowing perpetrators to evade accountability and victims to suffer longer. States frequently deny or downplay atrocities to preserve diplomatic relations, national identity, or domestic political stability, as seen in cases involving Turkey, Japan, and Rwanda. Existing institutions like the International Criminal Court and the UN Genocide Convention are limited by weak enforcement and political constraints, undermining their ability to prevent or punish mass atrocities. Strengthening the UN Genocide Prevention Office, enhancing early warning mechanisms, and clarifying legal obligations under the Genocide Convention could depoliticize recognition, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide justice for victims, ultimately breaking the cycle of denial and enabling effective global responses to genocide.</p>