Atrocity Prevention, Response, and Peacemaking: The Vital Role of Religious, Traditional, and Community Leaders

Atrocity prevention and response is one of the most profound moral challenges of our time, as witnessed in Syria, where unimaginable suffering has unfolded. While headlines capture the devastating aftermath of such tragedies, the quieter, tireless efforts to prevent violence, respond to its effects, and build resilient communities often go unnoticed. Much of the focus remains on top-down strategies led by governments and international organizations, which, while important, have proven incomplete. 

At the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD), we believe that atrocities can be prevented and violence is never inevitable. The most effective prevention begins within communities, driven by collaboration with religious and traditional leaders who are deeply rooted in their social fabric. To truly succeed, international efforts must move beyond limited, external strategies to more effectively hear, support, and amplify these local initiatives, empowering communities to lead sustainable pathways to peace.

The Incomplete Promise of Top-Down Approaches

The Genocide Convention (1951), often considered the cornerstone of atrocity prevention, was intended to mobilize the “international community” to act before violence escalates and atrocities escalate. Yet, in its decades-long history, it has rarely been effectively employed to prevent escalating atrocities to full-scale genocides. Its definition of genocide reflects the power dynamics of its time, excluding atrocities such as the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the Soviet Union’s purges, and settler colonialism in Africa. Violence against marginalized groups—including LGBTQIA+ individuals, Indigenous communities, women, and the poor—often falls outside its narrow scope, making it ill-suited for contemporary challenges.

International organizations like the United Nations face similar limitations. Responses are often delayed, confined to issuing condemnations after atrocities have begun. The Rwandan Genocide stands as a stark example, with over 800,000 lives lost in just 100 days as the international community watched. UN peacekeepers on the ground warned of the impending massacre and pleaded for reinforcements and resources, but their requests went unanswered, rendering them powerless. Such failures underscore the need for proactive, tangible actions that go beyond statements of intent and address the realities on the ground.

Governments, too, struggle to act decisively in the face of atrocities. Corruption, political self-interest, and bureaucratic inertia often delay interventions, as seen during the Bosnian War, where debates over sovereignty and strategic interests allowed atrocities like the Srebrenica massacre to unfold. These shortcomings highlight the urgent need for solutions rooted in grassroots efforts, where trust, local knowledge, and timely action can make all the difference.

The Role of Civil Society and Faith-Based Leadership

When top-down approaches falter, grassroots actors step in with solutions grounded in local realities. Religious and traditional actors, particularly women, hold unique positions of trust, leveraging their moral integrity to bridge divides, de-escalate tensions, and mobilize communities and any available resources for peace. 

Supported by civil society organizations (CSOs) and NGOs, like ICRD, these actors gain the tools, training, and resources to amplify their impact. Together, they form a powerful coalition capable of addressing violence at its roots. Successful examples include: 

• An interfaith council of Buddhist monks, Christian pastors, and Muslim imams in Myanmar, has worked to dispel rumors and misinformation, preventing violence and fostering trust. 
• Courageous nuns in Myanmar shielding protestors during violent crackdowns, demonstrating the transformative role of faith-driven actors in atrocity and violenct prevention. 
• In Afghanistan, grassroots networks are stepping in to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the Taliban’s ban on female medical providers, ensuring critical care for vulnerable populations. 
• In Sudan, religious leaders and grassroots networks are diligently working to mediate localized ceasefires, facilitate humanitarian corridors, and fostere intercommunal dialogue to reduce violence while seeking to amplfly their voices in peace process efforts. 

Supported by ICRD, these initiatives showcase how faith-based, locally led approaches can prevent atrocities, heal divisions, and create sustainable pathways to peace.

Beyond Prevention: Response and Peacemaking

Grassroots actors are essential in preventing atrocities and responding to their aftermath, playing pivotal roles in humanitarian efforts, reconciliation, and peacemaking. Religious leaders often mediate disputes, fostering dialogue and creating spaces for healing within divided communities. Women of faith bring invaluable perspectives, addressing systemic inequalities, advocating for justice, and ensuring that peacebuilding efforts include the needs of marginalized groups—critical steps in preventing future atrocities and promoting inclusive peace.

Faith-based actors also organize humanitarian corridors, provide safe passage for vulnerable populations, and deliver critical aid during crises. Driven by compassion and moral leadership, these initiatives not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for lasting recovery and resilience in communities affected by atrocities.

Challenges and Opportunities

One of the most significant challenges in atrocity prevention is its invisibility. Successful prevention avoids crises, leaving no visible aftermath to measure or celebrate. This lack of quantifiable outcome often makes it difficult to secure sustained investment. Additionally, corruption, political inertia, and the self-interest of state and international actors undermine efforts, allowing violence to escalate unchecked. Grassroots leaders, despite their proximity to the problem, are often left under-resourced and isolated, limiting their ability to act effectively.

Yet, immense opportunities exist to enhance atrocity prevention and response by leveraging grassroots strengths. Equipping religious and traditional leaders with training, resources, and networks can amplify their capacity to prevent violence and foster reconciliation. Stronger partnerships between local actors and international organizations can close gaps in capacity and ensure more coherent efforts. 

Advocacy and storytelling can also bring visibility to grassroots successes, transforming “invisible” victories into compelling narratives that inspire broader support. By recognizing and sustaining the efforts of community leaders, we unlock the full potential of grassroots-driven solutions to prevent atrocities and build lasting peace.

ICRD’s Vision and Commitment

At ICRD, we believe that effective atrocity prevention, response, and peacemaking must begin with empowering those closest to the frontlines of conflict. Atrocities are often committed by powerful entities, leaving communities vulnerable and without recourse. Religious and traditional leaders, supported by civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), possess the trust, cultural knowledge, and moral integrity needed to guide their communities away from violence and toward reconciliation, even in the face of systemic oppression. 

To enhance this work, ICRD will be launching a collaborative Religious and Traditional Leaders Atrocities and Genocide Prevention Action Working Group, a dedicated initiative to better support and equip religious actors with the tools, training, and networks necessary to address crises, prevent violence, and promote sustainable peace. We also call on the international community to listen to and actively support these leaders who understand the complexities of their communities, countries, and regions. 

Violence is never inevitable—it is preventable through proactive engagement, humanitarian outreach, and peacemaking. By bolstering the courage and wisdom of those on the frontlines, we can foster a world where justice and peace prevail. If you’re interested in learning more or supporting this initiative, please reach out.