Individuals, organizations, countries, and international coalitions have responded to genocide and crimes against humanity in a range of ways. Some actions were helpful; others were not. Understanding when and how different responses were tried, what they achieved, and where they failed can improve response in the future.

DR Congo

Despite political progress, an international aid effort, some prosecutions and an international peacekeeping force, violence in the east continues to flare up. More»

South Sudan

Over the 20 years of civil war, the international community mobilized humanitarian relief efforts in response to the war in southern Sudan. Ultimately, an international peace process ended the conflict. More»

Sudan

International mediation was critical to ending the two decade-long war in the south with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. Beginning in 2004, mounting pressure from advocacy groups in the U.S. and elsewhere has brought about a wide array of measures deployed in response to violence in Darfur, including in a massive aid effort, international peacekeeping forces, a halting peace process, and legal measures against the Sudanese government. More»

Bosnia-Herzegovina

UN peacekeeping forces failed to protect civilians and collaborated with the separation of men from women and children. Despite the availability of some reports of what was happening, nothing was done to intervene in the on-going killing operation. More»

Rwanda

The world abandoned Rwanda: embassies were evacuated, expatriates left, and the UN force was reduced. The genocide only ended when a Tutsi-led rebel force defeated the genocidal regime. More»

Burundi

International pressure, from the US, EU, South Africa, the OAU/AU and neighboring heads of state enabled a political process that resulted in a peace agreement between Burundi's government and rebel forces. More»

Chechnya, Russia

Russia has kept much international engagement in Chechnya at bay, arguing the conflict is an internal matter. Chechens, often at great personal risk, have led the effort to document abuses. More»