UN human rights mechanisms in prevention of atrocity crimes: the context of mass atrocities in Ukraine

Abstract

There has been limited examination of the current and potential capacity of the UN human rights mechanisms to effectively engage in preventive measures. The international community, mainly through the UN Security Council, focuses on peaceful conflict resolution, mediation and political interventions, narrowing the scope of atrocity prevention to security, diplomacy and politics. However, by reassessing the stages of atrocities from a human rights violations perspective, international human rights mechanisms can develop timely and effective early warning systems. The research focuses on the role of the UN human rights mechanisms in preventing atrocity crimes and risk factors analysis of gross human rights violations categorized as atrocity crimes. By analysing prevention tools developed by the UN institutions, the research intends to contribute to a better understanding of their capacity, limitations, and potential areas for improvement in preventing atrocity crimes. The investigation aims to provide insights for future efforts of atrocities prevention in Ukraine and enhance the effectiveness of international human rights mechanisms in the early warning and risk assessment for atrocities. The research highlights the importance of improving the theory and practice of atrocity prevention, considering the severe consequences of inaction to prevent the escalation of atrocity crimes in Ukraine.