Atrocity prevention

When violent crises emerge, decisions made in the first days and weeks can determine whether identity-based violence escalates or is prevented. Protection Approaches provides rapid strategic support to governments, civil society and international partners during these critical moments, helping ensure that identity-based violence and atrocity risks are recognised early and become central to crisis response.

Our emergency work combines technical expertise, strategic advocacy and trusted relationships built over more than a decade. Working through a distinctive insider–outsider approach, we provide discreet advice to decision-makers while also mobilising public advocacy, convening international partners and supporting those closest to unfolding crises. This allows us to influence policy at speed, strengthen civilian protection and help ensure that immediate responses contribute to longer-term prevention rather than simply reacting after atrocities have occurred.

From Myanmar to Sudan, our work has helped governments recognise emerging atrocity risks, strengthen early warning systems, improve crisis decision-making and place the prevention of identity-based violence at the heart of national and international responses

Preventing mass atrocities requires governments and civil society to work together. Protection Approaches convenes the UK Atrocity Prevention Working Group, bringing together leading civil society organisations, researchers and practitioners to strengthen the UK's approach to preventing identity-based violence and mass atrocity crimes.

The Working Group creates a trusted space to share expertise, identify emerging risks and develop practical policy solutions. Through regular engagement with the UK Government, Parliament and international partners, it helps ensure that evidence from communities, researchers and practitioners informs decision-making before crises escalate. By connecting expertise across sectors, the Working Group strengthens collective action and promotes a more preventative, coordinated and effective approach to protecting civilians.

We deliver bespoke training on the prediction and prevention of identity-based violence and mass atrocities.

This training can include anything from urgent briefings on situations of  impending or ongoing mass atrocities, to structural training on how organisations or governments can implement prevention strategies of monitoring, analysis, communication, and response. We debunk myths around what atrocity prevention is and deliver tailored programmes that are designed according to the needs of our partners. 

Around the world we have delivered workshops and trainings for governments, national mechanisms, political parties, parliamentary committees, government departments, civil servants, civil society organisations, and journalists.

To find out more contact:

Kate.Ferguson@protectionapproaches.org