MISSION

The AWA mission is predicated on fighting impunity, ending the commission of crimes, and holding accountable those responsible for such violations in Africa. International justice in Africa has been more for elite conversations, with limited interrogation of its efficacy, effectiveness, and efficiency in addressing atrocities without being seen as Victor’s justice. AWA intends to locate international justice in a realm of evolving continental approaches to atrocities and massive human rights violations, with the view of developing African capacities to handle such violations in the immediate future. Africa has untold stories of resilience and response to atrocities and post-atrocity management. It is AWA’s intention to document, share, and celebrate these positive developments.

 

GOAL

To contribute to the prevention, punishment, and deterrence of future mass atrocities, AWA is proposing a mix of strategic objectives that relates to a working theory of change for the institution. The strategic objectives are predicated on several working assumptions in respect to the operating environment, interest of stakeholders to end mass atrocities, and the availability of technical and financial support that resonates with the ideals that AWA stands for.

 

AWA will focus on national institutions, in particular the justice systems, legislative frameworks, and compliance with international and regional human rights frameworks and best practices, as well as the development of new and innovative approaches, including the use of social/new media. The international criminal justice system is predicated on the basis of compromised, weak, unable, and unwilling domestic mechanisms to address mass atrocities when committed.

 

AWA aims to justify the need for strengthening domestic institutions (regional and national) to prevent the commission of those crimes, as well as to effectively and resolutely deal with those crimes if and when they are committed. The debate for and against the ICC in Africa has dealt more with the politics of international justice than the efficacy and effectiveness of it in deterrence and prevention such but preventing for recurrence. AWA will also use emerging technologies such as social media, crowd sourcing to document and monitor commission or prevention of mass atrocities, targeting youths and women in particular as the most vulnerable.

 

WHAT WE DO

Research

We carry out research on the genesis of mass atrocities in Africa.

Track

We track mass atrocities in Africa to help inform the AU’s continental early warning system.

Connect

We connect young and older generations of Africans by creating a platform to help cohesive living and advance the creation of an atrocity-free Africa.

 

WHAT IS AN ATROCITY CRIME?

Atrocity crime can be defined as any extremely cruel, wicked act that involves physical injury. It can also be seen as a violation, an affront that caused untold injustice and has on both ends an aggressor and a victim. Atrocity crimes are shocking acts that disturb the conscious of humanity. Such crimes include; rape, forced displacement, slavery, genocide, war crimes, extermination, etc. The Rome statute also defined war crimes, crimes against humanity, crime of aggression and genocide all are viewed as Atrocity Crimes.

 

METHODOLOGY

  • Inform
  • Educate
  • Early warning
  • Advocacy tool

 

ACTIVITIES

Advocacy

Advocacy before national, regional and international mechanisms for remedial and preventive action on mass atrocities.

 

Media

Using new media and digital tracking of mass atrocities in Africa to help inform the AU continental early warning system.

 

Research

Documenting research on the genesis of mass atrocities in Africa, including conducting audits of domestic and regional mechanisms to deter, prevent and punish.

 

Youth

Developing and nurturing new and young advocates in Africa to champion the cause against the commission of atrocities and impunity.

 

WHO WE ARE

Atrocities Watch Africa (AWA) is a non-partisan, civil society organization and institution registered in accordance with the laws of Uganda as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in 2016. AWA intends to provide continental leadership in matters pertaining to the prevention of mass atrocities within Africa and beyond, through multi-pronged approaches that infuse ownership, legitimacy, and sustainable interface.

 

AWA’s strategic and approaches are grounded in the realization that atrocities can be prevented through various interventions, including, but not limited to, early warning mechanisms, diplomatic efforts, use of social media and new technologies, litigation, and advocacy campaigns. These methods are not exhaustive but are available at Africa’s disposal. Regrettably, there have been recurring atrocities under our watch with little preventive interventions.

 

The Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, and Staff of AWA are renowned human rights advocates, scholars, practitioners, and frontline activists covering the different regions of Africa, and beyond. The AWA mission is predicated on fighting impunity, ending commission of crimes, and holding accountable those responsible for such violations in Africa. International justice in Africa and the world has been more for elite conversations with limited interrogation of its efficacy, effectiveness, and efficiency in addressing atrocities without being seen as victor’s justice.

 

AWA intends to locate international justice in a realm of evolving continental approaches to atrocities and massive human rights violations, with the view of developing African capacities to handle such violations in future. Africa has untold stories of resilience and response to atrocities and post-atrocity management. It is AWA’s intention to document, share, and celebrate these positive developments.
Dismas Nkunda
CEO

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Emily Cody
Programme Director

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Noelle Crozier
Programme Associate

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Sandrah Akello
Finance and Administration

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Bhekinkosi Moyo

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Sheila Muwanga

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Jane Serwanga

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Brian Kagoro

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Dr. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

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Pascal K. Kambale

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Dr. Godfrey Musila

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Agnes Ebo’o

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Therese Niyondiko

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Dr. Yitiha Simbeye Zinazile

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Dr. Albaqir Muqtar

THE LOGO

Our logo illustrates the mission and goal of this website, which is to help bring about an end to atrocities on the African continent. The logo turns the violence of atrocities back on the word itself with a bold red strike.

 

ACKNOWLDGEMENT

This website was made possible thanks to the generous financial support from the ONLF of the Centre for Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL)’s Drapper Hills Fellowship at Stanford University.